Congratulations! You have made it through four years of high school just to go back to school again! Except this school is completely different from high school. You chose your college because it feels like another home to you. You are going to be spending the next two to four years here and you want to make sure they are great ones. Here are a couple things that are going to go through your head that first year of college that some people don't tell you.

The first feeling to consume your mind is excitement. Of course you should be excited about the college you are attending. You wouldn't have chosen your college because it was boring. You chose it because you're excited to go there and continue your education. Plus, you're excited to make new friends and buy things for your dorm room. The list of exciting things is a long one.

With excitement, though, comes homesickness. The fact of the matter is that as excited as you are for college and being on your own, you're going to miss home. You have lived at home for so long that not living there feels strange. Maybe you haven't had a roommate before and living with someone for the first time seems like a daunting task. The truth is, it is okay to call home and talk to your family from time to time. Even if you don't think so, they miss you too.

One of the hardest tasks about going away to school is making new friends. It is especially challenging if you are the only student from your high school attending your college. You are certainly not alone, though. There are many other students just like you that want to make friends. Sometimes your first friend is even your roommate. It is important to realize that your group of friends is out there and even if you don't meet them the first day, don't lose hope. Your group is out there and they are all ready to be your friend.

Although having a social life at school is very important, it is more important to remember why you are attending college to begin with. You want to come out of there with a job, and to do that, you have to hit the books. You're going to be spending many nights at the library in order to get your work done. This can seem overwhelming at first, but splitting up your work into little chunks can make the workload less stressful.

Lastly, it is crucial that you make time for you! It is impossible to spend all your time with your head in the books. You need to make time for some relaxation. Grab a couple of the awesome friends you made and head to a sporting event on campus or a social gathering. Getting out of your dorm room and seeing what your campus has to offer is a great way to clear your mind and even meet more amazing people at your college.

There is no guide book to your first year away at school, but just remember that you chose this college to be your second home. Make the most of the time you spend here because it certainly goes by fast.