With freshman year coming to an end, it's finally starting to hit me that I'm almost a quarter of the way through my undergraduate career. These past nine months I've had to grow up and learn to live away from my family, starting out alone in a place where I knew practically nobody. I've gone from tearily hugging my parents goodbye last August to bawling with my friends about leaving for the summer, all in the span of a school year; throughout this past year, I've learned more than I ever thought I would.

1. Despite the convenience, Tide Pods don't work and will explode all over your clothes.

2. Shout stain removal spray is a hot commodity.

3. Your friends will change and that's okay.

4. Napping isn't only for babies.

5. Neither is crying.

6. Netflix is addicting and therefore dangerous.

7. Study groups more often than not become gossip fests.

8. Talking to your mom will always make you feel better.

9. Less is more. (Except when it comes to sleep.)

10. Always go to class.

11. Office hours are grade-savers.

12. Set multiple alarms because one is never enough.

13. Leave your door open for hilarious social interactions.

14. Befriend the administration.

15. Get involved.

16. But do what makes you happy, not just what everyone else does.

17. Going out of your comfort zone leads to great things.

18. Make every day count; don't wish for time to rush because before you know it, you'll be graduating.

19. Try to dress nicely for class... you never know who you'll run into.

20. Stand up for yourself; you'll always be your biggest advocate.

21. Introduce yourself to people wherever you go because they could end up becoming your best friends.

22. Talking to prospective students on tours will make you feel old.

23. Decorating your dorm will make it homey.

24. Organization is key.

25. Loving your major will make life so much better.

26. It's okay to ask for help.

27. Appreciate everything because you're lucky to be here.

28. Take advantage of free food.

29. Learning is more valuable than grades.

30. Love yourself.

31. Be proud of your accomplishments.

32. Your high school friends will always have a special place in your heart.

33. Don't take yourself too seriously.

34. Don't take your friends for granted.

35. And most of all, have pride in your school because it's your home for four years of your life.