Graduating high school is an exciting time. It's a time for new beginnings and a time to explore new possibilities. Moving out of your parents' home and into a new city can fluster a mixture of emotions. You're excited, but you're also scared at the same time. Be warned, though. As we always hear, freedom comes with great responsibilities. Through my four years of college, I've learned so many lessons that I wish I had known my freshman year. So here are some of those lessons in hopes that they will save a life:

The freshman fifteen is legit.

Yes I'm talking to you, Miss 5'3, 115 pounds. You won't stay that skinny forever. Your first year of college means you're having to feed yourself. Mama isn't there to cook you healthy meals. Most of the time between class, studying, work, and the new social life, you'll find yourself making countless trips to McDonald's for a convenient and cheap meal. Do yourself a favor and get used to working it off.

If you can't afford it, don't get it.

This one is for everyone, but mostly those that have bills to pay. Your new job is going great. The sad thing is that you live paycheck to paycheck, though. However, last week you managed to put in a few extra hours, so that means a few extra bucks. You struggle with the decision of putting those few extra dollars in your savings, or buying a new top because the 500 million ones you have aren't enough. Obviously, you should put it in savings. Trust me. Your senior year self will thank you when you're getting ready to take the step into absolute independent adulthood. Every little bit that you save, counts. And when you have money put back as a foundation, then you are in an excellent place to be. Get into the practice of saving vs splurging. It might not seem like a big deal now, but you won't be in this chapter of your life for long. Think about your future, and start building it now.

Skip the credit cards.

Credit cards need to be taken seriously. If they aren't taken seriously, they can get you into a ton of trouble. As an 18 or 19-year-old, you don't need a credit card. This takes us back to the second point I mentioned, if you can't afford it, then don't get it. If you can't afford whatever you're buying now, then what are the odds that you'll be able to afford it later? There are some 18 and 19-year-olds that understand the problems that can come from credit cards, but the majority of you do not need to put yourself in that situation. As for those my age, you should wait as well on getting one if you can't afford it. I'm 22 and I do not have a credit card. Even though I'm eager to start building my credit, I know that right now I can't afford a credit card. It's still too tempting to want to spend. You need to train yourself before you wreck yourself.

Use sales papers to grocery shop.

This is important. Walmart is a very convenient place to shop. It has literally everything we need all in one place. However, if you can save $3 on a box of cereal at the grocery store right up the road, then do it! You'll be surprised how much money you have left over by paying attention to how much you're spending on food. And please, for the love of God, don't buy fast food every day. Trust me, grocery shopping really is cheaper.

Make a budget.

And stick to it. Budgeting for the month will save your butt. If a month seems too out of sight for you, then budget for the week. Or bi-weekly, however ofter you get paid at your job. Set aside a certain amount for food, bills, gas money, and anything else you absolutely cannot go without. Then, put the rest into savings. It's okay to treat yourself every now and then, but don't go overboard. A good rule of thumb is if there's more money on the price tag than what's in your savings account, then it's not in the budget.

You have to start thinking about your future now. The young and immature you want to spend spend spend. The older, more wise you will thank you when you don't.