I may have only just finished my first semester, but college has already taught me so many things - and reminded me of some others.

1. In order to be responsible, you need to be accountable.

It sounds simple, but it can be one of the hardest things to do. Remembering when a paper is due is one thing, but being accountable for the grade you got when you rushed through it the night before is another.

2. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

I cannot say or explain this one enough. Your mental health is vital to a good college experience, academically and socially.

3. Campus food will get tiring, quickly.

I'm halfway through the school year and I'm absolutely sick of it. In the beginning, I thought there was so many options. Well, if you live on campus you'll go through them all fast, especially if you're on the picky side. Not to mention the healthy to unhealthy ratio. (Side note: vegetables are rarely served on my campus; I've only had them twice..how sad is that?) And people wonder why there is such a thing as "the freshmen 15"!

4. The blessing that is home cooked meals.

I don't care what anyone says, home cooked meals will always beat anything else. I knew that before going to college, but it didn't really sink in until I didn't have access to them anymore.

5. The ability to curl up with a good book.

I've always love to read. To me, there's nothing quite comparable to getting into a good book. That being said, ever since I was a little kid and my friends would tell me "I don't have any time to read!" I would always scoff, roll my eyes and think it was just an excuse. Well, not anymore.

6. Lifelong friendships.

Going to college has introduced me to so many different people with so many different personalities that help me see the best in myself, and for that I will be forever grateful.

7. The importance of getting involved.

If you don't at least try to get involved, your college experience will be miserable, sub-par at best. It's how you can make valuable lessons and those lifelong friends. Sometimes it's what makes the stresses of college bearable.

8. The comfort of family.

I've always been very family-orientated, so living out of state away from my family is one of the hardest choices I've had to make. Even though I know it's for the best in the end.

College is difficult, but the things that it's taught me, the skills that it's given me, and the friends that it's introduced me to are what's going to make it worth it at the finish line, not only my degree.