“Your college years will be the best times of your life”. This well-worn cliché has been trotted out so many times, it triggers eye rolls in some people.

However, it is undeniable that there is a lot of truth in that statement. Below, we’ll run down just a few of the reasons why you should be excited to start your freshmen year.

1) Starting again with a clean slate

In high school, just about everybody knows your business. In college, nobody will know your back story, meaning that people you meet will judge you on the content of your character rather than on your reputation.

2) You meet people from a variety of backgrounds

Unless you are attending a super-tiny private college, you will be in an environment where there are many thousands of people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

This makes it easy to find friends that get you, challenge your prejudices, and broaden your horizons.

3) Belonging to a Greek organization

Looking to develop deeper friendships during your time at college? Seriously consider rushing and pledging a fraternity/sorority.

With anywhere from a few to dozens of houses to choose from, there’s a group of guys/girls out there that’s right for you.

Once you get initiated, you’ll be able to wear super cool greek clothing that will make you feel like the king/queen of campus.

4) Freedom from your parents

From the moment you were born, your parents lorded over your every move. In your later teens, though, this amount of control becomes tiresome.

College will be your first taste of freedom, and it will feel … good. For the first time in your life, you get to call the shots.

It isn’t always perfect and you’ll make plenty of mistakes, but there are few moments in your life more exciting than the moment your parents pull away from your dorm for the first time.

5) You can explore countless interests

Astronomy. Photography. Cricket. Anime. These are just a few interests which have clubs dedicated to them on campus.

Join one. Join a lot. Explore your curiosities – there’s no telling where they’ll lead you.

6) The social events

From Halloween parties to sorority formals to last class throwdowns, the calendar of campus social events is diverse and action packed.

Have fun, meet new people, but don’t go overboard – that essay won’t write itself, after all.

7) You have the opportunity to study overseas

There is more to the world than just America. Fortunately, most colleges offer study abroad programs that allow you to complete your courses on the other side of the globe.

From Brisbane to Brussels, the possibilities for cultural immersion are endless.

8) You actually get to learn

The sorry state of secondary education in America means that if a subject isn’t on a standardized test, it isn’t taught, and most lessons are taught by rote.

In college, your professors will encourage you to think critically, allowing you to grasp concepts that can’t be appreciated simply by being memorized.

9) Meal hall (sometimes)

Crispy chicken burgers for lunch. The ability to go back for seconds (or thirds!). Soft-serve ice cream machines. Theme nights.

While there are low lights in the rotation of any meal hall, when they get it right – it’s magic.

10) College sports

Think you experienced school spirit when you cheered on your high school football team? Wait until you tailgate outside a stadium for hours and sing school fight songs before filing into a stadium with tens of thousands of fellow students/alumni/local sports fans just as hyped as you are.

Fasten your seat belt.

11) Sleeping in

Hate being dragged out of bed by mom after hitting the snooze button for the third time? Yeah, you won’t have to worry about that anymore.

Unless you have a mandatory class that’s scheduled for 8:00 am, you can build your class schedule so that you won’t have to wake up before 10 am if you don’t wish to do so.

12) Midday naps

Sometimes, you can’t avoid waking up early (stupid mandatory classes). Unlike high school, though, you can go back home and nap between classes. Ahh, blissful slumber!

13) A deeper dating pool than at home

Dating can be a bit of a drag during high school. Limited partners, psychotic Dads – it’s a minefield out there.

At college, you have thousands of potential mates to pick from, and you won’t have to worry about keeping up appearances with near-homicidal fathers.

14) The feeling of accomplishment

There will be times in college when your back is up against the wall. You have 12 hours to finish a term paper that’s worth 30% of your grade. If you don’t ace the final, you’ll get an F.

When you pull off these miracles, though, the feeling of accomplishment will make you feel like a champ. And when you walk across the stage to pick up your degree when you graduate? Damn.

15) You’ll have a new appreciation for home and your folks

When you leave home, it might not be soon enough for you. Given the constraints your parents place on you while growing up, it’s understandable if you hold some resentment toward them.

After trying to make your way in the world without their help during your freshmen year, though, you’ll see them in a whole new light.

Appreciative for what they have done for you over the years, your time away will do much to strengthen the relationship between you and your parents.