With freshman year drawing to a close, I can’t help but reflect back on how I have changed since the fall. As a naïve prospective college student, I wasn’t sure what to expect or how I would cope being away from all of my friends at home. But thanks to some amazing friends here and the most supportive family I could ever hope for I have truly made the best of my time at school. Here is what I’ve learned so far…

1. Sometimes friendships don’t last forever.

It doesn’t mean you forget all the memories from the past, it just means you remember the good times you had and move on. Some high school friendships don’t work out. For all sorts of reasons, sometimes the people you thought would always be in your life suddenly aren’t. But that’s OK, too, you’ll always have those awesome memories together from your hometown. Now it is time to make new memories, with some new people.

2. Making new friends does not mean you should forget about all your old friends.

Long-distance relationships are hard, but there is no feeling comparable to seeing your friends from home after months of being away. I sometimes get so consumed in my life away at school that I forget the people who encouraged me to come here in the first place. So to those friends at home: I love you and I’ll see you soon.

3. Sometimes you will work really hard in a class and it will work out, but sometimes it won’t.

I cannot tell you how much effort I put into my economics class only to come out with the lowest grade I’ve received at college so far. Despite the studying and office hours I spent with the professor, I just couldn’t get the hang of it. And that’s life. Sometimes you work hard only to fail, but that is all part of the process. It stinks to fail but now I know- economics is just not for me.

4. Say yes to hanging out with friends whenever you can.

Being a more introverted person, sometimes this is hard for me. I love my friends, but at the end of a long week all I want to do is curl up in bed and watch a little Netflix. But the thing is, nine times out of 10 when I am dragged out by my friends I end up having a great time and making memories far more precious then the time I spent lying in bed. Plus think of all the Instagrams.

5. Late night delivery places are the biggest drain on my bank account.

All I can say is, Dominoes, you know who you are.

Pro Tip: If you are going to be Dominoes favorite customer, you might as well make an online account to get the rewards points. Trust me- you won’t regret this. OK maybe you’ll regret the freshmen fifteen you ultimately gain in the process, but hey that’s just college, right? Right...?

6. Don’t be afraid to reach out to new people.

We’re all adults here at school...OK barely, but still. It’s not like high school anymore where friend groups have been long established and cliques seem impenetrable. People in college are looking to make new connections and friends. By asking someone new even just to lunch, you may find a life long friend you may have otherwise have met.

7. That person you think is cute, you should just tell them you like them already.

Life’s too short to wait around for someone to “get the hint”. Who knows? They might even like you back. And ladies, please, this the 21st century! No need to wait around for that special someone to notice you or talk to you first. If you want something, make the first move, confidence is everything.

8. And finally, enjoy every moment.

Because if this year felt fast, the next three years are bound to fly by, so you better try to make the most of it.