Congrats, you did it! You did the seemingly impossible and you graduated high school. All the memories you've made the last four years at your Alma matter are now behind you, and you're about to take the next step and go to college. You're nervous, excited, curious, and you're trying to make this summer one to remember with all your high school best friends. But, before you pack your bags and head for college in August, here are some things you might want to know about your first year of college:

1. It will be over before you know it.

Just like you thought your high school years flew by, your time in college, especially during your freshman year, will go by faster than you think. Granted, you'll have days that seem to drag on and on, especially around finals time. But you'll be a sophomore in college before you know it, looking back on your freshman year and wondering where the time has gone. Enjoy your time as a freshman and make the most of each experience because it'll be a distant memory before you know it.

2. Your friends in college will come and go.

During your first couple weeks on campus, you'll make lots of friends because everyone is in your shoes- new to campus, new to college, and probably new to the town. But, as the weeks go by and different friend groups and cliques get established, you will find that you only have a few real friends. That is okay. Cherish the real friendships you make, and let your fake friendships fall by the wayside. Don't put the burden on yourself of feeling obligated to be the glue that holds everyone together because you'll inevitably get disappointed. Make friends, of course; but look for quality over quantity. Not everyone you lose is a loss.

3. You can't pass a class without studying.

In high school, I'm sure you were used to the classes where you didn't have to read one page of the book and still get a good grade. Or, you didn't have to study for an exam and still pass it. College, on the other hand, is a different story. Your assignments, quizzes,projects, and exams will pile up. You'll be overwhelmed with work that needs to be done. All of your classes will challenge you and push you in ways that you didn't know you could be challenged. College level work is a different level. So, although going out with your friends the night before an exam sounds like a fun idea, you'll regret it. Have fun, but study hard.

4. You can't gain 10 pounds overnight, and you can't lose 10 pounds overnight.

Yes, the infamous "freshman 15" is a real thing. Between the late night study sessions and all the food available on campus, you will be faced with plenty of choices that you'll have to make. But, while it is so important to go to the gym 3 or so times a week, don't stress about it too much because you don't want to develop any bad habits. Eat clean and exercise whenever you can, but having dessert twice in one day every once in a while isn't the end of the world. Balance is key.

5. You'll watch people change in ways you never thought they would.

In college, you'll be around thousands and thousands of people who don't know anything about you, giving the freedom to be anyone you want to be. You'll watch some of your high school classmates change into the people they thought they'd never become, and do things they swore they'd never do. The important thing is to always try to make the best decisions you can, and to never judge people too harshly because you never know their full story. People around you will make stupid mistakes, and so will you. That's part of life. Do the best you can in each situation, and try to lend a helping hand if you see someone struggling. Life (and college) is a learning process. While it is important not to damn people for the decisions they make, it is also important to be aware of the person you are becoming. You are the company you keep, so surround yourself with positive influences.