College is a big step in most people's lives, and often, it signals the final step into adulthood, which is worrying, terrifying, anxiety-inducing, and so forth of its own accord. Don't forget the debt, stresses, classes, late nights, and most often, those hated 8 a.m.s. After that, it doesn't end - you get taxes, a job you may or may not like, and more sleep deprivation.

Hey, it's not all bad, though. There are good things to remember: like becoming independent, getting your first car, getting your degree, and finding out what you like about life and working towards it. As a sophomore in college, it is a struggle - there is no doubting that. And that struggle often begins with the transition from high school to college, coming from that senior mentality back to being a freshman all over again.

This time, hopefully, it will be different, and even could be the start of a new and wonderful part of your life.

Not living at home anymore

It can be great. It's independence - freedom from your parents, no more curfews, no one hanging over your shoulder except you and, potentially, your roommate. But with this new-found freedom comes responsibility, and you now have to get your own meals, wake up on time, budget, plan, and prepare accordingly for life. You aren't allowed the luxury of falling back on your parents when you screw up. Now, if you do, it's your responsibility.

Planning out your schedule.

In high school, your schedule was essentially laid out for you. Go here at this time, there, this place, then go to lunch, and then more classes. However, now, it's up to you - of course, within the general guidelines of the university studies and your degree requirements, but no one's forcing you to take those. It's highly recommended, but no one will tell you what those are or when you should take them. That's up to you - can take six classes? Do it. Don't like waking up early? Don't take morning classes. But each decision you make has distinct impacts on your future, and that means, at some point, taking stock and figuring out whether or not you're making something of yourself.

Making new friends.

You are in an entirely new group of thousands of people, far bigger than the group you're used to. It's intimidating, and oftentimes, you fall in with the people you sit next to in class, or your roommate at your dorm. Or you don't, and sometimes, you just have falling outs with these people. You're not going to be friends with everyone, but there's no point in not trying.

Hit people up- say hi to your neighbor in class, mingle with people at the library or your local food area. Don't be afraid - it can hurt to put yourself out there, but it can also be amazing. You'll never know if you don't try.

Also, more cynically, these people can eventually form your network, especially for those within your major. They can help you get opportunities, gain experience and advice, complain about classes, drink coffee, and enjoy great food and times. Also, these people can often stick with you for life, if only you'll start off with a simple hello.

Work - both academic and otherwise.

The homework and amount of time spent for classes explodes exponentially after high school. Per week, you've got to spend at least 10-20 hours on homework, not to mention the 20-30 spent on your job, and the majority otherwise is spent in class or trying to catch quick naps. It's stressful, tiring, and can get you down - it's also the most significant change from high school. Juggling all these responsibilities can catch up to you quickly, and that's why it's important to keep track of time and try to stay ahead of the game.

Evaluate your future - and your resume.

College is a confusing time, his is your chance to find out what you want to do, and, often just as importantly, how you can do it. While most people, myself included, have not a clue about what they want to do for the rest of their lives (having not even lived life yet), take a look at your resume freshman year. Not the one you bring with you from high school - that one got you into college, and is now for most intents and purposes, null and void. I'm talking about your college resume, which should be blank. That's a good thing - you're just starting.

So evaluate. Take stock of what you like doing. And if the answer is I don't know, which is very common, find the answer. Do plenty of things - try new clubs, go to meetings; again, put yourself out there. College is not about having all the answers, it's about finding a lot of them, or maybe even making them.

It takes a lot of self-identifying and discovery, but the end is worth all the effort.

Finally, don't give up.

Of course, this has to be started with a preface - if you genuinely feel college is not for you and life is pulling you in a different direction, then go in that direction. But otherwise, don't give up because of the work, or the stress, or the various other negative factors about college (such as the food). There are multiple resources on campuses across the U.S. designated to help you, and you're paying for them, so why not use them? Counselors, career centers, resume workshops; all of these tools are your to utilize in order to do better. Get the most for your money, I say.

So those are some of the biggest differences you'll notice in the transition from high school to college, along with developing a need for caffeine and other such products to keep you awake for writing papers, studying, and late night classes/meetings. It's all a bit hectic, more like completely chaotic, but in the end, you can make something out of it if you put the right effort into the right places.