Ah, college. The moment you’ve waited for your whole life! Is there anything better than ditching the drama of high school, growing up, and figuring out who you are and where you fit in the world?

No. There really isn’t.

I was in no way prepared for all that college would bring me. I knew I would have to leave my small town and family, and I was not looking forward to that. Maybe you feel totally prepared for this transition. If you do, that’s awesome! But you’re not. I promise.

See, college is pretty much everything you would expect, and also the complete opposite all in one. Confusing, I know. But, lucky you, I’m here to give you some real world advice that I wish someone had told me.

1. You WILL find somewhere you fit in. This is something people always tell you – that you’ll find some of your best friends in college and it will all be okay. And that’s true! You could rush, join clubs, or just bond with other people in your class. But I think it’s more than that. It may not happen right away, but you will find your niche. You will figure out who you are, how you can be the best possible version of yourself (inside and out of the classroom), and you will find the people who help you do so.

2. Learn how to study! I cannot stress this one enough. It doesn’t matter how well you did in high school, how often or little you had to study. College is completely different. Your professors are all different and you will have to adjust to each one in a different way. In my first semester, I went from an all A high school student to making B’s and C’s. I promised myself I would figure it out, and my second semester went much better. Don’t stress too much. Stay calm and figure out what works best for you!

3. You will probably have a few mental breakdowns. Or you know, a few a week. Whatever. Stress is inevitable in college. It could be about grades, classes, money, homework, your job, or just the general “how am I ever going to have a future what am I doing with my life” stress. I’m in no position to tell you not to stress out – I've had my fair share of freak outs. The best advice I can give you is to not let it consume you. Go to the gym, watch a movie, take a nap, watch a Netflix episode (or entire series, no judgment), or eat a tub of ice cream. Just get your mind off of it, at least for a little while, and know it will all work out.

4. Speaking of naps, they are your new best friend. You'll be setting alarms for 12 minute naps between classes, or a three hour one after the day is over. Cherish them. They will get you through so much.

5. Also, speaking of the gym, go to it. It really does relieve stress and, if you’re lucky, you can find a machine with a TV while "Sex and the City" is on. Score. (Plus, you'll keep off that freshman 15, which is a very real thing.)

Overall, college is an amazing experience. You will learn so much, both inside and outside of class. They are both equally important. Go to class, but don’t forget it's okay to have a little fun. And remember not to stress too much. But of course, if all else fails, run a bubble bath, turn on some "One Tree Hill" and grab a bottle of wine. Cheers.