Over a month ago, I began a brand new chapter of my life at college. Not having my parents around, and being on my own for the very first time in my life was a huge adjustment. But, over the course of the past month I have learned a lot of life lessons here.

1. Some people are very gross

I moved in a week before everyone else due to band camp (yay, band!), and having no one there besides the lovley RA's was so nice and peaceful. When everyone else moved in, it became gross. Hair was left in the showers, cartons of spoiled milk on the bathroom floor, ramen noodles in the sink, and food in the shower. But I learned that people are very disgusting and need to learn how to take care of the environment they live in.

2. The resident assistants are wonderful people (to Ashley, Sasha, Paige, Betty, Jacinda and all the other RA's at Wesley, thank you!)

When I first moved in and my parents left I was scared and very lonely, but immediately my RA's welcomed me into the dorm. They are some of the sweetest, funniest, most down to earth people I have ever met. The resident assistants are extremely hard working and care greatly for each and every one of their residents. So please, say thank you to your RA every once in a while and let them know how much you appreciate them. And To My RA's Ashley, Betty,Paige, Sasha, and Jacinda: thank you for everything you do!

3. You will cry

There will be moments when you get stressed to the point that you just need to cry. And that's okay; drink some tea, go for a walk with a friend, take a nap (I love naps), watch a movie and just breathe. It will be okay. it may not see like it right now but it will be.

4. You will meet your best friends here

When everyone started to move in, I met some of the funniest people I have ever met. They have truly made college more interesting and have kept me sane; you will find people who have the same interests as you.

5. It's NOTHING like high school

Very quickly, you'll learn that unlike high school there's a lot more freedom with being able to have food in the classroom and being able to have your phone out. But with great power comes great responsibility; in college there will be a lot of work that you have to do to succeed.

6. You will learn to appreciate home-cooked food

A week into college, I immediately began to miss home-cooked meals. Not saying that all of the food in the café is bad, but it will make you appreciate your parents or grandparents cooking every time you go home.

7. You may or may not get along with your first roommate, and that's okay!

If your first roommate isn't exactly how you wanted he or she to turn out, that's okay! There are plenty of other potential people who will be a much better roommate choice for you.

8. Some professors really do care

There was one day this past month where I was going through a rough patch in my life and I felt completely alone, but after I talked to one of my professors and telling him what happened (and crying a little bit), he understood and was there for me. There are some professors who care-- I promise you that. You just have to look.

9. Sleep is a gift

With a test in the morning, homework due after that, and an exam in the evening there's barely enough time for sleep. When you can, take a moment for you and take a nap.

10. The cost of textbooks will make you want to lay down and cry

The cost of textbooks can be life breaking, so whatever you do, do not rent from the bookstore! Amazon and other websites have a lot cheaper prices for the books.

11. Coffee will become your bff

Being up 'til 3am with a 7am class can be rough, but with the help of coffee hopefully you can make it through the classes.

12. You will become very busy

With homework, tests, quizzes, sports, music, and programs that you can participate in during college, you will find yourself very busy and never bored.

13. Homesickness is real

There are some days where you will be very sad and miss home. And I'm not going to lie it sucks not seeing your family or your pets every day, but it will get easier and they're always a phone call away. Distract yourself and it will take your mind off of it.

14. It's okay to ask for help

If there is something you're confused about or don't really understand, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of resources such as your professors or tutors who are there to help you succeed.

15. Never give up on your dream

You came to college for a reason: to chase after your dream major. No matter what anyone says, never give up. One day you'll walk across the stage again and get that diploma and prove them wrong. So even if things get tough, keep going because you'll get there someday.

A month in, and college has shaped me into a semi-different person. There have been a lot of changes and I can't wait to see the other lessons or what happens in the future for me here.