A lot has changed in the one short year I've been in college. I've gained independence, learned how to do laundry (sort of) and made plenty of friends. I joined clubs and organizations and have had two on-campus jobs. Freshman year was full of lessons and fun, and sophomore year will be even better. Here are just a few differences I have already noticed between freshman and sophomore year of college.

Freshmen pack everything.

Sophomores pack the basics.

I hate to break it to you, incoming freshmen, but those 5 million wall decorations and picture frames you have? They are bound to fall off the wall and pull off the paint. It's fine to have a few (I had some that miraculously stayed attached to the wall), but don't go overboard. Oh, and your entire wardrobe? I promise you won't wear half the stuff you bring. After the first week, you'll join the rest of us in Nike shorts and T-shirts.

Freshmen buy all the textbooks.

Sophomores wait until the professor says you need them.

Guys, chill out. You don't need all the "required" texts, I promise. I can't tell you how much money I wasted on textbooks I never opened (not because I didn't study, but because I literally didn't need them). The first week of class is mostly going over the syllabus, so you'll have plenty of time to order textbooks and have them in before you need them. (Side note: use Chegg and Amazon to buy/rent your books—it saves a lot of money!)

Freshmen know their schedule by heart.

Sophomores look at it a day or two before class starts.

OK, this one I understand. As a freshman, you probably don't know where all your classes are, and you're probably freaking out about it like I was. I promise it is OK. Most universities have students show you where each of your classes are the day before class starts, and it really helps a lot. Or, if you're adventurous, you can go and find them a day or two before class (most of the buildings should be unlocked by this time). Once you're a sophomore, you pretty much know the university like the back of your hand so there's no need to go searching for your classes.

Freshmen go around to every fraternity.

Sophomores walk into their favorite fraternity house and get greeted by name.

No, you do not have to be a party monster for this to happen. No, you do not have to go wild and drink to have fun and get to know people. I'm not encouraging drinking or any potentially dangerous activity, but I hate the looks and comments I get when I say I like a specific fraternity. Anyways, every girl usually has a favorite fraternity, and there's nothing wrong with that. Freshmen usually find the guys they like to hang out with and who they feel comfortable around. Come sophomore year, these guys will know you and talk to you around campus.

Freshmen nerves are through the roof.

Sophomores are chill as cucumbers.

We've been around the block and learned a thing or two, and soon, the incoming freshmen will do the same. It's OK to be nervous, but don't let that stop you from making friends or having fun your first year. I promise you got this.

All in all, freshman year was great. Sophomore year is going to be even better, especially since I've got this whole college thing figured out (for the most part). Freshmen, hang in there. It's going to be a bumpy and thrilling ride.