Going to college far from home can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience filled with ups and downs. For most people, this is the first time being away from home. That means making sure everything that needs done gets done (even laundry). These are the seven things that college students learn when taking charge of life away from home...

1. How to handle money

Clearly, college students are on a tight budget. Between tuition, books and other supplies, where is there money to do anything? Students who go off to college learn the true value of a dollar and will think twice before buying those new shoes. (Trust me!)

2. How to cook

And, no, I don't mean Ramen Noodles. When leaving home, we are in charge of making our own meals. That means prepping the food, cooking, cleaning up AND washing the dishes.

3. How to prioritize

Even though we don't want to, we MUST prioritize. It is okay to go out to the party, but you still have to make time to do laundry, cook dinner, study for your test and do that research paper.

4. How to study

For most, high school came easy. A little bit of homework and a lot of free time. College isn't the same way. A lot of things you must teach to yourself from the book. As much as we thought it would never happen, we actually dedicate time to study and learn to do it efficiently.

5. How to clean

Although it isn't a house, we have rooms and a bathroom that MUST get cleaned somehow and with our parents at home, we have to be the ones to clean it! We even have to buy the cleaning supplies...

6. How to be independent

No more parents means that we have to fend for ourselves. For everything. We go from living at home to living fully on our own very quickly. It's rough at first, but we all learn to manage.

7. How to appreciate home

After living with them for almost eighteen years, let's face it, we all get a little tired of our family. Not seeing your family all the time makes you truly appreciate the time you do get to spend with them on holidays or long weekends.