'College' and 'relationships' aren't usually the most popular combination, especially when you are first starting out. For one, college students have this speculation that in order to "live it up" in college, you have to be single! In order to focus on yourself and figure out who you are, having a companion will not do!

However, incoming or current college students that have this mindset usually end up bringing up experiences from past relationships. Let's be real, a freshman in college is not much "older" than a senior in high school, and their high school experience is still fresh in their mind.

When that boy who went to that party when he promised he wouldn't, or when that girl kissed your best friend...those are the experiences we remember going in college, and those are the experiences we try to avoid. Who needs that extra weight when college is already so stressful?

With all of this being true, there are some things that contradict this mindset. In reality, if you are a freshman, although not even a year out of high school, you ARE out of high school. Things are different. Everyone is in the same boat as you. They want to better themselves, they want to figure out who they are, and they want people in their lives that will help them do all of this. They want to have fun, but they are tired of the games; they had all of high school to participate in them!

Honestly, college relationships aren't that bad AT ALL. It's different. It's different because 99% of the time, it's not forced. Unlike high school, you aren't desperate to get into a relationship, so if you find one, it usually means it's important. If you meet someone within your first month of college, don't be afraid (like I was) to give it a shot. Because once you do, I guarantee it will be amazing!

Since it's not forced, it has a lot less expectations. It's not about walking around in his football jersey, or having all her friends wish they were the one dating you. It's about two people and only those people. You start realizing that you're with that person because you have a lot of the same interests, not just because you go to the same school. You start caring about their goals and dreams, instead of just making sure you have a prom date.

Once you find this, you will realize that it does not restrict you from anything. It may not be the experience that you thought you would have, but you will be reassured with your decision once you experience how cool it is. You will actually end up learning things about yourself and coming into your own, just with someone by your side!