College, to the eager and anticipating high schooler, often seems like a flurry of constant action, excitement, and togetherness. At a large, diverse university with a huge campus culture and much to offer, it is easy to assume that life will immediately change for the better, and that the given independence and lack of restriction will result in zero moments of unwanted isolation.

But here’s the truth.

College will be an incredible new chapter in your life. You will learn a lot, meet a lot of different people, and experience new things.

But you will also be alone at times. And you will feel alone.

There will be instances where you are surrounded by no one, and it seems that everyone else is surrounded by many friends, having a wonderful time. There will be times where you are sitting alone in a dining hall, walking alone to events and spending nights alone in your room. There will also be times where you choose to go out with a huge group of people, but still feel so very alone and disconnected.

During these moments, college may feel like a letdown. You will feel homesick. You will miss your old friends, your family, your old life. You may start to believe that you are lonely and that you need to constantly be surrounded by good company in order to be fulfilled and happy.

Although the company of others is something all humans desire, it is important to understand that there is a difference between mere acquaintances and meaningful relations, as well as a difference between being lonely and just being alone. You can be absolutely alone, but not even the slightest bit lonely, because you are able to enjoy the greatest company of all: yourself!

In college, the opportunities are endless. There are speaker events, career-planning seminars, entertainment, parties, clubs and organizations, and more. Involvement entails making new connections, but it also means connecting with yourself on a deeper level, discovering the different facets of your mind and soul, exploring your interests further, and learning to cherish yourself -- the person that is closest to you and needs you the most.

The next time you feel pressured to go out on a Friday night out of “fear of missing out,” or are beating yourself over the fact that you are alone “too much,” remember that you are not necessarily lonely, and take these instances as opportunities to spend time with yourself.

1. Remember what you were passionate about
Art? Music? Writing? Don’t shy away from the solitude of your room, and figure out what you love, or re-connect with the passions you lost touch with. Whether this means writing in a journal and reflecting on your past, present, or future aspirations, browsing the internet for things you are interested in, or joining organizations that serve your hobbies, you will feel refreshed. You will have rediscovered the driving forces in your life thus far, and have an incredible time -- all alone!
2. Research your college website and be on the lookout for events
Trust me, there are dozens a week. Make sure you attend events with speakers or panelists and build a network. You don’t need others to do this. You only need yourself, physically and mentally. Go utilize the education you are paying for. You won’t regret it. Have an open mind, and you will gain a new inspiration that you will carry with you for the rest of your career.
3. Bored?
Go to the gym. Go to a dance class. Go join a sports team. Stay active and physically healthy, because this will mean you are mentally healthy as well.
4. Alone in the dining hall?
Trust me, you are not the only one. Either embrace this moment of peace and solitude and sit alone, listening to music, catching up on articles, reading ahead (or behind) for classes, or simply eating in peace and contemplating life. Or you can find another person sitting alone, and approach him or her. College is huge. You have only met a tiny proportion of the diverse students who attend your school. Why not meet more? Maybe you’ll form an unexpected, but meaningful and lasting friendship.
5. Call your parents and siblings
Call your relatives. Skype your friends from back home. You will realize who matters and who doesn’t. Distance isn’t a barrier. Make sure you are confident in the company you surround yourself with and in the relationships that persist because that’s how you’ll know you aren’t truly lonely, even if you are miles away from some of the people who will always be there for you.

Ultimately, college will be an extraordinary part of your life, and the experience will come with many highs and lows. You will face peer pressure, doubt yourself, lose interest in certain things and form passions for other things, and grow immensely as a person. It is not incorrect to expect great things out of college and to expect that you will meet hundreds of new people and make several new friendships.However, don’t expect to rarely be alone. While you are forming new relationships, make sure to deepen the relationship you have with yourself. The key to defeating the plaguing sensation of loneliness is in understanding the types of relationships that truly matter to you and recognizing that being alone doesn’t necessarily mean you are lonely.