As the school year draws to a close, students rush around campus trying to tie up their loose ends. There are exams, projects, housing selection and the bittersweet moments of our senior friends moving on; all of this often prompts students to reflect on their past year and the lessons they have learned, both good and bad.

When I think of who I was a year ago compared to where I am now, it’s almost startling - because I’ve grown so much as a person. I know, I know, it’s so stereotypical to say, but this year I’ve learned many things from many wonderful people and many sticky situations. Not all of it was good, but these are the eight most important things I’ve learned from the end of my senior year of high school to the end of my first year of college.

1. Making an effort to maintain relationships is essential.

My friends from high school are like family to me, and this year I made an effort to talk to them (like, actually talk) once a week. Because schedules are so busy and so many things can change at once, you have to make a conscious effort to keep in touch with those people you care about. This includes family members too! Also, time apart from friends will make you appreciate and value your time together even more.

2. Organization is key.

Honestly, I’ve always been a pretty organized person, but I didn’t realize how necessary it was until I had two papers, a project and an exam all due within three days. Organization equals success, as long as you don’t procrastinate half your night away (which is also something that I definitely do).

3. Take school seriously

Luckily, at my school, a lot of people understand the importance of academic success - even if we play as hard as we work. That being said, I’ve seen so many people who constantly show up to class unprepared or treat their classes as a joke. This isn’t okay. College is a privilege that not everyone is granted, so don’t waste it.

4. Make time for yourself.

It’s so easy to get caught up in class, clubs and a social life. This often leads to feeling completely overwhelmed. Make sure you’re doing what you want to do, and that you take some time every now and then to just be alone. Whether it’s through meditation, writing or exercising, it’s important to take some time to reflect and decompress.

5. Have fun while you're here.

While academics are super important, there’s a reason people call college the best four years of your life. Take advantage of it! Once you graduate, you won’t be able to do a keg stand on a Tuesday night anymore. It’s so crucial to let loose every now and then.

6. Do not waste your time on crappy people.

I can’t tell you how much drama I’ve witnessed from people who showed up to college, met a couple people, declared them their best friends and stuck around them, even if they were really toxic. People are going to be rude, but you don’t have to fill your environment with them. It’s perfectly okay to take some time to find your own group where you fit comfortably. In fact, I even think it’s better.

7. Budget, budget, budget.

Dear God, have a budget. Have. A. Budget. H. A. V. E. A. B. U. D. G. E. T. I don’t know how many times I have to say it to get the emphasis right. Take it from someone who currently has $3.86 in her bank account: budgets are a necessary evil to financial stability.

8. Take chances.

This has always been something that’s really hard for me to do, because I’m always so scared of things going wrong. In fact, I stayed so sequestered to familiarity my entire first semester, that I made myself miserable. Yes, change is scary. And yes, things aren’t always going to be happy or good. But you have to take chances if you want to go anywhere in life. Go to that party. Say hi to someone new. Grab the spotlight at open mic nights. If you don’t take the opportunities that are presented to you, they’re going to stop presenting themselves. This is something that I am perpetually learning and working on, and I wish it was something I had realized sooner.

My first year of college went by so quickly. Although I know I’m not the best person to be giving advice, I know that I wish I had someone to tell me these things a year ago. After all, so much can happen in 365 days.