There are plenty of things we learn in college, but usually, it has nothing to do with what the professors are actually teaching. I know I learned a lot from my freshman year of college just by being on campus. Being a college student is way more stressful than I thought it was going to be, but I guess it's the stress that keeps me motivated. I hope that my experience can help an upcoming freshman know what to expect.

What I learned first was that no matter how much you pack and prepare you will always forget something. There was a lot of things I didn't even think to bring to college. I thought I was overthinking what I needed and I was overpacking. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS OVERPACKING. That is where the campus bookstore and Amazon come in handy. Speaking of Amazon, you get a free Amazon prime account when you become a student; you are welcome in advance.

Another thing I learned was making friends is hard, if not impossible if you don't try. Sometimes hanging out with people just because your best friend is hanging out with them is a bad idea. Stick with your gut instinct; don't hang out with people who don't actually treat you like a friend. Some people will invite you to things just because they feel bad, those are not friends you want to hang out with. You want to hang out with people who actually WANT you to come.

I learned you can be broke even if you work two jobs. College isn't cheap and neither are the materials you need for class. The way I think about it is, I would rather not have money and have everything I need to pay for than to have money and nothing I need to be paid for. Sometimes you have to prioritize, but when you do have a little extra cash don't be afraid to treat yourself. You deserve it.

Procrastination is something you do a lot in college, and sometimes you don't even mean to. That is why I write everything down in an agenda. If I write every assignment down and everything I need to get done then I will remember what needs to get done when. That helps me when it comes to actually doing those things. Sometimes you do something that isn't due for a while before you do that assignment due the next day. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize!

The next thing I learned was that everyone in college complains. Don't just complain, if something is bothering you, fix it. Don't just sit around and complain because it won't change anything and you will be complaining all four years you are there. This goes hand in hand with the fact that sometimes you know more than others. If you know that something someone told you is wrong, but they argue with you about it let it go. Arguing with them is not going to change anything, it is just more negativity in your life. Pick your battles, you don't have to convince someone you are right to actually be right.

Freshman year is a year to get to know the campus and how to do things on your own. Try to figure things out on your own before you ask your parents for help. This has taught me how to be self sufficient. It's going to be hard and a little scary, but it will be worth it. Also, it will give you more confidence to talk to people and make mistakes. Anxiety is something that can be hard to overcome, but giving it an effort can go a long way.

Lastly, don't be afraid to try new things or be alone. Both of these things are scary, but is eye opening. Sometimes being alone can help you relax. Being alone is not a bad thing. Trying new things is the same way. It can help you figure out what you like and don't like. Trying new things can surprise yourself. If I never tried something new I wouldn't know that I love writing. Don't be afraid to try new things by yourself. Go to a new coffee shop and actually sit down by yourself. Go for a hike or a run. Don't let other people tear you down, because they are going to try (yes, even in college). No one knows you better than you do, so get to know who you really are.