When I first came to college last fall, I came in with so many expectations. I was here to study, make friends and have fun. What I didn't realize was that college was going to teach me much more than just how to write in APA format and how to write a 10 page research paper. College taught me some life lessons that I never would have thought of coming to college.

1. The value of friendship

Coming into college, my friends and I were worried that we would lose touch and drift apart. We created a group chat and keep each other updated. Our lives are so different now that we are at different institutions, but we update each other almost on a daily basis now; it feels like we're with each other. My closest friends are 3,200, 568, and seven miles away from me, but I have never felt more connected and close to them.

2. Your first semester friends may not be your friends for life

Being brought to a new place, with new people, everyone is in the same boat as you; they're just as much afraid and confused as you are. You meet people during orientation and welcome week, and become friends with a few people in your orientation group. By the time first semester is at its pinnacle, you realize that you don't really connect to those people as much as you thought you did. As awkward as it was at first, I have come to accept that that is OK. College is about finding who you are and where you fit into the big picture. (But sometimes you may see them in the hallway and still feel extremely awkward...)

3. Sometimes people leave

This was one of the hardest things I learned. Not everyone may be as happy as you on campus. When I thought I found the perfect place for me, some of my friends didn't feel the same way as me and wanted to transfer. It becomes hard for both people in the end, but the best thing to do is support their decision, no matter what. Does it hurt that they wont be sitting with you at the dining hall next year? Yes, but your happiness comes from theirs and distance doesn't mean you can't be friends.

4. Netflix is life

This is probably the biggest truth of any student on campus. For parents, I'm sorry, this is the generation you birthed and raised. For us students, Did you see what Bourke said to Christina? On a serious note, Netflix is a good de-stresser and past time when you just want to have some down time. It's a great way to start finals week, but take it from me when I say binge only after finals week is over. Netflix. Enough said.

5. Dining hall food is not that good

Coming from someone who lives by the term "live to eat," it's safe to say that dining hall food is not as yummy as it looks when you arrive on accepted students day. When you eat the same type of food everyday for eight months trust me when I say, it gets old fast. The biggest excitement is going home and eating a delicious home-cooked meal by mommy dearest. (Tell her that too; she might even make your favorite dessert!)

6. Separation anxiety is normal

As a child, I dreaded going to daycare because I had to be away from my parents. That doesn't make anyone a baby though. College is a huge deal; you're leaving the nest for the first time, living on you're own, and won't be able to see you're parents' smiles everyday or hug them everyday. It's sad at first but after sometime, it becomes easier. I struggled with it my first semester and I wish I could say that it's avoidable, but it's just something you'll have to go through. One thing to never forget is that they love it when you call or text them. Talking to them helps a lot and hanging out with friends helps to fill the emptiness.

7. The library becomes a second home

I'm not joking. Especially during final exams, I take "camp out" to a literal level. Last semester I brought my fuzzy blanket, a pair of fuzzy socks (a must have), snacks, a phone charger, and my NorthFace as a make-do curtain against the window. My suggestion: get to know the library really well during the semester, so by the time finals come around (which won't be long) you'll know where the upstairs couches are.

8. Late night deliveries are easily one of the best things invented

It's disappointing that I never really use all of my dining hall credits because I'm always ordering out at places like Grub-Hub, Dominos, and for all those sweet teeth out there, Insomnia Cookies. There's a Dominos about a mile from my campus and never once have I been there, because of mere laziness. (Deliveries are so much easier right?)

9. Clothing effort is downward sloping

If we're going to put this in economic terms, we could say that correlation between motivation and clothing effort has a direct relationship. This means that as motivation decreases, so does the effort in clothing and vice versa. Although, motivation on campus doesn't ever increase so it's mostly just downhill.

10. Summer vacation is bittersweet

I remember summer vacation being the highlight of high school but it's hard to say in college. Home is obviously home but college feels like home too. College has all your friends and reminds you of all the memories you had. At the same time you're also so excited to spend four months at home with your family and see your friends from back home.

But like I said, it's bittersweet...