1. You find out who your friends are

Often times the first friends you make are because of proximity -- you find friends in your hall or in several of the same classes. Further into the academic year or even after Christmas break, you will begin to realize you have a regular group you spend time with and many wonderful friends. It's hard to find time to keep up with everyone; you will fall out of touch with some because of changing interests or your schedule, and that's OK!

2. All work, no play is a good way to overwork yourself

College is stressful. There are only 24 hours in the day and so many things that need to be finished before bedtime -- homework, laundry, studying, papers, applications, student orgs -- the list goes on and on. Remember to schedule time for you and just you.

3. Self-care

Running on two hours of sleep and skipping lunch to study is going to help you pass the test, but in the long run it’s damaging your body. It’s so important to make yourself a priority and focus on meeting all of your needs before you burn yourself out. You can't pour from an empty cup.

4. “They never taught me this in high school”

Besides classroom material you might have missed (why did I just get asked about independent clauses?) there is a pretty good chance.

5. Sleep is for the weak, but I would happily sleep for a week

You are going to be exhausted. You are going to fall in love with coffee.

6. Your love for your school

When you pick your perfect college, you will fall in love with it -- the campus, the people, the town. This is the last time to show your own school spirit. Participate!

7. Patience

Not everything will come as easily as it did in high school. Whether it's waiting for a relationship to develop or wait for an email letting you know about a job -- good things take time. It's OK not to have everything together and just be along for the ride.

8. This is the last time in your life to be selfish

Make mistakes, be childish. Do things that make you happy and put yourself first.