Nearing the end of my first year at The University of Alabama, I already have made some of the best memories with some of my closest friends. Time absolutely flies by but enjoy the time you do have at one of the best universities in the country. Here are some things you should know….

1. A comfort color take over

UA is ALL about the t-shirts. If you’re planning on being involved in sorority or fraternity life, don’t bring any t-shirts because I promise you will NEVER run out! You can get any shirt from just about any event going on. In the first few months of school you will have so many t-shirts you will forget about all of the other 600 clothing items you brought to college.

2. Say RIP to your favorite shoes

Shoes are my favorite accessory. They dress up/down any outfit! But the minute you walk on to campus, you might as well say a goodbye to a good percent of those shoes. Before you know it those white converse become dark brown and you won't even remember the original shade you got them in. So instead of splurging on those Golden Goose high tops, consider saving your money for something else.

3. Greek life will change your life for the better

It isn’t for everyone, but like I said in a previous article, you WILL NOT regret it! With Alabama having one of the biggest recruitment programs in the nation, it can definitely be intimidating. But I promise its an experience that will change your life! I have met the most amazing people and created so many relationships that I will take with me for the rest of my life.

4. With that being said, Fried Friday is a great thing

Fried Friday is a mandatory cheat day for everyone on Sorority Row. It is such a blessing to have endless fried food and makes Fridays that much better!

5. Not knowing anyone is scary, but it gets better!

Being from so far home for such an extended period of time is one of the hardest things you will have to go through, I’m not going to sugarcoat it! But I promise you this, it will get better. You meet your long lost soulmates and you suddenly wonder, how did I go eighteen years without these people?!

6. Sweet Home Alabama and Dixieland Delight is always on repeat

Whether you’re standing at the top of the upper bowl in Bryant Denny, in a basement of a frat or even Moes on the Strip, these two songs will follow you everywhere... everywhere. So if you don’t know the words yet, you will trust me!

7. Big T-shirts is a uniform

If you come to the quad on a sunny afternoon in the spring, you will see just about every girl in a big T-shirt and running shorts (although you might not see the shorts, I promise they are there... or I hope).

8. Football games will be the best days

Some of your favorite memories will be made in Bryant Denny Stadium. Yes, sitting in the upper bowl in the beating sun doesn’t sound thaaat appealing, but that's how memories are made! You’re surrounded by your best friends waving your shakers and singing along to Mr. Brightside… what's better than that?

9. Dorms are the best experience you never want to go through again

My shoebox of a dorm well, its a shoebox. It is so tiny and find myself walking in circles sometimes because that's how small it is. But to be honest, I wouldn't change a thing. I can’t imagine myself living in anything other than this dorm! You get used to it and in reality, the only time I spend in there is to sleep at night.

10. Socks disappear

I started the year with about 20 pairs of socks and I would say by second semester I’m probably at around seven or eight at the most! Friends borrow them or commonly, you leave them in the laundry room. So you can never have enough socks!

11. The second you leave, you will want to come back

Yes, the comfort of your own home is great, but the second you leave Tuscaloosa, you will miss everything about it!