Reality is, college makes life seem a lot harder than what it actually is. It is preparing us for the future, not just in an academic standpoint, but also in every other perspective imaginable. When college gets me in a slump, these nine things have never failed to point me back in the right direction and hopefully they can do the same for you.

1. “Everything happens for a reason.”

Growing up in my family, this is something we say a lot. Whether we are feeling stressed, excited, troubled, or even sick. Life is meant to keep you on your toes. There is always a reason why things did not go as planned and through that worry and pain we should stay optimistic and simply smile. The best things in life come unexpectedly.

2. It is OK to cry.

Crying is not a thing only babies or women in the midst of their monthly cycle do. College can get rough and life can get tough -- sometimes everything feels broken. At times like these, we need to cry. It is necessary. I promise your college professor will understand if there are a few smudged tears on your homework assignment. Life gets the best of everyone at some point. So cry. Throw a tantrum. Get all that negative energy out, pick yourself up, and try, try again.

3. Live by your Lilly planner.

This agenda should be prescribed to every college student everywhere. The side effects of not carrying one include: Scatterbrain, procrastination, the feeling of stress, forgetfulness, and some may even lead to failure of homework, tests, and occasionally a class or two. Spare yourself the worry and buy one. It is money well spent.

4. Kindness.

Sometimes people tend to mistake kindness as a weakness. They see it as an opportunity to take advantage of someone. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Life gets a heck of a lot easier when people realize how far just a simple act of kindness can get them.

5. Boys suck.

That is it. They straight up suck. They are confusing, inconsiderate, and nowhere near as cool as my best group of girlfriends. In my 19 years of life, I have learned that boys rarely make sense. Due to this, I have come to the conclusion that boys do not come with brains. You have to like, buy them separately or something. Don’t let your crush/boyfriend/ex -- or whatever he may be to you -- bring you down. We, as women, come with brains and many other great qualities that are way better than those lowlife bums we call “men.” College is meant for creating lots of memories with people worth your time, not mourning in the memories of those who aren’t.

6. Family is key.

Living away at college without your loved ones is heartwrenching. You miss out on birthday parties, family gatherings, and so many memories with those who might not be with us much longer. Do yourself a favor and make time to go home. You'll miss them but I promise they miss you so much more.

7. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

I believe this is wrong. In fact, I strongly disagree with this saying. What kills you does not make you stronger; it makes you feel sad and hurt. Strength comes from the positive things in life -- friends, family, and the satisfaction of hard work. Those are the things that will keep you whole. Those are the things to hold on to when you’re feeling broke.

8. “Live simply, but don’t be simple.”

Be a genuinely good person. Drink water. Eat healthy. Exercise. Set big and small goals, but strive to reach both of them. Whatever you want to do in life, own it. Live and love, but learn from your mistakes. Life can be simple and you can be extraordinary all at the same time.

9. Lastly, I believe in God.

When all else fails, He will not. Prayer is a strong thing. God is greater than any high you are feeling and any low point you may have hit. Keep on keeping on no matter how stressed, tired, homesick, or hurt you feel. He will see you through it.