Going away to school was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Being away from home has taught me who I am, who I aspire to be and how I'm going to get there. Going away to college has taught me some of the most valuable lessons. Here are eleven lessons I learned my freshman year of college:

1. It's okay to be awkward.

Everything and everyone is awkward the first few days of school. But, to make friends, you need to make that uncomfortable first move and introduce yourself... in the end, you'll end up bonding over how awkward you both were.

2. Stand up for yourself.

You deserve it.

3. Step out of your comfort zone.

You can never be truly happy if you're always afraid to let go of what's comfortable.

4. Ask for help.

No matter how hard it may be to admit, you are eventually going to need help in one of your classes, college is hard! Your professors are there to help you, and they see how much you care when you ask them for it.

5. Getting away from home is a good thing.

Even though it's hard being away from everything you've ever known, being away from home is a good thing. It teaches you who you really are.

6. Change is a good thing.

You don't learn anything if everything remains the same. Change is good and necessary to grow.

7. Take advantage of your resources.

Whether it's the writing center, the tutoring center, or the counseling center, your tuition covers all of these resources for you. Take advantage of them while you can.

8. Get involved.

There are so many different clubs and organizations to join at school. People have so many different interests, and you'll make a lot of friends right away if you share the same interests and are part of the same clubs and organizations.

9. Time management.

Between classes, homework and having a social life, everything is hard to manage. If you have to schedule in your shower one day, so be it!

10. It's okay to be homesick.

Sometimes you'll get a phone call from your dad asking if you need anything and then you'll start bawling because you didn't realize how much you missed him; it's totally okay.

11. Your friends and family will always be there for you.

As a shoulder to cry on, as an advice giver, as a person to vent to, your friends and family will always be there for you, even when you're miles away.