You learn a lot within the four (or maybe more) years of college. Transition is inevitable, no matter what school you go to or who you choose to socialize with. People say the majority of what you learn in college is outside of the classroom, and they’re not wrong. Here are a few of those lessons that I learned in college.

How to Balance It All

When you start off in college, there are so many new things going on. It can be hard to choose between going to a football game with your friends, or staying in to study. If you decide to join intermural sports or a student organization, balancing that with academic work while still trying to have a life outside the classroom can be pretty hard to manage at times – whether it is spending time with friends, nurturing a creative hobby, or exercising. Learning how to prioritize is one of the most important lessons to take away from college life. It is a skill you will take with you as you enter in to a work environment, and even beyond that.

Hard Work Really Does Pay Off

There is nothing you can’t accomplish with a little hard work. When you set a goal for yourself, you are fully capable of making it happen. It may take sleepless nights, blood, sweat, and probably a few tears, but if you work hard enough you’ll accomplish what you set your sights on during your college tenure. It can sometimes be hard to see past the now of a situation, but shifting your mind to see the full picture is what is going to keep you motivated and your head held high. In the end, you’ll be able to take pride in yourself, not only for reaching your destination, but for the journey it took to get there.

Anything is Possible

There are opportunities around every corner while you’re in college. Whether it’s studying abroad for a semester, or landing an internship in the city of your dreams – anything is possible when you are both determined to make it happen and put a carefully laid out plan in place to move towards your goal. College is the one time in your life where you’re main goal is to learn about the world, about yourself, and figure out what will be important to you as you enter the “adult world.”

Put it Into Perspective

Realize that what is important to you now, as a college student, is not likely to be as important to you as you experience new events in your life. If you think something is must-have-can’t-live-without-not-going-to-change-your-mind, then take a minute to read this great post on Quora about “What is the single insight that most changed your life?”. This type of perspective is important to keep in mind. You’ll need to continue to reassess what’s important to you in life as things like career, family, and children enter the picture.