It's official — As of this Thursday, I will have been in college for one week. I always knew a lot could happen in a week, but I never anticipated how big the adjustment to college life would feel in the first week alone.

1. If you didn't know how to live independently before — good luck. You'll figure it out pretty quickly.

From small things like getting up on time to big things like figuring out what to do if you're sick, living completely independently for the first time can be a rough adjustment. There's definitely no one around to guide you as much as you're used to at home or to take the fall for your mistakes. It's a good life lesson and one that's best to conquer sooner rather than later.

2. It may feel pretty surreal that you're actually in college.

If you're anything like me, the hype for college has been building for a long time. You've spent all summer packing, and maybe even years anticipating what college life would be like. Now you're finally here! Even after a week, it still hasn't fully sunk in that this is my life now, and it's not just another orientation session that I'll go home from in a couple days.

3. You can try to learn names, but there's a slim chance you'll see all the people you met on the first day again.

It may sound bleak, but it's the truth. Everyone will be super eager and outgoing in the first few days, especially if classes haven't started yet, so don't feel bad if you lose contact with a lot of the people you thought you would be close with. After getting into the swing of things, everyone (including you) will fall into their own niche.

4. 8 a.m.s are never a good idea, no matter how early you got up in high school.

"Oh, I used to get up at 6 a.m.! I can do 7:30 no problem!" I kid you not, this was my thought process when I registered for classes and chose two 8 a.m. classes. Worst mistake ever. It's funny how optimistic you are until you actually have to roll out of bed and walk across campus while everyone else is still asleep.

5. "Pinterest" rooms don't stay that way for very long.

As cute as your room may look on move-in day, it won't stay that way when classes start. From freaking out about what to wear on the first day to trying to navigate your first load of homework, your room is bound to become a reflection of the crazy lifestyle change you're making. Just try to pick up the dirty clothes and plug in your fridge and you'll be fine.

As hectic and overwhelming as it may seem, the first week of freshman year is kind of awesome. It's your first chance to start over, and no expectations are in place yet. So work hard, play hard, and start the year off right.