As a current second semester freshman in college, I look back at first semester and laugh at my embarrassing "typical freshman moments," think about what I could have done differently, and reflect on what I learned (and am still learning) in the process. From studying to socializing and everything in between, here are seven things I wish I knew as a first semester college freshman:

1. Not using a tray in the cafeteria is totally OK

It didn't take me long to figure out that if you carry a tray in the Caf, you are basically wearing a sign that has “freshman” written across your forehead.

2. Rush will not feel rushed

Sorority rush will feel like the longest, most energy-draining experience ever anticipated but in the end, it will all work out the way it is supposed to. Anyone who has gone through this experience will most likely agree.

3. With a new school comes new friendships

Be open to making new friends. It may be hard at first to immediately have best friends like the ones back home, but give it time and an open mind. Pretty soon you’ll have many new friendships that will last forever.

4. Overcommitment is inevitable

You’ll come into college wanting to say yes to everything you could see yourself being involved in and that you're invited to, but it's OK to realize that you may end up overcommitted and exhausted. Most importantly, make time for your studies, and along the way you’ll learn how to balance your extracurricular activities too.

5. Cognitive dissonance will become the new normal

There will often be times where you will be stuck between choosing one of two things. Maybe you have an 8 a.m. class the next day but want to go out the night before and just skip class in the morning. You'll have to think of the consequences of each scenario and weight the outcomes. Sometimes you'll choose the wrong decision, but that's how you'll learn not to make the same choice in the future.

6. First Semester is just that: the first

It may not be thebest, most exciting, fun college experience you thought you would have right away and you may not get the grades you had originally expected. But know that those first grades do not depict your intelligence, and that is OK. The first semester of college is where you make mistakes, learn from them, and try your best to do better the next semester.

7. Before you know it, it will be over

First semester may seem like it will last forever, but you only get to be a first semester college freshman once so enjoy it. Enjoy the late night study sessions, the fun nights out with friends, the spontaneous adventures with your sorority sisters and all the other unforgettable memories you’ll make along the way.