Freshman year of college is a really exciting time in your life, as you've probably been told many times. But does anyone ever really tell you why? Why is this an exciting time? Well, I'm here to give you a little insight.

1. Everyone around you is in the same place that you are.

I know that sounds cliche, but everyone you meet is probably trying to figure themselves out and figure out who they want to be. In college, I've learned that you can do whatever you feel like (within reason) and talk to whoever you want. Everyone is raw, a little emotionally unstable, and you're all working towards a common goal: the degree.

2. Freshman year is the year that people look at you and go "ugh, freshman."

This may seem like a bad thing. Instead, embrace it. We're the only ones who get to look completely lost and have a valid excuse for it. Also, you won't find most of us at the bars, so I promise you that we've found a lot of ways to have our own fun. My first week of school included playing a game called "spicy uno" and every time someone we didn't know saw my group of friends playing it, we asked them to join. Why not? Despite what Criminal Minds will tell you, not all strangers are serial killers.

3. Impromptu trips are definitely a thing.

This may be a common occurrence all four years of college, but freshman year is the first year that you can look at your friends at 1 am and ask if they want to go to Whataburger. Or, in my case sort of demand it.

Living under the same roof as your parents, there's not a lot of freedom that comes with it. Freshman year is a fun one for exploring that freedom responsibly.

4. The dating scene is totally different in college.

High school had way too many guys who weren't ready to settle down, but college has some guys who are actually at the point in their lives where they're realizing what they want. Or, if you're into the hookup scene, college is full of that too. Also, nobody really talks about it. In high school, if you sleep with someone- it's the first thing everyone is talking about. However, in college, nobody really cares.

5. Freshman year is really magical because you find "your people."

In high school, some friendships only exist out of proximity. In college, you have to actively seek out the people who make you feel the most alive. This year, I've surrounded myself with the best group possible. They all love Jesus, love each other, and each person has a unique characteristic about them. This year, I've found people who will make fun of me, love me relentlessly, and who I consider family. Freshman year is where you didn't think you could fall in love with a group of people so fast, and where you don't realize how empty you feel when they're not around. I've found my family this year, and I hope that never changes.