The old saying that college is an emotional roller coaster is not a joke your freshman year. For many, college is an adjustment, especially for students who have never really been on their own.

As, a senior in college now, it amazes me all the things that I have learned over the past four years. Granted it wasn’t always easy, but you can do it if you have the determination. So, here are five things I wish I knew as a college freshman:

That 5-page paper will not write itself!

Cramming for a huge exam the night before is probably a bad idea!

As a freshman, it is easy to get caught up in the fun and juggling 5 classes. That is where that saying, “college isn’t going to be as easy as high school” comes in. In high school, most of us could study a couple hours for an up and coming exam and ace it. That is harder to accomplish in college because for each test there is a lot of material that you are unfamiliar with, so it is going to be hard. So be proactive and start studying early for upcoming exams.

Failing one exam is not the end of the world!

Professors are there to help, not harm!

Fun is an essential part of getting through freshman year!