College is a time for change and transition. You are becoming an adult in these years after high school. Here are just a few things you should leave behind before you get to campus.

1. Pretending to be someone else to make people like you

This is a huge no-no. In college, people do not care how popular others were in high school. There is no social hierarchy after high school, so do not worry about trying to be at the top. Just be you. You will find people just like you to be your friend, not people who are like the fake you.

2. Dressing up for class

Let’s be honest, you will hate yourself if you wake up extra early in the morning to pick out the perfect outfit, with the perfect shoes, and make your hair and makeup absolutely perfect. Maybe the first week you will try and do this, but then you will realize that sleep is much more important. Unless you have a presentation that day, it is okay to roll out of bed and throw on a t-shirt and running shorts and try to make it to class on time. Except, I recommend at least brushing your teeth.

3. Ignoring your family

Call your parents. They miss you like crazy. I promise. In high school, everyone goes through the “I hate my parents they are so lame they drive me crazy” phase. That is normal. Once you graduate, it is up to you to keep in contact with them. They will totally appreciate you calling them every couple of days letting them know you are still alive and not in jail. Bonus, they might even send you care packages every once in a while.

4. Only communicating via text message

“Hey, I’m here. Come outside.” The amount of times I sent this text when I got to my friend’s house is absolutely ridiculous. Then I would sit there for an extra five minutes waiting for her to look at her phone to see that I have arrived. Why didn’t I just call her? Start calling people in college. It makes every thing much easier. Making plans is a breeze. Asking questions about homework goes by much faster. And you always have better conversations with that boy from the fourth floor of your dorm when you guys can actually hear each other voices. Texting is for quick messages, calling is for conversations.

5. Needing the BEST school supplies/food/everything

Being poor in college is a real thing! Unless you have a crazy rich great-uncle who has passed down a fortune to you in his will, you need to save as much money as you can. You do not need brand-name everything. In high school, I wanted the nicest notebooks, pens, and binders. I would only buy my clothes at the nicest stores because I was worried about the brand. And don't even get me started about the food. If it fills the hole in your stomach, it's good. But when you get to college, you realize that you do not need those brand names. It is okay if you have random, generic brands. Most of the time they are just as good.

6. Half-assing assignments and procrastinating

This was easy in high school. You could wait until the last minute to finish your American literature essay and do the bare minimum to get the grade you need. In college, you will hate yourself if you procrastinate on your assignments. Most of them will be very time-consuming and require lots of thought. You need to actually work hard for the grade you want. Professors know when you just threw a few words on a piece of paper in 10 minutes. They grade based on the quality of your work. You cannot get quality work if you do not put in the effort.

7. Going through life like it's a movie

I'm sorry, but that boy is not going to climb up a tree to your window to profess his love to you. You most likely will not discover a secret treasure map in one of your textbooks. Please do not start singing in the cafeteria about breaking the status quo.