Transitioning through stages of life can be a crazy, fun-filled experience that some will remember throughout their lifetime. For others, it could be the most nerve-wracking experience that they would ever have to experience. Everyone is filled with various emotions as they move their boxes into their new place that they will live for the next nine months. Happiness. Nervousness. Curiosity. It's a whirlwind of feelings that can make them feel like they are losing their minds, but after things settle down and everything is set up, future college students can finally breathe and clear their heads before they're dragged off to orientation weekend. Here is what I thought as I moved into college:

1. This is way different than high school.

Unlike high school, you are basically on your own. You do not have to participate in orientation events if you do not want to and you do not have to have a set time to eat. It's all up to you. College has more freedom than high school; the biggest highlight by far. College lets you do you so take advantage of it.

2. Will I make any friends?

After I had unpacked my items from my boxes and had gotten split into my orientation group for the weekend, I could not have felt so alone even though I was surrounded by other students. After introducing ourselves to one another, I realized that everyone else was in the same situation that I was in. We were timid to start conversations with complete strangers. But after awkward first conversations and shy smiles, I talked to many people and some that I ended up talking to repeatedly.

3. Not everyone is going to like you.

College is just like high school in this aspect. Although people graduate and move on with their lives, this does not mean that their personalities have also changed. Some people never change and that is okay. This is your time to find people who have the same interests and attitudes as you!

4. Quality is way better than quantity.

For most, the first few days of college seems like the time where you socialize most with others. Although you might want to talk and be friends with everyone you meet, that is usually not the case. Personally, the quality of a single friend is more important than several people who do not really care.

Lastly and most importantly:

5. Homesickness is very real.

Most people tell themselves that they're not going to cry when their parents leave and that they'll be happy when they are gone. This was not the case for me. Unlike other students, I felt down and sad. You're bound to miss the ones who have been there for you throughout your life, although you may not realize it now.