As a college freshman, I remember exactly what it was like to be in your shoes. To realize you have fewer than 5 months of high school is shocking, but the craziest part is realizing the biggest transition of your life is creeping up. Whether you have been with the same group of kids since kindergarten or just the last three-and-a-half years, it is important to keep certain things in mind to make sure this time is exactly how you'll want to remember it. These ideas will make sure you embrace the last 5 months will be lived to the fullest.

These next few months of familiarity have very strong potential. Don't get me wrong, going to college will probably be the best thing that will ever happen to you. Despite this, people don't realize that the last semester of high school is an experience you won't find anything close to ever again. To make them as great and fulfilled as possible, you should follow these tips.

There are a few things for you to enjoy for your last few months at home. The first of those is home cooked meals, for sure. Although these can be overlooked as something you'll miss, it will not be forgotten. Eat up every meal your family will make for you. Second, enjoy how comfortable you are. You know the people you're surrounded by, and soon enough you'll be meeting new groups of people. Take advantage of the fact that the people around you know your story and appreciate them. Last but not least, enjoy your favorite restaurants as much as possible. Make sure you stop at that amazing coffee shop every morning, because that won't taste the same from a different state.

As cheesy as it sounds, be nice to the people you didn't exactly get along with for the last few years. Making peace with these people is relieving. You all are feeling the same nostalgia after spending so much time together, so make sure you walk away feeling as though you left a good impression.

Although it is inevitable you will begin to slack as you get closer to graduation, do not fully give up on school work! It is worth it to study hard for your AP exams and walk into college with credits. That being said… HAVE FUN! Go out on weeknights and realize that this is your time to embrace how young you are. Enjoy it.

Many people are counting down the days until they can never walk the halls of high school again, but trust me, you will miss it one day. You may not miss the petty girls or awkward encounters but seeing your best friends every day in the same place is so convenient without being appreciated. Make sure you take LOTS of pictures and videos so you can look back at them.

Lastly, celebrate every "last" that comes up; your last Wednesday of classes, your last picture day, your last history test, everything. Not only can this make for fun small celebrations, but it will make you appreciate every day you have left.