Happy graduation season! This is it: your last two months of adolescence. Soon, it's dorm life and ramen. It's not so bad, I promise, but there are things you need to be aware of. So, here's a list of nine things every college freshman should know.

1. What each office handles

Admissions: actually getting you accepted, your student account set up. Bursar: think of a bank. Can't tell you the why's, just the monetary flow. All the payments you make (tickets, housing, etc) will be made through them. Financial Aid: scholarships, FAFSA, loans. Registrar: signing up for classes, overrides, graduation. These are just the main ones.

2. You have to handle things on your own.

Mom cannot call & handle your issues, Dad cannot access your grades. While these seem like amazing, wonderful things, often kids get frustrated and don't want to make their own phone calls once an issue arises. While there is paperwork you can go through to grant your parents access, it's still limited and you're not gaining the skills you need to function in the real world.

3. Dorm life isn't so bad!

I don't go to a big school, but I live in a fairly old dorm building. While it's not the most up to date, or occasionally the cleanest, we have a conference room, three big screen TVs, a brand new furnished lobby and a music room. All that you can do is clean up after yourself and do your best. Bathrooms aren't the best, sure, but I promise it's not so bad.

4. Your roommate does not have to be your best friend.

You just have to be civil and occasionally communicate. Don't force a relationship if it's not there. You guys will awkwardly learn weird things about each other but that's fine.

5. More Expensive Does Not Equal Better

You do not need the most expensive meal plan. You do not need the most expensive housing. Just please take what you can afford, don't put yourself in more debt than necessary. Also, taking a hybrid (online and in person) is the most expensive thing you can do.

6. Your advisor is your best friend

This person will determine your schedule and know your college life better than anyone. Call them, email them, visit them. The better you two work together, the easier college will be.

7. It's ok to miss home, or not.

I personally cried myself to sleep for the first three weeks. I missed my mom, my dog, my boyfriend, my friends and more than anything my siblings. I felt so alone and isolated. The best solution to this, make friends. Go to events and just put yourself out there. Find people you think you want to be your new squad and have a sleepover in someone's room. There is no better way to know someone than staying up until 5:00 a.m. together. But then again, I knew people who instantly flourished. Either is okay and you have no reason to feel guilty for how you feel.

8. DO YOUR FAFSA!!!!!!!!

If you think there is even a .00000001% chance you will need some kind of financial aid for the upcoming school year, do your FAFSA and have it submitted to the school no later than mid-June. This is how you get your PELL grant, in Georgia we have the HOPE scholarship and you can't get that without FAFSA either. This is also where your federal student loans will come from!

9. Check your SCHOOL email

So many people disregard this and then claim they were never made aware of changes made. This is how most of your professors and all school offices will communicate with you.

You've made it this far. This is the beginning of an AMAZING adventure, and can be virtually painless if you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're staying local or moving states away, I hope these nine tips help you conquer your first year of college.