Coming into college, I didn't know what to expect. My only frame of reference was the countless movies that all depicted college in the same way: tons of friends, parties and a lot of late nights. While there is some truth to that, there are a lot of things they don't tell you in the movies.

1. It's OK to struggle with classes.

Studying in high school is completely different than studying in college. In high school, you can get away with looking over your notes a few times and manage to pass. In college, everything is taught in a different way than what you might not have been used to. Make time to teach yourself on how to study. It'll take time but eventually, you'll get the hang of it.

2. Stay in touch with your friends back home.

It's easy to get caught up in all the new and exciting things you're going to experience in college, but make time for the people that have been there for you before college. The people back home already know you and sometimes can help you through difficult situations even though they might be miles away. Keeping in touch with them helps make the transition to college a little easier and little less lonely.

3. You might not be friends with your roommate. And that's ok.

All I can say is that it's not like the movies. While some might, the reality is that you're probably not going to be best friends with your roommate. Hopefully, you can at least be civil to each other but don't go in expecting to find a friend.

4. You're not going to get along with everyone.

College is not this perfect world where suddenly everyone magically gets along. In fact, you're probably going to meet a lot of people that get on your nerves. In college, you'll meet people from all walks of life, with different views and beliefs. With so much diversity in one place, you're bound to find at least one person who you can't stand.

5. Don't be afraid to try new things.

Before coming to campus, I told myself I was only going to join certain things. I was going to only audition for a certain acapella group, join a premed organization and maybe find one or two things that pertained to my current interests. I can say that I didn't stick to any of these. I ended up auditioning for a group that I never imagined I would audition for, and joined organizations that I never thought I'd be interested in. College is where you have the opportunity to discover things about yourself you never knew. Take advantage of it.

6. Learn to take care of yourself, because no one is going to do it for you.

Whether that be learning to do laundry or dealing with situations you've never encountered, taking care of yourself is an essential part of growing up. You no longer have the luxury of having someone walk you through everything.