Even though a college student's summer is approximately three and a half months long, it still seems to disappear faster than a good tan. In August, college students, like any other students, frantically prepare for the coming school year. It's a lot like getting ready for elementary school–there is fear and excitement. Whether you are an incoming freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, starting your latest semester of college is a big deal. To ensure you that you are not alone in your pre-semester stress, I have documented my thought process as an incoming junior.

1. Do I really have to spend millions of dollars on textbooks?

Okay, maybe they aren't worth millions, but you'll definitely pay a pretty penny for your books. On the plus side, in my experience, textbooks are necessary for succeeding in classes, so they are worth the money. Renting your books might also help soften the blow on your bank account.

2. What am I going to eat at school?

If you live on campus, you're going to eat lots of cafeteria food. If you're out on your own... just try not to eat complete junk.

3. Am I still capable of learning?

Unless you attended summer classes, it's been a while since you mentally applied yourself. Don't worry–learning is like riding a bike. You can't forget how to do it.

4. I'm going to miss home.

After the initial strangeness of moving back into your childhood bedroom, you became pretty comfortable with your mom doing your laundry and eating dinner with your family every night. Your home is familiar and warm–missing it does not make you a baby. If loving my family is wrong, I don't want to be right.

5. I can't wait to leave home.

Even though you enjoy time spent with your family, you are excited to move to college and be with your friends, whom you love like family.

6. Where are my classes?

There is no shame in doing a pre-first day walk through, much like you did in middle school.

7. Do I have all the school supplies I need?

Don't be a typical college student and wait until the last minute to buy school supplies, long after high school students have swiped all the good stuff. Go to Wal-Mart as soon as the notebooks and pencils hit the shelves–they will have everything you could possibly need.

8. I hope I like my classes.

Just like the first day of kindergarten, college students are nervous on the first day of each class because so much is unknown. You always hope you will like your professors, and, in return, they like you. Since you are paying for your classes, it's always nice to enjoy them.

9. I haven't accomplished anything.

That stack of books you promised yourself you were going to read hasn't been touched all summer. It's okay, you'll get more than your fill of reading once school starts. Don't beat yourself up for being lazy over the summer—a professor once told me summer exists for relaxation and renewal.

10. None of my clothes fit.

So you've sat around a lot this summer, whether it was at home or work. Don't worry, you'll regain your physique after you start sprinting to classes you're running late to.

11. I have to study again?

Yes, you have to keep your scholarship! Every semester has the potential to be extremely difficult, so you always need to keep your grades up.

No matter how old you are, a new school year offers a fresh start, so take advantage of it. Remember, the end of summer leads to the beginning of fall!