1. It's okay to hang out with a variety of people. 

When I got to college, I always felt so terrible about spending time with new friends instead of with old friends. It took me a while to realize that I can hang out with both, and they can even mingle.

I can have multiple groups of friends and not have to keep them separate.

2. There isn't always a welcome-home parade waiting.

Sometimes, visiting home is less exciting than if I had just stayed here. Everyone else is just as busy as I am, and my family's life didn't hit pause the moment I left.

Realizing that people wouldn't jump at the opportunity to see me was a hard pill to swallow, but I've realized that my friends and I aren't just surface-level through it. We can go months without seeing each other and joke just like normal the next time we get a chance.

3. Sleep is vital.

In high school, I could easily run off as little as three hours of sleep, no sweat. Now, I need a minimum of eight hours to at least feel 70 percent. I take at least one nap every day and coming from a girl who quit napping at age two, that's saying something. It's probably all the walking.

4. The "freshman 15" isn't all that likely.

By the time I get out of class, I'm not in the mood for food. I want my nap, as previously mentioned. So I trudge my path back to the dorm and lose what little appetite I already had.

Once I wake up, I'm either still not hungry, or there's something to get done. Also, I walk everywhere. Between eating less and walking more, I was shocked to find I lost weight instead of gained it, and most of my friends have experienced the same thing.

5. Parking is the worst part of the entire experience.

I paid a pretty penny for my nice yellow parking decal, only to find that my parking lot is a never-ending sea of Honda Civics and trucks that can't park.

I move my vehicle at most twice a week due to this very problem. But hey, at least I'm saving money on gas.

6. Dorm life isn't permanent.

I don't know about most other people, but I was convinced that once I left for college, I'd be living in a tiny room with community restrooms for the next four years of my life. It wasn't until last year that I realized off-campus housing is a thing, and it's a realistic thing too.

7. Dorms are not all disgusting.

On the topic of dorms, there is also a misconception that living in a dorm is the worst experience ever. Yes, every campus has its nasty dorms, but many of the newly constructed halls are really nice. Don't diss the dorm until you try it.

8. Mac 'n cheese Wednesdays.

I'm convinced that almost every college campus has mac 'n cheese on Wednesday, and it has saved my life along with countless others. I could be having the worst day, realize it was mac n cheese Wednesday, and then be having the greatest day of my life. Never underestimate the power of mac n cheese.

9. Sororities and frats are not cults.

I am not personally in a sorority, but from my experience with those involved, they really aren't as cult-like and evil as they are portrayed. All the girls aren't mean, and the frat boys aren't all alcoholics. There's even a Christian fraternity on my campus. There's ups and downs to all campus involvement.

10. The early bird always gets the worm.

Whether that be a good parking spot, the good dorm, or even scheduling classes, it's always best to get it done early. I woke up at 8 a.m. to ensure that I, ironically, didn't end up stuck with any 8 a.m. classes next semester.

The spots fill up quick, and I'd rather be far too early than far too late.

11. There's nothing a good snack and organization won't fix.

Well, not nothing, but most college stress stems from uncertainty. Sit down, have some cookies or fruit, and organize some stuff. Get quizzes done, plan the week, and check out what's going on around campus.

I honestly can say the moment I start organizing, my stress starts melting away. Everything's going to be all right.