We have all heard that famous line from our parents when talking about college one too many times. "You are in college to learn not mess around!!" Every time college comes up in conversation, this is said at least once or twice. Obviously, they are talking about learning within classes and getting good grades. But, along with all of this work we do to learn in class, a different type of growth comes subconsciously.

Obviously, we are becoming more independent. We live (somewhat) on our own, with no real adults with authority around. We have to wake up on our own, manage our schedules, get our work done, and make sure to leave time to sleep and eat. And, this is just the bare minimum. Some of us have jobs on campus, participate in Greek life, and/or are members in some of the many clubs that the school has to offer. All of this can get to be a lot, especially since we're all still learning time management. To do it all on our own is a huge adjustment.

Another thing I've gained from college is a fantastic group of friends. I know I have written a bunch of articles about them already, but they have really made my college experience that much better. I have found people who are closer to me than people I have known my entire life. These people are the ones I'll be close with for the rest of my life, and the people who will be my bridesmaids in my wedding. If I had to pick the most rewarding, non-educational thing I got from college, my friends would hands down be number one.

The most important life skill we're learning in college is taking responsibility for ourselves in a variety of different aspects. Whether it's getting school work done in a timely manner, making appointments with our professors or advisors to discuss what we can do better, or going out for a night of drinking, we have to be responsible for ourselves more than we ever had to before. It takes a lot to notice that something we're doing is wrong and needs fixing, and it takes even more to move forward and fix it. This is a very valuable life skill that we will use for the rest of our lives, so it is important that we perfect it and try to become as responsible as possible before we really are sent out into the real world all alone.

Yes, what we learn in class is very valuable and will be important later even after we get our degrees. But, life skills that are learned by living on your own at school are equally if not more important for success later in life.