It's hard to believe that eight months ago I left home and began my journey in college. It has been, without a doubt, the best eight months of my life. I have learned so much about myself and wouldn't trade the friendships and memories I have made for anything. For those of you about to graduate high school, unsure of what this new phase in life will bring, you can expect...

1. Awkwardness

Bam. Right off the bat. First, you'll go through some form of orientation which will be anywhere from a weekend to a week of ice breaker games and soft smiles as you attempt to make friends. It sucks, but it strangely works. The four people I suffered through Welcome Weekend with turned out to be my best friends, and now I can barely go a week without seeing them before I miss them an unhealthy amount. Not only is there the awkwardness of making friends, but you also have to figure out a whole new lifestyle. Where's your favorite place to eat on campus? Where do you like to sit in the cafeteria? Where's your favorite place to study? The beginning of freshman year is two months of this awkward in-between lifestyle where you're trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

Whether you change for the better or worse, is for you to decide, but change is inevitable. For the first time in your life you are handed all of this freedom. You realize that you can eat a whole medium pizza on your bed and binge watch Dance Moms, and your mom can't walk into your room and judge you. A word to the wise, though: with freedom of choice comes responsibility of actions. Your parents aren't there to sweet-talk you out of a situation, or use their connections to save you. You're on your own. If your 2 a.m. pizza and Netflix binge leads to you failing organic chemistry, there's no one to blame but yourself.

3. Make Mistakes

Freshman year is about finding a balance between an active social life, studying, going to class, and making time for yourself. Sometimes, you'll rule your life like the boss you are, and sometimes, you'll call your mom whilst laying on the floor eating Cheetos. Stay humble, and cherish when you're living large. Be hopeful, and learn from your low points.

4. Let Go

It's true what they say, the people in high school don't matter once you graduate. The cool girl with the flawless hair and great fashion means nothing when you go to different schools, and no one in college cares. But, be prepared to be let go of in a way that stings a little more. Sometimes the people that let go of you are people you once considered close friends. Usually, these are a blessing in disguise. It hurts that your friend walked away, but you look back on it and often realize that it was toxic friendship with them always being at the center of attention. Sometimes the friends that you came to college with drift away, too. Suddenly, you're once-a-week Thursday pizza night slows down and then becomes nonexistent. If someone really wants to stay in your life, they will make an effort to be there. Make an effort to be in theirs, too, but realize when they don't want to be yours.

5. Stress

You see the posts, the funny memes, the crying gifs, but nothing compares to actually going through it. You'll look back and realize that the one pre-calc test you stayed up and until midnight to study for and complained about how you need "#coffee" is a walk in the park compared to now. The week before finals is filled with big projects you forgot from your syllabus, and your last tests or essays for the semester. Finals week is then filled with that big test or portfolio which is anywhere from 20-50 percent of your grade. You won't truly be able to understand it, until you live through it. Be prepared, and don't let it sneak up on you!

6. Life-Long Memories

College is all about trying new things and testing your limits. After just one year, I can see why they say that college is the best four (or five) years of your life. Get involved on your campus, after all it is your new home. Join clubs outside of Greek life. Going Greek is great, but don't forget that are other clubs on campus, too. Don't be afraid to try new things, get out of your dorm room every once in a while, study hard, and don't forget about your parents. Make the most of it!