It's frightening, isn't it, beginning your college career? For a lot of people it is and they may not know what to expect and don't know how to handle being away from home for the first time ever. But before you and your parents begin to freak out about leaving the nest, read these 14 helpful survival tips for your freshmen year.

1. You will not survive an 8 A.M. class

Having a class at 8 A.M. is like torture. At first you may be used to it because sure, you got up early in high school, but before you know it, you'll be crawling out of bed feeling like you'll need a rickshaw. Also, girls, at first you will want to do your makeup and hair and look all nice, but after the first few weeks the 'sweatpants-bun-I don't-give-a-crap' look will take over.

2. Grades come first.

Grades should always come first, no matter what. You are at college, for one reason and that is to learn. You don't pay money so you can drink away your four years. Make sure you understand why you are at college.

3. You will learn much more than just what is covered in your classes.

College is about learning, but it is more than just learning in the classroom. You learn about money management, disciplining yourself, how to live on your own, making new friends, the list goes on. Focus on your experiences outside the classroom and learn from those as well as what your professor teaches you.

4. Don't go into freshman year with a significant other.

Everyone who comes into college with a girlfriend or boyfriend who is long distance or not, always thinks it's a good idea. That's so cute. No. Going into freshman year already dating is extremely difficult. There are so many new people to meet and new experiences to get involved with, that it is challenging. Dating makes it hard to experience those new options because it can be hard to make time for one another. Additionally, if you're always nervous of what your other half may think of your choices, they may be holding you back from opportunities.

5. Don't buy books.

I have used two books in my entire two years I've been in college. Books are insanely expensive. It's like those smoking commercials where you have to pull off your arm just to rent them. Most classes don't really require the books and odds are, your friends probably already have them.

6. Learn to manage your money.

Have you ever heard the phrase "poor college student?" That's because you spend all your money like your wallet is Scrooge McDuck's vault of gold. Managing your money is hard because you want to spend it on shenanigans and food. But, before you know it, you'll have 50 cents to your name and you'll be living off Top Ramen.

7. Control your drinking.

Calm down there, Animal House, don't wanna go overboard. Just because you grew up with parents as strict as the dad from "10 Things I Hate About You" doesn't mean you have to binge. Control your drinking and partying. Of course, these activities can be fun and hard to resist now that you're on your own, but believe me, don't let that take over your whole first year.

8. No, college is not like the movies.

The movies exaggerate the college life to make it look amazing and crazy and parties are always "sick bro." But in reality, college is a lot of studying, going to class and being hangry all the time. Yes, there are parties all the time, but movies literally never show what college students really do. They only show frat guys partying and having fun and everyone is beautiful and are 25 when they are supposed to be 18. Trying to replicate your college experience so it looks like the movies is the way to tank your grades and get kicked out of college.

9. No, fraternities and sororities do not haze like in the movies.

As a member of the Greek system, movies that fabricate the lifestyle and pledge processes of fraternities and sororities piss me off. The Greek system does not make you do elephant walks, cookie races, or anything like that. The Greek system is an amazing experience that provides you with life long friendships, leadership opportunities, social skills, adventures and some of the best times of your life. Do not be scared to be part of the Greek system because of what a movie says. The Greek system is a family, and no one hurts their family.

10. It does not matter what college you go to. You determine your future, not your college.

There is this obnoxious idea that goes around that because you go to a not-as-good-of-college as your friend that you are lesser or dumber. The college you go to doesn't matter, all that matters is what you put into the college. You may learn more at your small D3 college, than your friend learns at their 50,000 D1 college. Your college does not determine your future, you do. And as long as your try your hard and desire to learn, you will be on the right track.

11. It's OK to be a virgin.

People have this ridiculous idea that once you get to college you are gonna get laid all the time and that you need to have sex. Usually I think that is just guys, but all the same. It's fine to be a virgin, in fact it is 100 percent OK to be virgin in college, no one is rushing you to do anything. No one is going to make fun of you and if they are, they have some problems they need to work out. You don't need to have sex because you think you need to, that's the wrong reason to do it. You should do it when you're ready, and you'll know.

12. There is no such thing as "popular" in college.

For all you "cool" kids in high school who thought your social class defined you, think again. College, is the beginning of life. Life has no popular people and the only person you should try to impress is yourself. Don't worry if you weren't "popular" in high school, because no one gives a shit!

13. Sleep!

I cannot stress this enough! Sleeping in college is like seeing a unicorn poop gold. It's so hard to get a good night's sleep. In college, you get to choose between three things: sleep, hanging with friends, or doing well in school. Odds are, you are going to avoid sleep and choose the other two. That's perfectly acceptable and normal. But be aware that once you start college, you will never get enough sleep for the rest of your life.

14. Just because high school was easy does not mean that college will be.

Listen up, all you straight-A kids who never tried in high school and were too busy listening to Drake and writing YOLO on your binders. Just because you could do exceptional in high school without trying does not mean the same thing will happen in college. College is hard. The classes challenge you and the teachers expect more of you because you're growing up. So don't slack off, or you will struggle to catch up.

14. Just breathe.

College can be stressful: it's far from home, you're responsible for yourself, etc. But don't worry, it is an amazing time and it will be scary at first, but I promise it will get better.

College shouldn't be something to fear, it should be something you look forward to! It's an amazing place and it's just like Disneyland: it costs too much to get in, it takes forever to wait for what you really want to do, it's crowded with a bunch of hangry people, but it's really the most magical place on earth where some of the happiest memories are made with the people you love. Be excited about college, it's the beginning of a great life.