First, some congratulations are in order. You've accomplished such a major step and while you're getting nervous, you should be twice as proud! High school was tough, and college is definitely no walk in the park either. College is a lot of learning as you go. I’ve only had one semester, but I’ve learned a lot. In trying to be a thoughtful writer, I wanted to share all the little tidbits of information, some wise words, encouragement, and of course my best and most helpful advice. There are certain things I wish someone would have told me when I made this huge transition, without sugar coating it.

1. Take the time it takes to get to know yourself

Understand what your limits are, come up with some values, and don’t compromise either of those things when doing anything.

2. $20 doesn't go very far when grocery shopping

It's so hard to make money stretch. I was aware of budgeting and the value of a dollar before I got to college. But I'm still surprised that $20 dollars only gets a bag of pizza rolls, some conditioner, juice, and a little bit of fruit.

3. "No" is a really important word

For fear of missing out, you'll be tempted to say yes to pretty much anything, but rethink that. If something seems like it will negatively affect your sleep, education, or overall wellbeing, it probably will be, so politely decline.

4. The first friends you make probably aren't the ones you'll keep

Freshman year of college is the year of convenience and ease. You might have found a serious friendship with your roommate, neighbor, or classmate, but the others will disappear as soon as you move out of your dorm or get a new schedule. It isn’t hard to tell who you’ll keep around and who’s getting the boot early on. College makes everybody irritable and that’s when people’s true colors show.

5. Girl time is an amazing thing

Some of the best times I've had are just hanging out with a couple of girls and getting ice cream, or going to Target for no reason. A relaxing time with your best girlfriends is the perfect way to spend a day.

6. Alone time is also really important

The one thing just as good, maybe even better than girl time is alone time. The days where you don't have to care about what you look like and you can lie in bed all day and watch crap TV are AMAZING!

7. Get involved

If not for any other reason, do it for the free stuff. Also, the chances of making lifelong friends are much higher if you join clubs you are really into because others there share your passion.

8. No one cares what you look like

Some people don't match, some people wear PJs to class, some people haven't washed their hair in a week, some people wore that same outfit yesterday. But most importantly, no one is judging any of them.

9. Get some good walking shoes

I can't stress this one enough. Take it from the girl who wore cute sandals to class on the first day, got blisters and left those sandals at the bottom of her closet never to return again after that day.

10. Tinder may seem like a good idea, but it isn't

So many people told me to give it a try, and I did and totally regret it.

11. If he seems too good to be true, it's because he is

No guy is into literally everything you are. If he's willing to agree with every word you say, it's because he wants something.

12. Laundry piles up fast and it sucks

I didn't expect that one small person like me could fill up a hamper in less than a week. And it's one of the things I hate the most. And I would totally recommend getting a big hamper with wheels, they're incredible.

13. Go to some sporting events

Even if sports aren't your thing, you'll love it!

14. The peer pressure isn't nearly as bad as in high school

I don't drink and I haven't been pressured to. In high school, people would fix me drinks at parties and look at me in astonishment when I didn't want it. Now, if I don't want to drink people have so much respect for that decision, more for them.

15. Don't be afraid to be bad at something

Nobody's perfect. Just give whatever you do your best shot, even if it means failing.

16. Always trust your gut

When it comes to things like picking a college and a major, you have to go with your intuition. Those decisions are too important to trust anything else or other opinions.

17. Keep an open mind

This is the most important thing to me. No matter what it is, a guy, a grade, or a major. If you can do better, you always should.