One of the first things someone told me about high school was how fast it goes by, and I never believed them until it was too late. At graduation, my friends and family were telling me to enjoy college because it flies by even faster; I shrugged and agreed. Now I’m starting to pack all the things I vividly remember unpacking nervously onto random shelves and closet hangers in August.

The first thing I’ve learned is no two college experiences are the same and that is ok. Having had two siblings go through college I expected to have many of the same experiences as them.

However, I quickly came to find I had few similarities to them, and to my friends as well. This did not mean my quality of life and college experience was better or worse. Your college years truly do depend on who you surround yourself with, and what you make of the free time you have.

No friends can compare to the ones we make at home. Although some may come close, it is very hard to find people like the ones we’ve been with and formed close relationships for years with from our home towns.

When I see something funny, or see a car that my friend has from home, I always want to text them my news before anyone else. The long term relationships we form with our friends from home are untouchable.

Your work and grades are going to be as good as the quality of effort you put in–blaming alternate factors rarely works in college level courses. The freedom of being able to miss classes is almost too much to handle, as cliché as it sounds. Manage your time.

Finding at least one close friend you trust changes your entire experience. Finding someone you can rely on and relate to makes any situation easier, especially going out or trying new things.

Online shopping is the hardest battle to face–only give into it on your worst days when you need some sort of instant gratification.

Work out only when you want, working out overtired or unmotivated are some of the worst quality workouts you’ll ever do.

Sometimes not doing anything on a weekend night is the best time of your life, don’t let people on social media doubt yourself or make you feel like you are less than them.

Parents are a great source of relief for stress, they bring a new perspective that makes our problems seem ridiculous, and then proceed to give amazing advice.

Lastly, life is too short, and so is college, stop doing things for other people or with fear of judgement, you’re doing the best you can.