Without a doubt, freshman year of college is a learning experience for many. But what I wasn't prepared for was the lessons I would learn after that first year; some of the best and most important lessons are learned during your sophomore, junior, or even senior year. Here's a few pieces of advice, based on those lessons that I didn't learn freshman year.

1. You can't get too comfortable with dining hall food.

Everyone jokes about the "freshman 15"--that weight you gain when you don't pay attention to what you're eating in the dining hall. While some say the freshman 15 is a myth--the sophomore 15 definitely isn't. Beware.

2. It's okay to be your own person.

For many people, freshman year is a time of newfound freedom where you really come into your own. But the greatest changes occur in those second and third years, after you've made your friends and established yourself in social circles. That's when you can really feel free to let your true colors show.

3. You can't please everybody.

No matter what type of person you are, your freshman year you turn into a bit of a people-pleaser. It makes sense; you want to make friends and people-pleasing is the easiest way to do so. But somewhere along the way, you'll learn it's impossible to please everyone.

4. How to cook your own meal (and that it can be fun).

Most freshmen will be living in a dorm room and have access to the dining hall, so there aren't many opportunities to make your own food (microwave meals don't count). It's not until you move off campus that you learn cooking can actually be fun!

5. It's okay to do things by yourself.

My freshman year, I was nervous about going anywhere by myself. By my junior year, I relished time alone at a coffee shop, in the library, or even at dinner.

6. Grades in college DO matter.

Despite the reason for being in college--to learn and get a degree--academics are often the last thing on a college freshman's mind. Hopefully by your sophomore year, you'll turn this attitude around and start really working hard.

7. How to navigate your college town in a car (without Google Maps).

Most freshmen don't have a car on campus, so they rarely have the chance to leave campus using a mode of transportation other than walking or a bus. Once you bring your car to campus, the whole surrounding area and everything in it opens up to you. But first, you need to learn the roads!

8. You can wear whatever you want to class.

My freshman year, I woke up every day with enough time to do my hair, apply a full face of makeup, and pick out a cute outfit. I still do my hair and makeup each morning, but after that first year, leggings and a long-sleeve will become your new go-to look.

9. You probably won't meet your soul mate at a party.

Parties are great for socializing and meeting new people, but the intoxicated 18-year-old you talk to the whole time probably isn't boyfriend-material.

10. You won't keep all of your freshman year friends, and that's okay.

Friends come and go. This is true of every phase in life, but especially in college. As you become more involved in your own interests, some friends slip away. It happens to everyone. That doesn't mean that both of you won't have an amazing college experience.