Many times, when I was younger I would get so excited about growing up and becoming independent that I feel as if I wished my childhood away, especially in high school. I would watch my older friends turn into adults as they moved away from home, starting a brand-new chapter of their life, and I wanted that too. I thought college would go the same way for me as it seemed to go for them. Move away from home, make tons of new friends, go out, and have the time of my life.That’s what I thought college was. I am here to tell you that college may be like that for some people, but if you’re anything like me, you would understand why I wish I knew these 11 things before I started my college career.

1. Adjusting to college may not be as easy for you as it is for your friends.

Many people have a hard time adjusting to the college life, especially during their freshman year. Try to find something that makes you happy in order to relieve your stress from school work.

2. You may not have as much time as you used to.

I am a Biology major, so when I get free time, usually I spend it studying or watching netflix. I used to have so much free time in high school and I wish I got more involved in clubs and activities back then. If you have time, try to get involved in organizations that interest you!

3. You'll probably be broke after your first semester.

I worked before leaving home and the money I made didn’t last as long as I expected it to. I’m not even the kind of person who goes online shopping all the time, but Christmas season hits hard when you are in college.

4. Not everyone makes a ton of friends during the first semester.

This is my second semester in college and I honesty have maybe 5 friends here, and that is okay. If you want to make more friends, try to get involved in clubs or organizations, don’t feel bad if you don’t have as many friends as you thought you would.

5. You learn to appreciate anything your mom makes.

Don't let the first week of good food fool you.

6. Coffee may take the place of your sleep.

Thank you, coffee.

7. You have no idea what you're doing at first.

But that's okay, you will learn.

8. You might even miss your siblings.

I honestly never would have thought it would be hard to leave my sister. When you live at college you are expected to literally move in with someone you may have never even seen before. A roommate can become your best friend or your least favorite person, but my sister will always have my back.

9. You are never alone, especially if you have a communal bathroom...

Do I really have to explain this?

10. You might cry, a lot.

It’s okay, it happens to the best of us.

11. You'll most likely miss your parents.

If college went at all as I planned it would, I would have left home and would never want to go back. I go to college a little more than an hour away from home and I go home all the time. Sure, at college I have freedom, but nothing will ever beat the hugs I get from my mom and dad when I see them on the weekends.