College is all about learning, that's why we all came here in the first place, right? But there are some life lessons to be learned outside of the classroom as well. Here are just a few of the lessons my freshman year of college taught me.

1. Actually read your textbooks, or at least crack them open.

The syllabus might warn you, but there is no disclaimer on the front of your textbooks warning you that the contents covered in the book will be on the exam.

2. You become less judgmental

Sleeping in public or wearing bright orange paired with a Nickleback T-shirt were definitely frowned upon in high school. But you'll find yourself contemplating curling up next to that random person taking a nap and respecting the people with the interesting outfits because, let's be honest, you're not about to give that one a go.

3. Just because class is optional doesn't mean you shouldn't go.

No one wants to go class before 10:00 A.M. and you're baffled every day at the fact that you used to get up at 6:30 A.M. in high school to make it to school on time. Regardless, class is essentially what you're paying for, so go get your money's worth, even if you have to go curl up next to the sleeping dude after class.

4. Meeting new people is intimidating but put yourself out there.

Depending on where you choose to attend, you're constantly surrounded by thousands of other students, especially if the town surrounding campus is a "college town." Introducing yourself to strangers is a little scary, but you can do.

5. You'll meet some of your best friends.

Don't forget about the friends you had before you left, but college introduces you to so many people that you'll be friends with for the rest of your life, so go find those strangers to hangout with.

6. It all starts to feel like home.

Your mom will get upset when your leaving your house and say, "I've got to get home," because, to her, you are home. But after two months you'll realize you want to stay at school as much as your parents want you to come home.

7. You learn more about yourself than you ever knew.

College is a place to find yourself and try new things. It doesn't have to be running a marathon or becoming a vegan but try a grapefruit, go for a hike or join a student organization that has nothing to do with your major. Be spontaneous, do something out your comfort zone and never take any of those moments for granted.

8. Get involved.

This is on every pamphlet that the university you're attending send you, but it's not a joke. Getting involved opens up so many opportunities to meet people, learn a new skill and a place where you feel like you belong.

9. Don't change your major after one bad day.

Everyone has those days that seem like everything in the world that could go wrong went wrong and then it started raining on top of it all. Just because you had a bad in one class or an awful experience doesn't mean it's time to throw in the towel, give it some time.

10. Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Making a mistake in front of the people that you might be working alongside one day is the last thing you want to happen. But mistakes can be learned from and can help you learn even more than you would have if you didn't make the mistake in the first place.

11. Packing up your things at the end of the year is bitter without the sweet.

Your first dorm room, no matter how small and cramped, will look like a work of art by the time the end of the year rolls around: Lights strung around the ceiling, photos decorating ever empty wall and books taking up every space of empty desk. Although summer will be a nice change of pace, it's a bitter moment deconstructing an unforgettable year of memories.

12. Don't blink, it all goes by way too fast.

The first thing you know you're unpacking your boxes and avoiding awkward encounters with your roommate and the next thing you know, it's finals week and an entire went by without you noticing.