Let's face it, this year is going to be weird. No more practice after school, early morning lifting, game-prep meals, film study sessions or intense athletic competitions. Transitioning from being a full-time athlete to just a student is an awkward thing. Here's what you need to know before you enter your freshman year of college as a non-athlete.

1. The "freshman fifteen" is real.

You've probably already heard this, but I can't say it enough. I used to think there was no way I could gain those pounds because my body was naturally fit. Guess what? That happened to not be true.

2. Work out, work out, work out.

Now that you understand the freshman fifteen is real, let it encourage you to work out this year. Maybe you're burnt out from all that hard work you put in your senior year of sports so you want to take a break. Don't. Sure, you could take a break during the summer, but once school starts it's time to hit the gym.

3. Understand that your body will not always be the same as it was in high school.

Understand that it is okay to not be in the best shape of your life anymore. Even though you'll be keeping healthy, you won't be putting in the hours that you did to prepare yourself for that next big game. Eat healthy, exercise and focus on the new tasks at hand.

4. Not everyone was an athlete like you.

Once you enter the college realm, you can no longer assume that everyone played high school sports. Believe it or not, there were other extra-curricular activities that students were wholeheartedly invested in! Broaden your horizons and learn about the things your friends did in high school. {P.S., there are people out there who will claim they played high school sports because they tried out for the volleyball team their sophomore year. Beware.}

5. Go to the REC.

Learn to love the Rec Center and it will become your best friend. Find a few friends that share the same love you have for a certain sport and play a few pickup games. There's nothing like playing competitive games until the Rec closes for the night.

6. Learn new things.

You're going to have a ton of free time compared to what you had in high school. Take advantage of it! Now that you're not putting all your focus into this weekend's game, take some time to explore new things. Join a club or take a fun class that interests you!

7. Focus on your grades.

Not saying that you didn't do this in high school, but it's really time to get serious. You no longer have the excuse of getting home late because of that away game the night before. Take some of your new free time and actually study for a while.

8. Support those athletes still in high school.

Okay, I am not saying hang around your high school's gym every game night. You are now a "has been." Accept that fact because there is no going back. Yet that doesn't mean you have to ditch those younger than you either. You remember how important sports were to you and they are just as important to those still in high school. Shoot them an encouraging text or maybe make an appearance at an important game.

9. It's okay to keep wearing your athletic clothing.

You've probably heard people say that it's not okay to wear athletic clothing if you're not an athlete. When I was in high school, I wore sweats and T-shirts and hoodies almost every day; I can wear them to class in college too. Don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't wear (if it's appropriate...).

10. Don't ever say you won't miss it.

You're going to miss it. End of story. How could you never miss something that you put so much hard work into? Not to mention all the memories you made with your teammates. Cherish the memories you have and don't delete those old action pictures. You used to be an athlete. Be proud of it.

I don't believe that high school was the best four years of my life. I know that the best is yet to come. Although, if I could go back to high school, it would only be for the sports. I wouldn't have traded those memories for anything.