People tell you that college will be the “the best four years of your life”. This phrase left me with very high expectations for my college experience. Sure--college is great. It’s a time for independence and exploration. But no one told me that it won’t always be great, and I wish that someone would have. Here are some things I wish I could have told my 17 year old self:

1. The work is really just beginning when you start writing applications senior year.

I remember feeling so stressed over my applications in the beginning of my senior year of high school. After I got them all done, I felt such a relief. I felt like all my work was done. And it was--but only for a few months. In my first year of college I have had more work than I ever did in high school.

2. It’s not always going to be fun.

Like I said, I have had more work in college than ever before. I honestly think I spend a lot more time in the library than I do in my dorm.

3. Sometimes you wish you were home, and that’s okay.

Sometimes you just want to get away from it all.

4. Not having a car your freshman/sophomore year is the biggest inconvenience.

Need to go to CVS to pick up a prescription? Need to run to the mall to get a dress for formal? Want to see a movie on a friday night? Uber will be your best friend your first 2 years of college.

5. Making friends doesn’t always come easily.

When I think about high school, I didn't have a close-knit group of friends until my junior year. I don’t know why I thought I would make that same close-knit group in my first month of college.

6. Don’t ever compare your college experience to what you see on social media.

When you are bombarded with tons of photos of people who look like they are having a great time, remember that social media is deceiving. You might see 20 photos in an hour of people who look like they’re having a blast, but the other 980 people you follow are sitting at home thinking the same thing as you.

7. You have to give it time.

I can now admit that the adjustment to college is hard. It may be easier for some than it is for others, but the bottom line is that everyone is going to face some difficulties at least in their first year. But trust me...it gets better with time.