College is such an incredible and new experience. Below is what I wish I could tell all upcoming freshmen. I hope you all have a great college experience.

1. Friendships in college change a lot.

This does not mean that you have to stop being friends with people, per say, but the dynamic of your relationship will most likely change. You have to work at friendships more in college. Also, some friendships will likely end. However, you will make so many new and wonderful friends. By the end of the school year, it will be so hard to leave the friends you just met in August. It will seem like you have known them forever.

2. Nights out and nights in.

There are a lot of fun nights where you get dressed up and go out with friends, but there are also a lot of fun nights that are spent staying in and hanging out. Remember while you should say yes a lot, it is also OK to say no every once and a while. Do not stretch yourself too thin. Find your balance.

3. You will miss your parents.

You will miss your parents and your family and all that you have ever known. You will not expect to miss these things, but you will. It is OK to miss people and places, but not want to go back. Just because you miss your family or are a little homesick doesn’t mean you are having a bad time in college.

4. Grades are super important, but…

Grades are super important, but there is studying too little and studying too much. You have to find the right balance. You need to make sure you are eating and sleeping right, as well as getting social interactions too.

5. Your home and hometown will forever feel different.

Eventually college is going to feel like home to you, but your home still feels like home to you. It’s a weird back and forth pull that is just kind of hard to explain until you actually experience it.

6. Say YES.

Okay, people told me to try new things, but I didn’t really think much about it. I did, however, start to realize that I would be nervous about trying something new or going somewhere new, but it almost always ended up going well, or made for a funny story we still laugh about. Try new things, make new friends and say yes.

7. Be yourself.

This one may be cheesy or cliché and it is definitely one I heard before arriving at college. However, I realized how important it was once I was at college. College is the place where you will make your forever friends. Be yourself and attract people who like you for you, because those people are out there.

8. Make time for yourself.

Make time to watch your favorite show and eat your favorite food. You will need some time alone every once in awhile. Take a break. Find time for you.

9. Time.

I always thought I managed time well. I made it everywhere I should, and I always got my work in. College is a whole different story. You have to be on top of everything even more than before. Your parents are not hanging around helping you out. Get a planner, write things down and set alarms. Set multiple alarms.

10. Learn how to pop popcorn.

I feel like at least one person burns popcorn in the dorms each day. Don’t be that person. Also, learn how to do your laundry correctly. You don’t want to be the person who broke the washing machine or the microwave. Do not set the fire alarm off if you can help it. Make smart choices. You do not want to be that person either.

I hope what I said helps you. College is amazing. It is hard and challenging yes, but also exciting and fun. My list could have gone on and on, but you need to experience some of it for yourself. Just remember to jump in and say yes. A big part of college is finding the right balance for you. Next year at this time you will be counting down the days until you can go back to campus.