College is great. You have more freedom, less class, and endless opportunities for fun. You can focus on studying what you enjoy, making new friends, and becoming independent. You’ll probably meet some of your lifelong companions here, forge amazing memories, and discover new passions. All of that said, college is also a huge transition, and many of us encounter bumps along the way to emerging as our best, educated selves. The first stretch before Thanksgiving break can be a bit of a roller coaster ride...

When you first arrive, all is going well. Your parents help you move in, you keep your cool. And then just like that, they’re gone and...

1. You’re handed an immense load of responsibilities.

You’re fine though, really. You can figure out how to do your own laundry, how complicated could it be?

2. Life starts to feel kinda like this.

nonononononononooo

3. But you put on a brave face to show everyone that college isn't that hard.

**challenging

4. After a few short days, you learn how to have fun with it.

Making plans is so easy when everyone lives a few feet away!

5. And of course, you get wise to the ways of thirsty Thursday.

Act natural.

6. After the first week of all your intro courses, you're basically an expert in every field of study.

You know your shit.

7. You even feel more confident commenting on the political climate.

Never stay neutral on the tough issues.

8. And other adult issues that apply to you now need to be addressed.

We want justice.

9. But wait. Midterms on Week 2??

Do you people even know what the word “mid” means???

10. Time to crack open a textbook for the first time.

Shit’s getting real.

11. It doesn’t go well.

C’s get degrees, right?

12. Who wants good grades anyways?

I'M FINE WITH A C OKAY MOM.

13. The brave face gets a little weaker every day.

Just don’t cry. Just don’t cry.

14. And you don't really want to talk to most people because they just aren't like your friends from home.

Why is everyone being so loud when you're trying to sleep?

15. You don't really want to do anything, for that matter.

*sigh*

16. Luckily you've made some friends that stay by your side no matter what.

Get your butt off the floor and put on some clothes!

17. And they love you even when this is your response:

Ok I think it's someone's bed time...

18. And they let you cry on their floor as rejections pile up.

Pass the tub of ice cream please.

19. And when this is how you feel towards your TAs:

20. Just when it all seems to be caving in....

what. is. the. point.

THANKSGIVING BREAK!!!

Suddenly you’re not embarrassed admitting you missed your mom.

Freshman year can be full of tragedies worthy of an Office gif, but luckily our friends and family are just a phone call away. Always remember the humor of the situation...we're laughing about first quarter now, aren't we! Finally, I leave you with some parting words of wisdom from your parents: