College is a huge learning experience, both in education and in life. Although college teaches us a lot of new information in classes, some of the most important lessons we learn in college are about life.

1. The cut-throat competitiveness of high school is not a life-long thing.

High school taught us to be extremely competitive. Share no answers or information. Keep everything secret if you want to get that spot at your dream college. College teaches us that competitiveness is a good thing but in moderation. Work together. Share information. Help each other because it will help you succeed.

2. High school friends will stay your best friends in college so make those relationships good.

Those friends that you keep in touch with from high school will likely become some of your best friends. Make sure you make those friendships mean something more than just having a lot of people you call friends.

3. High school friends will also leave.

It’s inevitable. People grow apart. It’s okay. Not everyone in high school will stay extremely close to you.

4. Not everything is about school.

Yes, you are going to college to gain more education but not all of life is about school. Have fun. Find what you love. Find something you are passionate about. It will give you some sanity.

5. Your parents were right.

Yes, your parents were right when they told you to go to bed early. Your parents were right when they said you shouldn’t go out with friends before your big exam. Lesson of life: Your parents are always right.

6. Relationships with teachers and professors matter.

Internships. Letters of recommendation. Jobs. Your teachers and professors are invaluable resources that you can and will you time and time again. Don’t be afraid to get to know them.

7. Speaking up is a necessary evil.

If something isn’t right or you don’t like what is going on, speak up. Speak your mind. You will thank yourself for it later.

8. Your dog is really your best friend.

Your dog will be there no matter what. Your dog will never leave you to go to frat parties and your dog will sit with you for hours while you work on the paper you procrastinated on. Your dog really is your one and only constant.

9. Enjoy the homemade food while it lasts.

Nothing can really beat college dining hall food in terms of awfulness. Maybe the first month it is really exciting to have so many options but after a while, the food just gets old and not homemade.

10. Studying in high school is not real studying.

Skimming your notes before an exam will not cut it in college. Learn some real study habits before your first college exam.

11. Knowing who you are is more important than conformity.

If you don’t want to do something everyone else is doing, don’t do it! If you want to do something nobody else is doing, do it! Know yourself before you conform to things you don’t want to do.

12. You are getting an education. Appreciate it.

Appreciate the fact that you are getting an education. So many people in this world do not get the chance you are getting. Education may be taken for granted by so many people but it really is a privilege.

13. Dressing up for class? Forget about it.

Nobody dresses up for college classes. Especially 8am classes. It’s okay. Just forget about it now.

14. You don't need to freak out about what you are doing for the rest of your life.

Take a class you never thought you would. It might make you find something you love. It’s okay not to know what you want to do when you come into college.

15. Letting loose and having fun is okay.

Again, school can’t be everything. You need to have some fun or else you will burn out and that is never good.