I recently hit my 90 day mark at my first "big girl job" post college. I learned a lot of valuable lessons throughout my four years in college but these last 90 days have taught me a great deal about the real world and what it takes to be an actual adult (but it still seems weird to call myself that). With that being said, here are nine lessons I've learned in my first 90 days as an adult in the real world.

1. Write it down

I have learned that if I don't write it down, I will most likely forget it. There have been many times when my boss tells me something and I'll say to myself that I don't need to write it down, I'll remember. Then I forget and have to go back and ask her for clarification. I've learned to carry a notebook everywhere with me and write everything down. So, seriously, even if you think you'll remember, write it down.

2. If you want to keep someone in your life, you have to put forth an effort

I made a lot of great friends throughout my four years of college but since graduation, I've realized that not all of those college friendships are meant to be life long friendships. When you no longer see someone on a regular basis in class or in the hallway or at an RSO meeting, it can be hard to keep in touch. You'll have to put forth a real effort to maintain those friendships and that will help you figure out which ones you truly want to keep. Plus, it'll make events like Homecoming a lot more fun when you actually need to catch up with everyone.

3. Being an adult is expensive!

When I first signed my offer letter and saw how much I'd be making, I was super excited with the possibilities of what I could do with my extra income. I was mentally planning trips, dreaming about getting a new car and imagining all the new clothes I could buy.

Then I got my first paycheck and reality hit me hard. Taxes took out a LOT more than I was expecting, then I had to pay for my expenses (rent, utilities, phone, internet, etc.) and then there were things like food, gas, laundry and trying to furnish my apartment. Pretty soon there wasn't much extra income left to spend. Luckily I've learned to budget and prioritize and am still able to do a lot of the fun stuff I was hoping to do.

4. Be an information sponge

The first few weeks at a new job can be like information overload. You have to learn all about the company, its products, its culture, its competitors and the market as a whole. In my particular case, I had to learn all of this for four different companies in four different markets. It can get a little overwhelming. I learned that it's impossible to remember everything but do your best to write everything down and then when you have a question, you have a general idea of where to go or who to talk to in order to find your answer.

5. It's okay to ask for help

During my first few weeks I didn't want to seem like I wasn't qualified for the job. So, when I didn't know how to do something, instead of asking for help, which would have taken two seconds, I struggled to figure it out on my own and then had to go back and ask for help anyway. If I would have asked for help in the first place I could have been done a lot quicker. At the same time though, it's important to not need your hand held every step of the way. If you're stuck, try googling it and if that doesn't work, then ask for help.

6. Goodbye wacky sleep cycles

I don't know about anyone else but I feel as though I've become an old lady since I started working full time. I am not a morning person and in college it was a struggle for me to get out of bed before 10 most days. So, since I now work 8-5 five days a week, it's important for me to go to bed at a decent time in order to not be completely unpleasant in the morning. Plus, I no longer have time for naps which is just depressing.

7. Don't forget to take care of your body

If you thought the 'freshman fifteen' was bad, just wait for the 'new adult twenty'! Goodbye crappy campus food, hello meal prepping. Goodbye free gym membership, hello Planet Fitness. Make sure you're taking care of your body!

8. It's never too early to start saving for the future

I got lucky and my company automatically enrolled me in a 401K plan when I started. You never know what could happen with the economy so it's important to be prepared and every little bit helps. I would recommend enrolling in one if you aren't already, especially if your company matches all or part of your contributions.

9. It's okay to be single

I scroll through Facebook and constantly see people announcing they're engaged or they got married or are having a baby. I used to think I was doing something wrong because I wasn't at that stage in my life yet. But I've learned that I'm still so young and have plenty of time. Plus, I'm having too much fun being single, hanging out with friends and establishing my career.