1. Fiona, 18, Washington University in St. Louis

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

That you make friends right away, immediately find a group, and feel like you fit in. I'm almost 100% sure that everybody struggles and feels like they don't have a group. The influence of social media definitely doesn't help this. The idea that you will find your people immediately is ridiculous. It takes time.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

No place is perfect, but any place can be made your home. Don't give up too easily. It's easy to think, "Oh this place isn't right for me, I want to go somewhere else." But you have to put in the effort. You give a little to take a little and keep your head up. But, if you really try and it doesn't work, you'll know if it's not right eventually.

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

I've followed a lot more dog Instagram accounts in the past semester than I have in my entire life.

2. Jack, 19, Texas Christian University

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

I expected my college to be like a big state school, but my classes have 15-20 people in them. My campus is really small so I can get to class in like five minutes. It was a smaller transition than I thought coming from a small high school.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

Don't be upset where you end up going. I was really disappointed when I didn't get into one of my top choices, but it ended up being a blessing that I didn't get in because I am at the perfect school for me. Just roll with the punches, wherever you go it'll work out well.

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

White wash jeans and boots are key for going to school in Texas.

3. Christine,19, Wesleyan University

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

I thought that it would be easier to find people who had similar interests.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

1. Do not listen to other people's opinions on what your school is going to be like. Go in and make your own assessments of how it is. Maintain your independence when it comes to your perception.

2. Manage your meal plan.

3. Don't smoke so much.

4. Always have a lighter on you.

5. DON'T SKIP CLASS. Oh my god do not skip class.

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

Recycling.

4. Meredith, 19, University of Missouri

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

That everyone goes out all the time and always has fun and just party constantly. It's really not like that at all. You see "Total Frat Move," "I'm Shmacked," and "Old Row" and you think "Oh college is just partying all the time and doing stupid stuff" and it's really not. You can do whatever you want, you don't have to go crazy.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

Don't follow your friends to where they are going to school. Definitely, do not follow your boyfriend. Make an effort to make new friends, don't be stuck in high school. Don't let petty stuff hold you back from being your own person

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

A wild ride from beginning to end.

5. Tucker, 18, University of Kansas

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

Since I went to a school so close to home everyone said, "Oh your parents are going to visit every weekend." They literally visited one time. Another misconception is that everyone drinks or goes out. But I've met a lot of people, even in my fraternity, who don't drink and they still have a great time.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

Have a very open mind and try not to have any biases. I had a bias against my school, but I am so happy I am there. No matter what. Yes, I know a lot of people there, but it honestly makes it a lot of fun.

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

A lot of work, but very fun and rewarding in the end.

6. Catherine, 19, University of St. Andrews

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

Honestly, I didn't really have any, but that's only because I was very realistic and didn't go in with a lot of expectations, especially because I was going somewhere where I knew virtually no one. I just went in with not a lot on my mind on what to expect, but who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do and that worked out because I wasn't disappointed in any way. Except for the food, Scottish food sucks.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

Know that you don't have to be who you were in high school. You don't have to hang out with the same type of people and do the same things. If you weren't happy, change it. If you've always wanted to try something, dress a certain way or just branch out, do it. This is one of the only chances in your life to get a clean slate and to be whoever you want. So just be who you want.

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

The calories in wine are very real.

7. Jack, 18, University of Pennsylvania

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

There's this idea that you should always have to be doing something, studying, going out, you always have to up to something. But It's also nice just to spend some time relaxing. In a lot of situations, that's just as good as going out. You don't always have to be doing something.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

Apply to a school you could really see yourself at. Don't go to a school because of the name or reputation. You can go to any school and succeed more than someone who goes to the best school in the nation. It matters which school you're going to do best at.

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

Out of control and too much going on.

8. Claire, 19, University of Kansas

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

Everyone said that making friends would be really hard. But everyone is starting from scratch so it's really easy to connect with people. Everyone is trying to find new friends.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

Study for your AP tests. Get those credits.

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

He looks better in person.

9. Rachael, 18, University of Arkansas

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

How little I actually missed my family and how little what I thought would happen actually happened. Everything was just completely different than what I expected.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

Breathe. The first couple weeks aren't how your entire 4 years will be. It'll get better. Also, go to class. I cannot stress that enough: GO TO CLASS.

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

Lowest lows and highest highs.

10. Kay, 18, University of San Diego

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

That it would be hard to make friends. In high school, you have friends that you've known since you were a child. I thought that going to college with all new people would mean it would be hard to make friends. But honestly, it's so easy to make friends. I thought I'd be sitting in my dorm room alone, but no. Just talk to people.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

Talk to everyone in your graduating class. I miss sitting in classes and just having little conversations with people that you never thought you'd be friends with. I miss sitting in classrooms and talking to the most random people and having the best conversations with them.

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

More fun than you could ever imagine.

11. Ellison, 19, University of Notre Dame

What was the biggest misconception you had about college?

I think what surprised me the most was how you get to school and everyone around you looks so put together and their lives seem so perfect. Then you personally are thinking, "Wow this is so much and I'm overwhelmed." I think it's important to realize everyone feels that way even though it doesn't look like that at all.

What college advice do you have for high school seniors?

Try not to friend people on social media before you meet them.

Describe your first semester of college in one sentence:

Super busy and completely new.