1. The workload is tough

This isn't high school any longer where your teachers hold your hand and walk you through everything. The readings, the essays, the tests and class discussions are challenging. Nothing is memorized anymore, the work is about applying sources to prove an argument.

2. You are fully responsible

If you begin to slip with your grades, it is your responsibility to advocate for yourself. You have available to you a plethora of help resource centers such as a writing lab, group or one-on-one tutoring and a success coach all inclusive with your tuition. You have plenty of resources at your fingertips to be successful, it's how you utilize these tools that will benefit you.

3. Budget your time

Have an essay due at midnight? It's probably not smart to go out with your friends and/or party that night. Making a daily planner will help you manage your time for school work and social events.

4. You really do make your best friends in college

As a extroverted person, making friends comes natural to me. However, entering a new setting with new people became scary for me. After becoming friendly with classmates, I have grown so close to people who share the same interests as myself. We help one another through our difficult classes and enjoy our time spent together. I have truly made some wonderful friends at Rider!

5. You have to take classes you don't really want, to pave the way for the classes you do want to take

I'll admit, the classes I took my first semester I didn't select, I was placed into. While I made the most out of my time with those courses, they weren't the specific classes I wanted to take. In order to take the courses intended for my major, I must participate in the General Education classes that pave the way for my major.

6. The gym will become your best friend

As the stress builds from your workload, take advantage of working out at the gym to alleviate stress while becoming a healthier you.

7. You will get tired of the dining hall's food

If you live on campus, the dining hall's menu becomes a little redundant after a while. You miss the home-cooked meals and family dinners spent around the table.

8. Go out of your comfort zone

Join clubs and organizations that will not only spark an interest, but will challenge you to become a better version of yourself. Try a club sport, mingle with students of different ethnicities and majors and go to as many sporting events as you can to support your school and classmates.

9. Don't be afraid to speak your mind

Yes, the professor may come off intimidating, but just think, if you don't contribute to the conversation, you could be missing out on a big opportunity to let your voice be heard.

10. Be aware of how much you spend

As a college student, we especially know the struggle of budgeting our money. Keep in mind how much you spend and make wise purchases.

11. NEVER procrastinate

Personally, I was never a procrastinator. The minute an assignment was given, I began to brainstorm possible ideas. The longer you wait and put off the work, the more difficult it will be to complete your assignment, as then you feel pressured to get the work done. Your best ideas come when you have time to think.

12. Prioritize

School work comes before partying. You are there to study and walk out with a degree. You aren't there to solely have fun. Balancing a proper study system and social life is possible.

13. The more you say "I hated high school" the more you'll miss it

I loved my high school. I had what I believed up to that point, the best four years of my life. As we progress into a more independent, rigorous lifestyle, it is okay to reflect on your time in high school and visit your old friends and teachers.

14. Don't be ashamed to call your parents

Call your parents and tell them about your day, good or bad, they want to hear from you. You are their pride and joy, if you get a good grade, brag about it. Tell them about the friends you have made, the events you attended and the challenges you overcame.

15. ENJOY your 4 years in college

You chose this school for a reason, enjoy it! Go to the sporting events. Go to a party (but be responsible!). Go hang out with your friends.