As I come to the end of my third year in college, I'm starting to realize that not only have I changed physically and mentally, but I've learned a whole heck of a lot. I've matured through terrible relationships, 3 am breakdowns, and 3 hour long lectures but there are still some things I wish I didn't have to learn the hard way. Here's a list of 45 things EVERYONE should know going into their first days of college life.

1. Always wear flip flops in the shower. Always.
2. You don’t have to go to every party you’re invited to.
3. Bring your comfort animals or favorite blanket.
4. Sleep
5. Eat on time.
6. Never go anywhere without a snack.
7. But don’t eat everything. Just because your meal plan covers the pizza buffet doesn’t mean you need it.
8. Maybe you won't get all A’s. And that’s okay.
9. Asking your parents for money is one of the hardest things you’ll do.
10. Check your grades frequently
11. And your fridge
12. If you don’t like something your roommate did, tell them. It doesn’t matter how awkward or stupid.
13. Study for your exams.
14. It’s okay to never leave your room
15. But sometimes you should.
16. Don’t buy books from the campus bookstore. Half.com is your friend.
17. Avoid Friday classes at all costs. Especially morning ones.
18. Go to office hours.
19. Use student discounts.
20. Find a mentor.
21. Live on campus at least one year.
22. Also, live off campus at least one year. Get roommates for both.
23. Call your mom.
24. Give everyone a chance. This isn’t high school.
25. That being said, people can still be jerks in college.
26. No means no.
27. Thursdays are really Fridays.
28. And Sundays are game days.
29. If you are physically sick or mentally drained, ask for help.
30. Get to know your professor outside of class. Because finding good recommendations nowadays is hella difficult.
31. Don’t skip class. Well, don’t do it often at least.
32. Get the emails/phone numbers of at least 2 people in each class to exchange notes.
33. Naps will become your best friend.
34. There’s no shame in transferring schools. 35. Learn to love coffee.
36. Study abroad, or at least travel when you can as far as you can.
37. Read your textbooks. Seriously, you don’t want to have to pull an all-nighter to cram 13 chapters in.
38. Internships. Find one.
39. Internet stalking the people you hated in high school will not make you feel any better.
40. A 4.0 GPA will not land you a job if you’re a crappy person
41. Beware of credit cards. Learn how to properly use one.
42. Also, learn how to budget what little finances you have.
43. These don’t have to be the best 4 years of your life. They can be, but after graduation things are pretty cool too.
44. Everyone is in debt. Even the kid with the scholarship.
45. Don’t be afraid to approach someone to make a friend. That person could change your entire college career.

Like I said, college can be tough. But it can also be a truly rewarding and growing experience. In the meantime, go find some shower shoes and stop getting ice cream for dessert in the cafeteria.