Congratulations. You did it.

I'm probably not the first to say this to you, and I definitely won't be the last. Trust me, even as you walk into the Barclay's Center at the Presidential Welcome, sitting smushed between two strangers, watching in awe as the faculty take the stage in one of the most famous and central venues in the country, people will continue to congratulate you on joining one of the most incredible communities in the world.

When you walk in during Welcome Week on that fateful move-in day, don't expect to have everything figured out. You will probably forget at least 3 critical things, your family will get into at least 4 separate arguments in front of your floormates in the hallway, and you will probably get into at least one fight with your roommate that week, whether or not you claim to like them at the moment.

But this is all a part of the process. The adjustment is jarring, because after all you are going to be living in the New York City, going to college, meeting new people, trying new foods, exploring new neighborhoods, learning to (or trying to understand) the subway, and much more. But it will all be fine, because you will probably cry after your parents leave, even if you swore you wanted to get away from them, you will learn to live with another person and coordinate with each other's needs, and you will definitely be able to buy whatever you left at home in the CVS down the block (or literally on any corner).

Everyone always gives the identical college speech to incoming freshman-you are going to make tons of friends, learn how to live on your own, and you will absolutely love it.

Since that's out of the way, here is what people don't tell you about starting college.

It's okay to feel lonely sometimes, and not just in the first few weeks. The adjustment can be so challenging, and you might feel overwhelmed by eating dinner alone once in a while. But this is normal-people just don't talk about it. Just because you aren't completely adjusted to college life by Halloween doesn't mean that you don't belong at this institution-in fact, it has nothing to do with your personality either.

Yes, it can be exhausting after week 3 of giving your name, major, and where you're from, but if you focus on yourself and your happiness, college will become much more enjoyable. If you aren't afraid to sit next to strangers at lunch, strike up a conversation, and call home when you need to, then you will be able to appreciate your freshmen year much easier.

College is a very big step and transition, but what is most important is to focus on yourself and your personal needs and avoid getting caught up in the snapchat stories of friends from high school who seem to be having such a great time. The truth is, we all struggle with the adjustment-especially in the beginning. You might not see it or hear about it, but everyone has moments of homesickness or loneliness, stress and anxiety. The most important thing is to be aware of it and the fact that so many others are experiencing the same thing, and to reach out to people. It can be overwhelming and intimidating to balance classes, live on your own, manage your time and fitness, especially when you are living in the most incredible city in the world.

So, welcome to NYU, in the heart of the city that never sleeps. The possibilities are endless, and it starts with taking a deep breath before jumping in.