14 Things I Learned During My First Semester Of College

This week will be my last full week of my first semester of college. I can't begin to tell you how good it feels to say that. After months of adjustment, work, and stress, I finally made it through. This semester has been a whirlwind, to say the least. I moved away from my hometown, I worked my butt off in 16 hours worth of class, and I (somehow) survived living on my own for four months. Though it's only been a couple of months, I've grown and changed immensely over the course of this semester. Here are 14 pieces of wisdom I picked up along the way.

1. Hruska’s has the best kolaches between Houston and Austin.

Seriously, if you ever find yourself making the trip, make sure to stop by for the best strawberry cream cheese kolache you've ever had.

2. Long distance relationships are not always doomed to fail.

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I spent months worrying about this (see my super dramatic first article about my decision to pursue an LDR) for nothing. It's cliché but true. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder.

3. Naps are your best friend.

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Sleep > most things.

4. Always check to see if the t-shirt and undies that have been on top of the washer for 2 weeks is yours.

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It's not a coincidence that that shirt looks exactly like the one you have. It's probably yours.

5. Gaining weight your first semester is not the worst thing that can happen to you.

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Your jeans might fit a little tighter now, but at least you're not failing all of your classes.

6. Sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and power through.

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You got this.

7. Going out is great, but school is way more important.

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Studying for your exam instead of going out with your friends may not be the most fun thing to do, but getting an education is the reason you're even at college. Remember to keep your priorities straight.

8. Skipping class is fun and games until you have an exam next week.

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You will hate yourself for it in the end.

9. You’re allowed to change. Most people do.

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Finding out new things and changing your perspective is completely normal! Self-discovery is great.

10. Adulting isn’t always as fun as it seems.

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How do you clean floors? How do you fill a prescription? Why is everything so expensive? Find out this week on College Student Out In The World For the Very First Time.

11. Make sure your theology class actually starts at 11:30 a.m..

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Preferably before waiting outside the classroom for 15 minutes and discovering it actually started at 11 a.m..

12. It’s okay to grow apart from people.

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It happens. It's normal. Some people come and go. If that person was meant to stay in your life, they'll stay there.

13. There’s no shame in having a stress-induced breakdown/candy corn binge every now and again.

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Just remember to take a deep breath and pick yourself back up again.

14. Never stop chasing your goals. You’re one small step closer than you were before.

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Just do it. You only have 7 more semesters left.