Going into college I had no idea what to expect. Everyone kept telling me that college is the best four years of your life and that they were so jealous I was going to be a freshman. I was expecting to have so much free time, meet my best friends right away, and have no trouble managing the school work.

However, that is just simply not the case. I've only been in college for a little over a month, and I have learned so much so fast. You do not have as much free time and I thought, you meet so many people everyday its hard to see who you will really be friends with, and the school work is hard. Very hard.

Before I came into college, I wish someone had sat down with me and gave me a reality check. I wish someone had told that yes it is the best four years of your life but you will have stressful days, hard school work, and be so tired. As I was thinking, I came up with a list of five things I wish I had knew before I came to college.

1. There is so much homework.

I have never had so much homework in my entire life. Every night I look at my agenda and I don't know how i am going to complete all of my work. In college, all of the work for the entire semester is laid out so you can get things done early or do it the night before. College is all about time management and it takes some time to get used to it. Eventually, you will figure out a system and how to balance everything. So don't worry if you are overwhelmed in the beginning: Everyone is.

2. There is so much reading.

Homework mostly consists of reading. And you HAVE to do it. I learned the hard way that exams are 100% based off your textbook readings. So basically, if you don't read, you are screwed for your exam. :) A little harsh I know, but take it from me, I wish someone had told me that before my exam.

3. Naps are your best friend.

As a girl who was blessed with 8ams every day, naps are key to survival. People in your dorm hall will most likely be up late every night talking in halls, playing music, watching tv, and doing whatever else they want. If you have early morning classes and are kept up by these people, you will be exhausted. It's a vicious cycle of no sleep. And no sleep means you start missing classes, grades slip, and you see where I am going with this. TAKE NAPS.

4. You will be homesick.

I had dreamed of going to college since 8th grade. I couldn't wait to get out, live on my own, and get away from my small town. As college got closer and closer, I became more and more excited and homesickness was the furthest thing from my mind. After about a month on campus, I started to really miss my friends and parents. I missed my bed, favorite foods, and clubs I was involved in throughout high school. I missed the familiarity of my small town, I had once couldn't wait to leave. So If you find yourself counting down the minutes to college, take a moment to stop and look around because in a year you will be with new people, in a new place, and miss your home.

5. You will fall in love with your school.

Your campus becomes your new home. You become invested in the sports teams and community you live in. You will never want to leave. I can't imagine myself at any other school. I am proud to represent my school and love it with all my heart. To all the high school seniors, make sure you choose the school where you will be the happiest at. The school where you can picture yourself living for four years. If you choose your school for those reasons, everything else will fall into place. I promise.