There are tons of different ways to experience college: room with your best friend, room with a stranger, choose a big college, a smaller one, stay close to home, or go miles away. Either way, the college experience is mostly different for everyone - key word being mostly. New experiences, new friends, new surroundings, new teachers, new ways to do things... to put it bluntly, the beginning of college is overwhelming (and if you weren't overwhelmed, please teach me your ways). Whatever path you take, there are some universal things to learn when it comes to your first month. Whether you're an incoming college freshman reading this for advice, a current college freshman laughing through the pain with me, or even an upperclassmen or graduate who just simply agrees, here are 10 things to learn in your first month of college:

1. Learn How to Write a Formal Email

Seems easy enough, right? Not. Coming into college I had a basic knowledge of how to write a formal email, but my skills quickly grew. You will be emailing your professors left and right about anything and everything, and it's important to know the basics. Sound professional, address your professor by the correct name, end your emails correctly, and never ever call your professor by their first name (unless they explicitly say otherwise).

2. Running Shorts and T-Shirts are key

I'll probably say this again, but if you don't live in an air conditioned dorm, it gets hot! You'll want to be comfortable in whatever surroundings you're thrown into, which means t-shirts and running shorts are the go-to. I've found in many cases that I don't have enough running shorts or t-shirts to make it through the week - everyone lives in them. Don't worry, no one looks nice for class unless they have to.

3. Bring Your Own Toilet Paper

Okay... this sounds crazy, but you don't want to learn the hard way. Chances are that your college has one ply toilet paper, which is fine if you're used to it. However, if you're not, just make the leap and invest in some good two ply toilet paper. I asusre you that you will not regret this.

4. Naps are Crucial

The classic "all-nighter" college stereotype is real. Walking everywhere, staying up late to study, and fitting in any clubs you're a part of is tiring. Even when I have an hour in between classes, I often find myself trucking back to my dorm so I can snooze. Even if it's only for 20 minutes you'll learn the beauty of a power nap, and believe me, it's so worth it.

5. Bring a Fan

This seems obvious, I know. However, my roommates and I each brought a small fan and immediately regretted it. It didn't take us long to get our hands on a bigger, better, more powerful fan. Whether it's an oscillating fan or a box fan, you'll be thankful to have it. If you're lucky enough to have air conditioning in your dorm, disregard this and know that I envy you.

6. Stop Procrastinating

You procrastinated in high school, now it's time to stop. I'm not saying do all of your assignments weeks in advance, but if you value your sleep like me, you'll learn to get your homework done as soon as you can. This means don't stay up until 3AM working on an essay or reading a book (I've learned the hard way). The best to come out of this is that you get to hangout with your friends, and most of the time your weekends can just be used for relaxation. What could be better?

7. Never Run Out of Microwave Foods

I'm an avid mac 'n' cheese fan, and if you're from this century, you know that this awesome thing called "microwave mac 'n' cheese" exists. Even if mac 'n' cheese isn't your thing, the food industry is getting crafty. Chef Boyardee has tons of other microwave pastas out on the market and they even invented microwave mashed potatoes! Needless to say, keep microwave foods in your room. You will get hungry, and the dining hall will be closed.

8. Never Skip Class

You've probably heard the stereotype of skipping class in college, but I'm here to assure you that it's not a good idea. Unless you absolutely can not go, don't skip; if you must, email your professor and explain the situation. You aren't guaranteed a free pass, but it's better to let them know about the situation than to just not show up. Most of the time, they're pretty understanding.

9. Your Mom is Always Right

There's not much to say about this, it's pretty self explanatory and extremely true. We all have been in scenarios where our mom suggests something, we ignorantly go against it thinking that we know better, only to learn that she was right after all. The same thing applies to college. You will never stop learning that "momma is always right", but when it comes to college just listen to her. If I had ignored my mom, I wouldn't have any cleaning supplies for my dorm (yes, you need it!), and I'd probably have no food. Just give her a chance.

10. You're On Your Own

This hits home. You go into college ready for your newfound freedom, and a few weeks later you find yourself secretly crying because you're homesick. No one is watching over you - you need to make your own schedules, eat dinner on your own time, figure out when you're going to study, do laundry, clean, and even when you're going to get some rest. It's a beautiful yet challenging thing, but college is essentially the bridge to ease you into adulthood. You have to do it on your own someday!

Though college is stressful, it's also very rewarding. Never lose sight of your dreams, always live for yourself (not for others), and never forget the 10 things you'll learn your first month of college!