College can be scary, especially leaving home. High school doesn't really prepare you for this: going out on your own, managing money, no curfew, parties, more work, late nights and more. Over the past year, I found 11 tips I wish someone would've told me before I started college.

1. Joining clubs is important.

Join three or four clubs, it's the best way to get started and make friends.

2. Don't expect you and your roommate to be best friends.

You can talk to them all summer and not know them until you really live with them. It's OK to not be best friends, and it's OK to switch. You don't have to like everyone.

3. Save money and eat in the cafeteria.

Don't go out to eat often, don't buy all your food, and no, you cannot order pizza every night. Save nights like that for once a week or as rewards, and save the money.

4. You really can't write a paper the night before anymore.

This really isn't high school anymore. You can't cram and procrastinate anymore, and the same study habits will not work. Simple as that.

5. Take advantage of office hours.

Professors are there to help you learn so why not go and let them help you. Office hours also help build relationships and connections with professors that will help you later.

6. Don't skip class.

Don't let the freedom go to your head. Miss class rarely, because missing a day is like missing a week.

7. Go out and be social.

Don't lock yourself away on Netflix all day. Go out and be social and go to some school activities.

8. It's OK to get homesick

It's a big adjustment being away, and there is no shame in missing home.

9. Take advantage of student discounts

Student discounts on pizza, buses, movies, food: take advantage of them. You are working your butt off anyway, so why not reward yourself a little with accepting discounts and saving money?

10. Don't bring too much, but just enough to make it feel like home

Don't pack your entire room, because dorms are small. Bring just enough to where it will help you make your room feel like home.

11. Call your parents; you wouldn't be there without them.

Check in maybe everyday while walking to class, and tell them how things are going. You wouldn't be there without them, so show them your appreciation and keep them in the loop.