You come into college thinking you know exactly how it’s going to go; endless partying, tons of free time, minimal homework, meeting awesome new friends, etc. And then you start to conquer freshman year, and you realize you were COMPLETELY wrong. College turned out to be nothing like it looks in the movies. Here’s 11 of the most important things I’ve learned my freshman year of college:

1. School is hard

Teachers don’t know who you are, you’re just another number to them. They WILL make their tests as hard as possible. You realize you actually have to get your shit together to do well. It’s completely up to you to get that A.

2. Your dogs will make you happier than anything else

Nothing will make you more happy/upset than that daily picture your mom sends you of your pup. The most exciting part of going home is to see them (sorry fam).

3. Boys are still boys

You expect to come to college and meet those nice respectable MEN you always hear about. But nope, you still will get beer thrown all over you the second you walk into a frat house.

4. Life isn't as perfect as you thought

Bad things do happen and a lot more often than you anticipated. You’re in the real world now.

5. Trying to fit in is dumb

You don’t have to work so hard to impress people anymore. You have your core friends and that’s all that matters.

6. You can't go out all the time

Although some super humans make it work, you need to either pick the crazy Tuesday night out or the A on your english paper. Prioritizing is everything.

7. Money is a real thing

Free things are more appealing than they’ve ever been.

8. Being angry is a waste of time

The little things in life don’t get you mad anymore and you learn letting go is always the best decision.

9. You have to do things for yourself

Whether it be doing laundry or just making life decisions, you realize that you’re now completely responsible for everything in your life.

10. You actually have to watch what you eat

When it comes to food, trying to eat well is difficult, and convenience will always come as a first priority.

11. Your high school friends are everything

Keeping up with them will be insanely difficult, but they’ll still always be the ones who are there for you whenever you need to talk.

12. And so is your family

You realize that quote, “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” is truer than ever. Remember senior year when you said you couldn’t wait to get out of your house and away from your parents? HA. Even with all the fun you’re having, you miss your family like hell and realize they’re the most important people in your life. College will undoubtedly bring you closer to them.

Although college might not be exactly what you anticipated when you first started, give it time, because it will turn out be the best and most exciting four years of your life.