29 Things I Learned in My First Semester of College

College is a weird time, especially for freshmen. High schoolers may also be freaking out about how their experience will be. So here is my experience after my first semester at university. And there's stuff I am still learning too.

1. Be patient. You're going to have people around you doing all different things. You may not go out, but your hall mates will. Learn to let go and let them be. Unless they're screaming in the hall or having loud parties next door until 3 AM. Then talk to housing staff.

2. Do all the extra credit you are offered. Most professors only have three to four exams and a final. Take whatever extra credit you can get and do everything to keep your grades up.

3. Time management is key.

4. Find a good pair if headphones. Some noise cancelling ones preferably. Those will be your best friends.

5. Coffee will be your other best friend. That or caffeinated tea. Trust me.

6. Eat well. It doesn't have to be a salad every meal, but find the healthiest options you can that you like. The "Freshman 15" is very real, but you can lose that weight with healthy eating habits.

7. Exercise. This goes along with eating in preventing that "Freshman 15." It also helps with stress relief and focus among a million and one other health benefits.

8. Take chances. Nothing illegal and nothing that could jeopardize your health, grades, or future. But remember that when a moment passes, you can never get it back.

9. You don't have to be best friends, or even friends at all, with your roommate. But make an effort to somewhat get along.

10. You're most likely not going to remain friends with all your high school pals. Even the ones who go to the same college as you.

11. Take a chance on everyone. You'd be surprised who could become the best friend you've ever had very quickly.

12. Colleges will want your living situations for next year very quickly. Don't panic. Just get it done before rents go up.

13. Look for ways to contribute to your city/community. You will feel like a part of the community when you start to give back. That and volunteering efforts are great to put on a resume, especially if it corresponds with your major.

14. Skipping class isn't bad, just don't make it a habit. If you only show up for a couple classes you're screwed. There are things on your exams that won't always be on the PowerPoints.

15. Hand sanitizer is your third best friend.

16. Exam season isn't that scary. As long as you are maintaining your grades in class, the finals should be okay.

17. Many professors are there to complete research requirements. That being said, it does not matter to them whether they are good professors or not so long as they get their work done. And with that being said, you will have some bad professors. Just work hard and beat them by beating their class.

18. Find the study style that suits you best. I have another article that I wrote with some different study habits you can implement.

19. Have someone in every class you can text to ask questions/study with.

20. You will get homesick. Yes, you can find your group, but chances are you'll spend the first semester drifting and asking if you're the one person who isn't enjoying things. You're not. You will find your group eventually.

21. Get to class at least five minutes early.

22. 8:30 AM classes aren't that bad.

23. 6:00 PM classes though... suck. It is a total pain.

24. Find something small you can do that makes you happy.

25. Budgeting is very important. So is saving. If you get a paycheck or allowance of any kind, put some towards savings and don't touch it.

26. Be open to everyone's likes, dislikes, thoughts, feelings, and opinions. You do not have to agree, but respect it. You will meet people who have all different hobbies, opinions. Different religious/political views. As long as they are not preaching that we should kill each other, respect it.

27. Keep your dorm neat. Make your bed everyday. A clean room = clean mind. A clean mind = better studying.

28. Do your laundry every week.

29. Only bring what you need. If you find that after two to three weeks you haven't used it, send it home. Dorms are tiny.