Right before you start college, everyone seems to have advice for you, some good and some not so good. You hear everything from “It will be the best years of your life!” to “Study hard and stay focused.” Plus, we all have that family member who makes a point to tell you a million times to stay away from all things party-related. But, no one tells you about the real struggles and pitfalls you’ll have to deal with. Don’t get me wrong, college is a blast, but it can also be the most stressful experience you’ve ever had. It’s different for everyone, but most of us end up feeling the same way in the end. I wish I could go back to that first day, when I watched my mom and dad pull away from my dorm, and tell myself everything I know now. So, if I could write myself a list of things to know about college, this would be it.

1. You’re going to get overwhelmed.

Things are going to be very overwhelming at first. There are going to be days that you want to throw in the towel, but don’t give up. Those first few weeks are the hardest. You’re still getting used to being away from home and there’s a lot expected from you. You can do it! Don’t give up when times get tough, you will get used to it in no time! Professors will understand if you’re a few minutes late that first week because you got lost. The ladies in the dining hall are all going to be very nice and understanding when you don’t quite understand how the whole meal plan and flex thing works, and I PROMISE, you will make friends.

2. You’re going to miss your mom.

When you think about going to college, you only think about the fun times you’ll have with your new friends and the long nights you’ll spend studying. The thing we don’t think about before we get here is, how lost we’ll be without our moms. Your mom is your biggest supporter and motivator in life and it’s hard adjusting to life without seeing her every day. Don’t forget to call and text her! She misses you too. Those random texts and calls throughout the week just to chat are going to be a lifeline (for her and for you). Keep her updated on your life at school and don’t forget to tell her “I love you!”

3. You’re going to miss your dad too!

Dads are a totally different ball game. Dads are usually the ones that you laugh with, watch Law & Order (and other action-packed crime TV shows) with, *attempt to* talk sports with, and definitely the ones you rely on to protect you from all the scary stuff in life. When you go to college, you realize how much you miss all that stuff, and it can get pretty sad. That first time Law & Order: SVU comes on and you have to watch Olivia Benson take down criminals without your dad there to watch it with… that’s when it hits you. You miss your dad, and that’s okay! Don’t forget to text and call him regularly. Odds are, he misses those little things too.

4. You’re going to fail tests.

This isn’t easy to deal with, but it's a fact of life, you are going to fail sometimes. It doesn’t mean you didn’t try, and it doesn’t mean that you’re stupid. Its difficult adjusting to college level exams, but you’ll get better. Don’t give up after your first exam and say “I’m not cut out for college.” Keep studying! Join study groups, see a tutor, and do what you have to do to succeed. College is a lot of work, but it’s worth it when you see that first A+!

5. You’re going to lose some of your high school friends.

Some of your friends will keep in touch, and some won’t. Some will move far away, and some will stay local. Some might even go to the same college as you! However, not all of you will stay friends. People grow and change and that’s not always a bad thing. You’re all finding your place in the world, and its okay to drift apart. You’ll always have your memories (and embarrassing Facebook photos!)

6. It’s going to be hard, but it’s going to be worth it.

College is tough, but it’s going to be worth it. You’ll meet amazing new people and you’ll learn amazing new things. The friends you make in college will stick with you, through the good times and the bad. The things you learn will all help prepare you for your future. It truly is a growing point in your life and you’ll be glad you did it. Keep up the hard work and always stay true to who you are. Good luck!