College (noun): an educational institution or a constituent part of one

9 words. That's all the Internet is able to define college with, but we all know it's much, much more, freshman year especially.

Your first year away from home as an "adult" is daunting. You feel like Rachel Berry when she got to New York: scared of the unknown, hopeful for a new beginning, and excited for a new adventure.

Even with the excitement of being on your own creeping up on you, life after high school is hard, and you don't really realize and acknowledge the hardships that come with walking across that stage. Freshman year is different for everyone, but there are a few key things it teaches all of us.

1. Sleep is the rarest treasure you'll find.

It's hard to find time to sleep when you're going to class, studying or goofing off.

2. Stress eating is real.

I've eaten so many cookies because of mt stress. So. Many. Cookies.

3. 8 a.m.'s are NOT easy to go to.

If you think you can do it because you did it in high school, you are sadly mistaken.

4. Free t-shirts are the magic words to getting us to attend an event.

I think I've gotten at least 15 new shirts because it was free.

5. Netflix is evil.

It sucks you in and spits you back out 5 hours later.

6. SEC sports are worth the hype.

Cheering on the Bulldogs is never a wasted time.

7. You're broke. All the time.

I don't think I have two pennies to rub together right now.

8. A social life is hard to find.

Does anyone even know what a social life is?

9. Cafeteria food gets old after a few months.

I've eaten so much pizza and so many burgers over the school year.

10. Chemistry is the worst subject of all time.

I don't even have to explain this one.

11. Online shopping is a trap.

Too convenient, too easy, too cheap.

12. The stress is enough to drive you crazy.

I'm surprised I can still form coherent thoughts.

13. There's no such thing as too much FLEX dollars.

Money on my school ID that I can use for food and coffee? Say less.

14. A good parking spot is crucial.

It's always a sad moment when you have to go off campus for something and you're right at the entrance to you dorm.

15. Redbubble is out to steal my money.

I have 17 stickers plastered on my stuff. 17. I'm not even joking.

16. Having an actual schedule isn't real.

I'm always running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

17. Procrastination is like a disease.

This article is due at 5:00... It's 4:15...

18. Tripping in public is inevitable.

I trip every day. Literally, every day.

19. Walking to class is the hardest part of the morning.

it's easy to get ready, but not to walk out that door and face reality.

20. Coffee is as essential as air.

It's the only thing keeping me going at this point.

21. You'll wear the same 3 t-shirts all the time.

My laundry basket always has the same rotation of clothes in it.

22. Laundry is only a home activity (if you live close enough)

Having clean clothes should not cost money. I'm doing y'all a service by wearing clean clothes.

23. Homesickness is REAL.

I just miss my mom and my cats.

24. Chemistry is still the worst.

This hasn't changed, and still needs no explanation.

25. Saying you''ll work out is easier than actually doing it.

I know where the Sanderson is; it's not that far away, but it takes so much work to get over there.

26. You buy a lot things you don't actually need.

I'm staring at two unopened containers of Play-doh as we speak.

27. Ramen is your best friend.

39 cents and ready in 3 minutes? 'nough said.

28. Fried Chicken Wednesday is the best day of the week.

The ladies in the Perry always have my back with the fried chicken and the mac and cheese.

29. Snapchat streaks are harder to hold on than a handful of jello.

I've lost long streaks multiple times all because I was too busy to see the notification.

30. Professors are ALWAYS trippin'.

It must just come with the profession.

31. You're going to make it.

It'll be hard, but you will.