College is a new chapter in your life, you're finally on your own. You learn so much, so quickly because you have no supervision and have to do everything on your own. Here are just a few of the many lessons I've learned during my first semester of college!

1. Time management is important

Don't procrastinate your work. Professors give out the syllabus so you know when assignments are due, don't wait until the night before the assignment is due to start. There is only so much time in the day to attend class, do your homework, eat, sleep, and socialize, so make sure there is a healthy balance!

2. Spend your money wisely

You may have lots of money saved, but it is important to continue this. You might think you need that new shirt, but there are 15 other perfectly good ones in your closet. Plus you never know when you're going to spill water on your MacBook and need to buy a new one....yes that happened to me.

3. Have fun

College is supposed to be fun, don't let the stress get to you! Make sure you go to the home football games, and out to that frat party. You only have that college experience once, so make the best of it!

4. Studying is the key to success

You hear this all the time from your parents and professors, but it's true! The only way you're going to do well in your classes is to make the library your new best friend and study often.

5. Sleep every chance you get

This may seem silly, but sleep is so important. There is so much you have to get done every day, its okay to stay in once in a while on a Friday night and go to bed at 8. Sometimes all you need is sleep.

6. Being homesick is ok

You can still love college and all of your friends but also be homesick. Homesickness is something everyone goes through, make sure to talk to your friends because they're all going through it too!

7. Freshman 15 is not your fault

I have come to the conclusion that the notorious freshman fifteen cannot be avoided. No matter how healthy you try to eat, dining hall food is filled with fat and salt. It has nothing to do with lack of self control and everything to do with the limited options provided!