Going from a senior in high school to a freshman in college is a major transition period. It can often be just as scary as it is exciting. Leaving your family and your friends behind is scarier than expected and sometimes you may feel like you have no idea what you're doing. The best part about college is that no one knows what they're doing either.

Here are a few things I've learned in my first month of college that I wish someone had told me earlier.

1. It's okay to miss home.

Everyone is going to have a day (or many days) where all they want to do is go home and sleep in their own beds. Some days you may feel it more than others, especially when your friends are home and you feel like you're missing out. It's okay to feel like this. College is a time to learn and grow but you aren't supposed to be perfect at it to start.

2. No one else knows what's going on, so stop stressing.

When you first move in, there's always going to be those people who seem like they've already been in college for months and have everything figured out. I promise you, that's not the case for anyone. Although some struggle more than others, every single person is starting over at a new school with new people have don't always know what to do.

3. Always be willing to hang with anyone.

Going into college without any of my friends, I was terrified of being that awkward girl who was left out. The best thing I did my first week here, was going to eat with a bunch of girls on my floor. I didn't know a single one of them at the time but now, I'm friends with all of them. Making new friends is what college is all about and the only way to do that is to through yourself into new situations that expose you to new people.

4. Learning to manage your time can be challenging.

Everyone looks forward to college because there's so much free time and no one is standing over your shoulder telling you what to do. Yes, this can be nice when you don't want to study, but it can also be a lot more difficult than expected. Keep an agenda and write everything down. There is always a million things going on in college and it can be hard to keep up with your classes. It takes time but try to remember why you're in college in the first place before you spend 5 hours shopping on a Tuesday afternoon when you have a test the next day (guilty).

5. Stay true to yourself.

Everyone always says that college is a time to grow and change into a better version of you. Yes, this is true. I've only been here for a month and I've already noticed myself growing up and changing some things about myself. The important thing to remember is who you are. Growing up doesn't mean changing all of your values and becoming a whole new person. Stay true to what you think is right and don't do something you're against just because you see others doing it. Grow into a better version of yourself but keep your values close.

6. Don't lose touch with your high school friends.

Everyone has that close friend group from high school that they can't imagine living without. Although my three best friends and I all ended up at different schools, I truly think I wouldn't be surviving college without them. Your friends from home have known you your whole life and love and care about you. Although you're all doing your own thing and making new friends, it's important to keep in touch with your old ones as well. Keep that group text poppin' and don't hesitate to give one of them a call on your way to class. Trust. me, it will feel good to vent to them.

Although there many random things I've learned since being here, these 6 are what I think are the most challenging. To me, college seemed a lot easier than it actually is, and that has been difficult at times.

It's important to realize that everyone is going through the same thing and you aren't alone. Your friends and family will always be there for you even if you're 358 miles away like me. Stay true to yourself and remember why you're there. College is such an amazing time but it definitely has its difficulties.