I have learned a lot during my time in college. I have learned how to execute a 15-page research paper in less than a week, how to memorize an entire study guide in the span of 24 hours, how to get to my classes in the fastest way and how coffee helps me become a better human. However, the most important lessons I have learned during my time as a student are lessons about myself.

1. A home-cooked meal should not be taken for granted: For me, the hardest adjustment of college was the lack of nourishment I received during my freshman year. Unlike many of my peers, I could not get on board with the cafeteria. While I watched fellow students gleaming while whipping themselves up a three-foot panini, I found myself debating between eating pizza for the 20^th day in a row or going to town on some cereal (the only meals I liked). Apartment life was not much better for me as I realized that even making eggs was a struggle, and I did not have the cafeteria to fall back on. During my sophomore year, I ate more frozen dinners than any person should consume in their lifetime. However, these food struggles have taught me to appreciate the beauty that is a home-cooked meal. Never again will I complain that my family needs more variety in our meal rotation. Instead, I find a single tear running down my cheek as my mom serves me up a slice of meatloaf.

2. It’s okay to admit that you’re struggling: Mental breakdowns are inevitable in college. An important lesson college has taught me is to not mask my stress and put on a façade that I am doing just fine 24/7. College is called higher education for a reason: it is not easy. Bottom line, it's okay if a few teardrops hit the pages of my textbook or my keyboard. It is also okay to get a giant pit in my stomach when thinking of writing a 15 -page research paper. In the end, the assignment will get done whether it garners an A or a B. When I receive that diploma, I won’t be thinking of how I could have done better on that test or research paper. Instead, I will be proud that I earned that diploma through hard work…and a few tears.

3. All-nighters are never really all-nighters: If I had a nickel for every time I told myself I was going to pull an all-nighter and didn’t follow through, I’d be on a yacht with Oprah right now. In truth, an all-nighter consists of me spending $6 on an overrated coffee drink and minimizing my Word document to see what people from my high school have posted on Facebook. Don’t get me wrong, work gets done during these “all-nighters,” but I usually throw in the towel by 1 a.m. and not 6 a.m. like I intended. However, I am always more than okay with using the “all-nighter” excuse when I show up to class the next morning looking like I got caught up in a massive storm.

4. A good show makes all the difference: The best advice I can give someone is to get a Netflix account (okay, I can probably give better advice but this is high up on the list). I truly believe that Netflix is a sign from a higher power telling the human race to enjoy themselves. After a long day of classes, I find myself excited to crawl into bed with a good show and escape the busy week for a half hour…or four hours, whatever floats your boat.

5. You don’t need to meet your soulmate in college: When I was younger, it seemed like every married couple around me “met in college.” This gave me the preconceived idea that my husband was somewhere on campus and I would stumble onto him on a crisp fall day, our eyes would meet and the rest would be history. This message seemed to have reached more than just me, as a little girl I babysat once asked me, “You’re going to college to meet your husband…right?” (I didn’t have the energy to explain to her the concept of a Bachelor’s degree.) As I am about to start my senior year of college, it is looking less likely that my future ball and chain is walking amongst me on campus. While fifth-grade me may be saddened by this truth, present-day me is totally fine with being single. While it is always good to be open to love, you don’t have to meet your future spouse in college. I may meet him at a bar when I’m 25 or meet him at the workplace. Either way, I will find the right person when the time is right. Worrying about when or where I will find him is merely a waste of my time.

6. Weight gain is inevitable! Most people gain weight in college. If you are expecting to come home from college with a smaller pant size, then be prepared to be disappointed. Between nights out, inconsistent eating schedules, stress and cheap fast food, my jeans have felt a little snug over the past few years. (Yes, I have popped a few buttons and thankfully, no one was harmed in the process.) However, the “freshman 15” is a well-known term for a reason. Most people gain weight in college -- big deal. Luckily for our generation, this is the time of the booty. Embrace the extra junk in your trunk and try to not worry about body image.

7. Home is where the heart is: At the end of high school, I wanted nothing more than to move away from home. My Facebook page was riddled with “Get me out of here!” and “I need to meet new people! I am soooooooo over this place!” (While I don’t think anyone took me seriously enough to be offended, I just want to mention that it was my teen angst talking.) Being away at school has taught me how special home is. Sometimes, the cure for sadness is taking a weekend to head home and spend time with your family. Going away to school allows you to take a step back and get a fresh perspective about all the wonderful aspects of your hometown that you once took for granted.