If there is one thing I have learned in my five semesters of college, it's that independence is one of the most important skills a person can have. You come to this new city, meet new people, and have a new life. With that new life, comes a new life style. This means no mom waking you up to go to school or buy you groceries. Your professors aren't going to remind you to do your work or study for a test. Second chances are a rare occurrence. This can me a challenge for many, especially those who come from close-knit families & helicopter parents (again, nothing wrong with that, but it might make it harder for you to adapt to doing everything on your own).

Per my own experience coming from a home that taught me to do my own laundry, clean up...etc. It was a still a bit of a culture shock to be by myself in a new city. I needed to learn how to drive, make my own meals, time my laundry, time manage, budget, make plans, set reminders...etc. All normal things to me now, but at the time it was a lot to depend on just myself for everything going on in my life.

You should never depend on anyone else for your own livelihood and success. Yes, having friends and family to support you is amazing, but that's not what I am talking about. I'm talking about finding your own rides to places, stay on top of your own work, cook your own food, all things that you should know how to do alone.

This is especially true academically. You are accountable for your own work, especially in group projects.

So if you're new to college, or just getting into the swing of things, buckle down and become independent. I know it's hard but the best thing you can do for yourself is to be your own person.