With second semester starting, here are some lessons I am taking with me from first semester.

1. Finding the right friends will take time.

You will go through many friend groups within the first couple of weeks, and you may be upset when the friendships are not working out like you hoped they would. But if you give it some time, eventually you will find the right friend group.

2. The classes actually are harder than high school.

If you want to do well in college, you will need to work harder than you did in high school. College textbooks take longer to read, and the professors tests are much harder. But if you put the effort in, good things will happen to your GPA.

3. Join a few clubs/organizations during your first semester that really interest you.

Having the meetings for clubs is a nice study break at night after having classes throughout the day. Joining 2 or 3 clubs that really spark your interest can help you meet new people that you would have never met, and you may even find some of your closest friends through these clubs.

4. You will get sick, a lot.

Living on a floor with 30 other people, it is bound to happen that you will catch the cold a few times throughout the semester. Make sure you are taking all precautionary measures so you can stay as healthy as you can.

5. You will miss home cooked meals.

Long story short, the dining hall food is nothing compared to a nicely made meal prepared with fresh ingredients, and nothing beats enjoying a meal with your family.