College isn't hard, but some things make it hard. There are times when you just want to go home, but then what type of person would you be? You've made it this far so you might as well keep going (and you're paying a lot of money).

Unless you're going to a local school... you're not going to have friends. Luckily, you're not going to be the only one in this situation, and somehow it seems way easier to make friends in college than high school or middle school. To be honest, one of your first friends in college is going to be your roommate and if you're lucky you guys will stay friends. But if you don't join clubs and get involved you'll never make friends that'll last because these are the people who have the same interests as you. Those are the good ones. (Shoutout to Milka, Natalie, Maggie, and Mary). Not only get involved but try to be a leader. It is never good to step on anyone's toes or burn bridges, but it is good to get your name out there and make yourself known in a good way. The thing is to go to a bunch of things you're interested in for like two weeks and then narrow it down to like two or three things that you're going to commit to for the rest of your college career.

Another thing that is hard to accept is when you come back home things won't always be the same. The atmosphere especially. People will all of a sudden want to hang out and make plans as if you were ever close to them. Don't do it, haha. You may want to rebuild relationships, but the best thing is to spend time with your friends who have always been your friends and your family. But you have to understand that their lives went on when you were gone, and things are different. I cannot stress enough how good it is to have good relationships with your family because those people have no choice but to be there for you. I can't even tell you how many times I wanted to and did break down because I wanted to see my family. Being 2000 away is nowhere near easy.

Relationships are hard. But add college in the equation and it'll test your relationship like nothing ever has. It takes compromises and understanding and sacrifices and if that's not what you're looking for then don't put someone else through that. But college doesn't ruin relationships; it tests loyalty, and some people fail. But don't ever feel as if you need a boyfriend or a girlfriend because now more than ever you should be worried about yourself and what your goals are.

College is a time to figure out who you are and what you really want so take full advantage, and things may not be how you expected them to be but take charge and make a change. Be excited about the new chapter you're starting in your life. I say, try everything at least once.