After 13 years of going to school, you'd think I'd be prepared for what college had in store for me. Little did I know that the struggles I'd face during the next 4 years, would be nothing like anything I've ever experienced. I used to have an idea of what college would be like based on the countless movies about it that I watched during the summer leading up to my freshman year. I knew that I'd have to move about an hour and a half north, live in the dorms with a random roommate and eat cafeteria food everyday for year, but the rest I had already mastered. I mean, how much different can it be? You go to class, you do your homework, go to the library occasionally and repeat. Whether you're headed to college for the first time or returning in the fall, the cast of New Girl and I are here to enlighten you on what's headed your way. It's a whole new world out there so good luck!

1. 8 a.m. classes

One of the biggest wake up calls (no pun intended) I faced was 8 am classes. You're probably thinking, "I got through earlier in high school, I can handle 8 a.m." I thought so too. I spent 4 years waking up at 6 a.m. to catch the bus at 7 a.m. and I was already in class by the first bell at 7:25. I was even excited that my 8 a.m. class was only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday! It only took a couple weeks until I realized that 8 a.m. classes were the worst thing ever created. The reality of it is that in college you'll be surrounded by a lot of people at all times. Your roommate, the people on your floor, your RA's, other friends, etc. If you're anything like me, you're going to be up late doing homework, going on adventures, attending different campus events and chances are that you won't be thinking about that 8 a.m, class until your alarm goes off the next day. Luckily, come second semester registration, unless it's your only option, you won't have to take an 8 a.m. again!

2. "How's college going?"

That dreaded question at every family function from every relative that you walk by is inevitable. You'll hear it from your parents at least every other week and it only intensifies around Thanksgiving and Christmas. "It's going great!" is your response on the inside, but "I'm slowly dying" is how you feel on the inside. Don't worry, it gets better after freshman year!

3. Broke is a lifestyle

Especially in a small like Maryville, finding a job is tough & spending is far too easy. You'll find yourself at Walmart at 2 a.m., looking for crafting items because you can't sleep. Most people find jobs in St. Joe or even in Kansas City that they can work on weekends. It's not much but it gets you through the week!

4. Ice Breakers

High school ice breakers were a one and done deal. You most likely went to school with the same people for more than four years so there was never a need to keep introducing yourself during every setting. In college, not only do you state your name and hobbies, they add where you're from, what high school you went to, what your major is, why you chose your school, what kind of blood type you are, you get the idea. Every class every semester, every extracurricular activity, every group project, floor meetings, orientations, you name it. Eventually, you should be able to spit out all your answers like it's your job, but trust me, even as a senior in college, you'll be breaking the ice with a group of people you've never met before.

5. Finals week

Finals are the most dreaded time of the semester. Everything you've learned has to pay off during one test, project or essay. Everyone is stressed, the library is packed with students that have never even set foot on the 2nd floor and your brain is fried. Sleepless nights are too common, you're counting down the days to winter break or the summer and time just seems to drag on. It all comes down to finals week but don't freak out, Northwest, like every other school, has many resources to help you succeed even in the toughest time of the year.

Regardless of where you go, you'll always find new experiences and new struggles that you either you get through or you kind of wing it to get by, just like the cast of New Girl. When summer comes to an end and school starts back up again, remember these struggles and hopefully they help you prepare so you're one step ahead of the game.