Whether you realize or not, moving away for college is a big deal. You might move 30 minutes from home. You might move 10 hours from home. Either way, it's a pretty drastic change. There are so many things I wish someone had told me before I moved off to college so incoming college freshman, transfers, and high schoolers: this one's for you.

1. You don't need to carry that one shirt/dress/pair of pants that you have worn once in the past year. Chances are, you will wear it zero times at college and closet space is not unlimited.

2. Don't be afraid of the unknowns of a new roommate. They are human, just like you. Chances are, they're worried about you too.

3. If you have a meal ticket, take advantage of it. It may not be the best food, but it's a lot better to eat food that's already been paid for than it is to be broke on the weekend because you ate fast food all week.

4. Keep bottled water or a reusable water bottle in your room at all times. If not, you'll find yourself at the drink machine at 3 a.m. deciding whether you should choose Mountain Dew or Dr. Pepper (guilty).

5. When you wash clothes, set an alarm for when they get done. College is hectic. You don't want your wet clothes sitting in the laundry room for three days because no one put them in the dryer for you.

6. Also, don't wait until the day before Thanksgiving/Christmas break to catch up on laundry. Washers are few and far between and dryers normally take longer than the washers.

7. Dorm life is not something you should dread or be afraid. Yeah, the buildings are normally older. Yeah, you're sharing a room and bathroom. But you can decorate your room and it's great having your best friends right down the hall whenever you need them.

8. If you want to make your dorm room feel like home, make it homey. This is a chance to reflect your personality and interests through your room! Make it your own.

9. The fun you have in your college town is determined by you. Find things to do. Make your own adventures. You can have the most fun you've ever had in the smallest town you've ever lived in. It is what you make it, so make it great!

10. Your friends from home will not forget about you while you are gone. If they do, then count your blessings because they were not a good friend anyway.

11. To make friends, you must be friendly. Don't stay to yourself and wonder why you can't make any friends! Talk to people! Get involved with clubs! If you're on a sports team at your college, make an effort to bond with them. The friends you meet in college are some of the best friends you will ever have.

12. Ramen is cheap. Ramen is actually good. Ramen is unhealthy. You can make your own decision on that one.

13. Sleep. You must sleep. No doubt, you're going to be studying late during the week. But every chance you get, sleep. Use your Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons to catch up on schoolwork so you will lighten your load during the week and make getting enough sleep much easier!

14. Get a planner. I don't care if you think you don't need one. I don't care if you think it's nerdy. I don't care if you don't want to be "that college student". You'll be wishing you had one when you miss three assignment due dates in a class and you're wondering how you're going to pass.

15. Study. This is where responsibility comes in. Mom/Dad isn't there to remind you to study. You may have never even studied in high school (guilty) but if you don't study in college it will be negatively reflected in your grade (also guilty). Sometimes failing a class or two or five means you'll be going home about three years before graduation.

16. The library is your friend. Studying in your room can be distracting. I mean let's be honest, your bed and Netflix will be calling your name. Go to the library. It's quiet. The distractions are at a minimum. Your grades will thank you.

17. FOMO (fear of missing out) is real when you move to college. Don't be afraid to say no to going out. But don't be afraid to go out and have fun (as long as it doesn't put your education is jeopardy).

18. People are going to ask where you're from. They may be intrigued by it or they may instantly make fun of it. Either way, be proud of your roots and don't forget where you came from.

19. Don't forget to call and text your family. They miss you. They're worried. I know life gets hectic and you're busy, but a simple text from you will make their day and ease their worries.

20. When you move off, it's up to you to take care of things your parents may have previously handled. You'll learn where everything can be found in Walmart. You'll learn how to make your own appointments. If you've never done your own laundry, you'll figure out how much you hate folding clothes. You'll figure out that your parents did a lot more for you than you thought.

21. Don't be stupid. That sounds harsh, but I mean it. Don't be stupid. Too many students get themselves kicked out of college from being stupid. Once again, just because your parents aren't there to keep you in line doesn't mean you should go crazy. Just think before you act and don't do anything that common sense tells you might be a bad idea.

22. Keep your room clean. Seriously. Your life seems a lot less like a hot mess when your room looks good.

23. Spend your money wisely. They aren't kidding when they say it's hard being a broke college student.

24. Find a place where you can go to be alone and clear your mind. When you live on campus, you are constantly around other people. Sometimes life can be overwhelming and you're going to want to have somewhere you can go to clear your mind and have time to yourself.

25. Whoever helps you move in (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.) will get emotional when they have to leave. They may even cry during the process. Honestly, it's completely normal and, no, you're not the only one who has crying family members in their dorm room. Don't be embarrassed of it and just take it as a sign that you are loved and are going to be missed.

26. Have an open mind when you move off. You'll be scared. You'll be nervous. But before you know it, you may fall in love with your college and the town. You may even consider staying there to start your life after college. Don't close your mind off to it all before you even give it a chance. Moving off is a big decision, but it could be one of the best decisions you've made so far in your life. It was for me.