I remember starting out college three years ago; it was exciting because I was starting a new chapter in my life but it was also terrifying because I was completely starting over. Time went on and more people moved into the residence halls. I made new friends and spent the following days getting to know them and soon classes began. As the year progressed I focused more on classes and getting to know the people I was spending time with. But whenever I called home, it seemed the only thing I was asked about was whether or not if there was a boy in my life. I didn’t end up entering a relationship until my sophomore year, but I can’t seem to bring myself to regret holding off on dating after I started college.

1. Explore New Experiences On Your Own

Take a trip with your friends off by yourself and try things you never would have in a relationship. When I start seeing someone, I put off trying things I want to in favor of what he wants to do. By taking some time for myself I was able to do things I always wanted to do and not what someone else wanted to do.

2. Learn About Yourself

We are at an age where we are still trying to figure out what kind of people we are and I find that hard to do when I’m in a relationship. I wanted to figure out who I was by myself instead of who I was with another person. This tends to happen when your trying new experiences; so, play a video game, watch a movie, take a weekend away. Do whatever it is that helps you discover something new about yourself.

3. Define Your Own Views

Research topics and policies on your own and find your own views and stands. It’s better to know how you feel about something than to just take someone else’s. Before, I would just go with whatever stance my family took but now I know I don't necessarily agree with them.

4. Cultivate Friendships

Spend time working on the friendships you have. In the end, relationships will come and go but friends will last a lifetime. So get together and order some pizza, pull out the cookie dough from your fridge, and enjoy a nice movie night together. These are the times you will always remember.

5. Learn To Be Independent

It’s important to know how to live on your own because, as sad as it is to think about, things change and you can find yourself alone. It’s always good to know that you can survive on your own and still be happy.

These are just things that I learned when I took time for myself and stayed single for a while. By the time I entered a relationship, I knew what I wanted and what I was looking for. It’s a great benefit for everyone to take some time for themselves.