Freshman year is the craziest yet most difficult year of college. You were dumped into a new environment where you're surrounded by strangers and all you want to do is break every rule your parents ever gave you just because you can. All of these changes and newfound freedoms will lead you to learn many valuable lessons. Some of them you don't realize right away but at some point after your freshman year you'll discover you learned a lot more than Biology 101 and composition. Here are 16

lessons I learned after my freshman year of college.

1. You’re not always right.

Suck up your pride and apologize when you know you need to. If you don’t want all of your relationships to crash and burn, learn to take a step back and do the right thing even when it hurts your ego.

2. Accept apologies.

If someone else is sucking up their pride and admitting they’re wrong, accept it. Don’t waste your time fighting for no reason. Ask yourself, “Is this worth it?” Most of the time it’s not and an apology really makes a difference.

3. Don’t hold grudges.

Going along with apologies, learn when to let go. Grudges will hurt you more than the other person.

4. You can’t change people.

Accept the fact that you can’t make everyone understand what they don’t want to. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to admit when they’re wrong, and most of the time you won’t be able to convince them. Don’t hurt yourself waiting around for someone to change. Move on if that’s what is best for you.

5. Stand your ground.

Even though apologies are important, it’s also important to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. Don’t let people walk all over you.

6.

Stop complaining.

It’s an easy habit to fall into but it’s also super annoying to everyone around you. Not a single person wants to hear you complain (I promise). Keep those thoughts to yourself instead of releasing those negative vibes into other people’s space.

7. Seize every opportunity.

Whether it’s joining a club, Greek life, or applying for a job or internship, do it! It doesn’t hurt to try and you never know what the outcome could be.

8. It’s OK to say “no.”

Once you fill your plate with activities and responsibilities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Be mindful of what you can handle so you don’t have a mental breakdown. It’s OK to say “no” once you’re satisfied with your workload and extracurriculars. Also, if you don't want to do something, don't do it. Peer pressure is very much a thing.

9. Maturity doesn’t have an age requirement.

You’ll see a big change in your friends from the beginning of freshman year to the beginning of sophomore year. Many of them will mature, but some take longer than others and the only thing you can do is be patient.

10. Stop caring about what other people think.

Do things for yourself. If you like that picture, post it. If you want two or three slices of pizza, indulge. If you talk too loudly or wear only wear workout clothing, who the hell cares?

11. Do things that make you happy.

This is simple. Life is too short to waste your time on things or people that don’t make you happy. This is your life and you’re in control of it.

12. Don’t take everything so personally.

Everything is not always about you. If that guy you hooked up with last weekend posts an Instagram picture with another girl, I’m sorry but it was just a one-time thing and he’s living his life. Every comment, your friend or even a stranger makes is probably not directed at you. College will teach you to grow thicker skin.

13. Fake it till you make it.

Even though this sounds bad, it’s actually extremely helpful in many cases. Need new friends? Get out of your comfort zone and pretend walking up to a stranger isn’t scary. Need a job? You are the expert on yourself, so nail that interview. Need a good grade? Spend extra time at your professor’s office hours; being a teacher’s pet was only lame in middle school. Most importantly, just act like you have your life together even when things get rough because it’ll give you the confidence to keep going.

14. Not all relationships last.

I’m not talking about just romantic relationships even though those sometimes come to an end too. But, you’re going to drift from high school friends even if you promised them you wouldn’t. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you want them in your life, don’t forget to check in once in a while. Some of the friendships you make right away in college won’t be the best ones, so let them fade. However, you will make and keep great relationships, make sure to cherish those.

15. The Freshman 15 is real.

Be healthy! Yes, dining hall food sucks, but you pay for a meal plan and you’ll use it. Try to pick healthier options and don’t order take out at midnight more than once a week. Try to go to the gym a couple times a week or look up your school’s free workout classes. You’ll thank yourself later.

16.

Work hard, play hard.

Take midterms and finals seriously. Study all night and cram in all your assignments. Then, let yourself go crazy on the weekends. A little (safe) partying never hurt anyone. Taking an hour break from studying to grab dinner with your friends isn’t going to kill you. Also, embrace alone time. Learn how to enjoy time to yourself. We may go to college for the education, but the experience is worthwhile too.