No one ever said growing up would be easy, and man is that not the truth. Over the past two years there have been some major perks to living on my own in an apartment, but it's taught me more than I ever could have imagined.

1. Bills are expensive.

As in turn off every light always, showers should be less than three minutes, and heat is not necessary-expensive.

2. Remembering to pay those bills is hard.

You know that bills are due at the end of the month, but who wants to give almost a whole paycheck to The Man, so you subconsciously push it to the back of your brain until the next thing you know it's the first and you now have to pay a late fee. Congratulations.

3. It is extremely difficult to clean dried egg off of a deck door.

Drunk neighbors do stupid things, like egg your porch. Dawn, warm water, and a lot of elbow grease does the trick incase you were wondering.

4. It is extremely difficult to clean raw egg off of a kitchen floor.

I swear I had never dropped an egg straight on the ground until I lived in my own place, now it's like once a week. And I have no trick for you this time, I basically just go through a whole role of paper towels and sanitizing wipes.

5. Vacuuming makes a world of difference.

I'm not sure why, but any girl's place has these random hair balls all intertwined in the carpets that are so gross. It's not like I brush my hair in the middle of the living room, I have no idea where the hair comes from-but it's there. Vacuuming to the rescue though, it picks up those little suckers in no time.

6. Dishes pile up really quick.

Scarfing down breakfast five minutes before class means you leave a cereal bowl in the sink, then you blink and its as if an entire restaurant kitchen has thrown their dishes into your kitchen. It's really a vicious cycle.

7. Expiration dates matter, maybe.

There is a fine line between a sell by date and a use by date. What that line is, is up to you.

8. Always hide an extra roll of toilet paper somewhere.

You are somehow, at least once, going to run out of toilet paper. So to save yourself from having to use tissues until you can get to a store, stow an extra roll somewhere less obvious but still in a location that you'll remember. Share to save a life.

9. Smoke detectors are a real pain sometimes.

You leave some garlic bread in the oven for one extra second and suddenly you are engulfed in smoke and your neighbors hate you because your smoke detector is wailing at the top of its lungs.

10. Clean red wine stains immediately.

This is not a joke. Invest in a solid carpet cleaner and react instantaneously to any wine spillage. Your safety deposit will thank you later.

11. Tool boxes are handy things to have.

I have found that you are never going to know when you'll need a hammer or screw driver, or some multi tool your dad insisted you have.

12. Always give an extra key to a friend.

Pick a reliable friend, make them a cute key, and thank them times a million when they save your forgetful sorry butt.

Even though Mom and Dad aren't around to help you out, you'll make it--or die trying. Either way, I can promise you that you'll learn a lot.