The transition from high school to college is very different and hard for most. Some of you have older siblings who have given you tips on how to survive the next four years. Others of you, like me, don't get those helpful hints to carry away with you. Halfway into my second semester of college, I'm experiencing most of the true trials as a college student. Being away from home and broke are among several of the very real struggles you'll encounter as a college student.

In high school, "studying" is skimming notes moments before you walk into your test. Getting an A was a breeze for most college students when they were in high school. But in college, getting an A on the test is the equivalent to winning the lottery. Seventy-two hours prior to an exam, college students spend most mornings, days and nights in a panic study rage. We eat, nap and get all our studying done within the four walls of the school library. Up until the professor walks into the class, students are attempting to memorize formulas and vocabulary. Cramming before a test might have worked for you in high school, but it sure as heck isn't gonna cut it in college. Instead, after each class, take some time to go over your notes and maybe rewrite a few lines that were messy. Even if it's just 30 minutes, you'll be able to go over the previous lesson to make sure that you're prepared for the next. Form study groups with your lab partners or people in your classes so you can compare notes and translations; you can learn a lot from your peers. Avoid pulling all-nighters at all costs. They suck, and they are honestly pointless, because how much information can you retain on 30 minutes of sleep? It's not worth it.

You're going to encounter at least one professor from every country during your time in college. It's going to be very difficult to understand them during lectures, and you will undoubtedly get frustrated. How am I supposed to understand this course if I can't understand the person teaching it? You'll also come across the types of professors who suffer from superiority complex and who question your intelligence when you ask a question. They're rude, demeaning and useless when it comes to actual teaching. At some universities, professors are required to hold office hours: take advantage of them! Most of these difficult professors I've encountered thus far have completely different personalities outside the classroom. They love to see you take the time to come visit them to ask questions. If they do not offer open office hours, email them your questions and see if they'd be willing to meet with you. Nine times out of 10, they'll be more than willing to answer your questions one on one.They might even go a little easier on you after seeing your dedication and perseverance in school.

Many of you will graduate from high school with an honors stole and medal, maybe even as valedictorian. Upon entering college, an intimidating environment, we develop a negative perception of ourselves and capabilities. It happens to the best of us, especially during our first semester. We jump into college with an achiever's mindset (which is never a bad thing to have), and on our first test/paper, we make C's. Don't let this one grade determine your attitude for the rest of the semester. You are smart and capable of great things, I promise! Keep your head up, this is more common than you think. The level of difficulty from high school to college is significantly different. After that first bad grade, do not isolate yourself from society. While studying is super important to making the A's you made in high school, taking a break and a breath is just as important.

Being "broke as a joke" is a real-life dilemma. At home, you had time to work, do well in school and be involved on campus. There are very few people in college who work, are involved and maintain a good GPA. So, to compromise, some college students (me) don't work or work a couple shifts a week. At this point in your life, any money you accumulate is a lot. I seriously can't tell you how many times I've scrounged for nickels and dimes to buy some ramen. My advice to you is to be wise with your money. Learn to say "no" to your friends who want to go out to eat or catch a movie. Cook big meals at the beginning of the week that you can eat off of throughout the week. Going through the drive-thru can seem cheap at the time, but adds up quick. However, you do need to reward yourself every now and again. In order to save up for fun, my roomies and I had a coin jar in which we would deposit all of our change at the end of every week. By the end of the semester, we had $80 to spend on a night out.

Homesickness is something that I never thought I'd develop and now, I can't escape it. This only really applies to those of you who are going off and moving out. Missing home and your family is something that you never think you'll do because you've been dying to move out since high school started. But once a crazy semester gets going and you are in a panic with grades and frustrated with life, you start to miss your loved ones back home. Calling and staying in touch with your family and friends back home is a great cure for homesickness. Try and plan a few weekends in the semester to pack up and head home. Make sure that the assignments due when you return are completed before you leave for home so that you can dedicate the whole weekend to your family and not on your laptop.

I don't know about you, but growing up, I never had to share a room with anyone. Coming to college, this is one of the hardest transitions to make. Sharing a small apartment with four people, a small bedroom and an even smaller closet is hard. Really hard. Sometimes, you end up with good roommates who actually turn into quality friends. Other times, you are stuck with loud, party animals who throw down 24/7. Some wanna eat your food and some wanna steal your clothes. It sucks, but what can ya do? Set guidelines right off the bat. Let the other girls/guys know how you feel about sharing groceries and other items so there are no surprises.

Time management is a skill that is commonly learned in college. In high school, most of us keep planners named Mom. She knows your appointments, games and other special dates that you can't keep track of. In college, you'll find that a planner is your best friend. Keep one and live by it and carry it with you everywhere you go. Color code it and plaster it with sticky notes covered in assignments and due dates. Mark items off once they are finished, and your life will be much simpler.

There are so many more differences between high school and college, but most of them you just have to experience for yourself. Some of them are tough and hard to overcome, but there are twice as many experiences that are fun and exhilarating. So far, college has been a huge memory-making experience, and I absolutely love it. When I check my sad account balance or begin to miss my parents, I think about how I'm growing as a person, and it's worth it.