College is one of the biggest transition a person will make in their lifetime and we are all experiencing that now firsthand.

As a first-year student these past two months have been incredibly hard, and it has also been the time of my life.

There are a variety of factors that make this transition difficult. For many the hardest part in transitioning is the climate, or for others it could be leaving their hometowns for somewhere unknown.

This new sense of freedom is hard to get used to. For many, this is the first time they can make adult decisions for themselves without the consent of their parents. This may be challenging for some, but can also give students a newfound sense of freedom.

College serves as a time for students to transition into becoming responsible young adults, something that will serve them well post-college.

Naps have never been a necessity, but they are very quickly becoming so. Homework expectations are much higher than high school and stress levels have been through the roof. Managing class work, studying for tests and a social life is a tedious task.

Students who were at the top of their class in high school may now realize that their college classmates have the same academic ability as them. Good grades in high school were easier to get with a smaller amount of effort. This is not true in college.

Many become stressed when classes demand a lot, such as when several tests or large assignments occur in a week. This will only increase as we get closer to finals week.

For many students it is difficult to get into a routine, and ask for help when needed. College students must accept responsibility have to apply self-motivation to succeed.

One of the most difficult parts of being a first-year student is getting used to living with a random stranger that you may, or may not, get along with. Learning how to navigate this relationship is an important learning experience for all first-year students.

It can be difficult to find your place in a new community, but joining clubs or playing on a sports team help integrate students into the campus and are a lot of fun. By branching out and trying new things, students are able to make new friends and build lasting relationships.

First-year students have just started to experience the greatest adventure of their life that is college, and will continue to make memories that last a lifetime.