I was once you. I came into college as an undecided major, two friends from high school and a roommate I never tried to get to know. I didn’t join any organizations and I couldn’t find a friend that would stick. The thing is, I’m extremely introverted, so making friends for me is much harder than it is for most people. I would get to-go meals a lot and stay in my room, while my two other friends would be out making new friends and joining organizations; I felt totally alone. If you’re reading this and are going through something like this, I want to let you know that it gets much better.

Don’t give up on the college because you haven’t made any friends yet. Freshman year of college and many will agree, is the time to be yourself. Sometimes it can be a little scary to put yourself out there, but a lot of new college students do. In my opinion, freshman year is hard for students because you’re only taking core classes. Most of the time, the people you see in your core classes are only in your life for that one semester, and that’s okay. Once you start major classes, you’ll start to see familiar faces and it will force you to interact with those people; you will have something to talk about with them.

Get an on-campus job or join an organization. Easier said than done, I know, but sometimes those jobs or organizations will force you out of your comfort zone. Look for an organization that you would enjoy to be a part of and most of the time, the people a part of that org will make your college experience worthwhile. Getting a job on campus will not only get you some pocket money, it will also get you to do something every day. Part of the problem for me was that I would stay in my room after classes and willow in my friendless self.

Go work out. I know, I know, working out isn’t always fun. I always hated working out, but my freshman year, I would go to the campus rec and bike for an hour. Not only does it make you feel good about yourself, but you’re beating the notorious “Freshman 15.” If you don’t like to work out at the rec, walk some trails. Finding trails on your campus lets you appreciate your school’s beauty. If your school doesn’t have trails, walk the campus to discover different routes or buildings you didn’t know existed. Who knows, you could discover that you’re really passionate about working out and could join a group (because there’s a group for literally anything).

Go to your school’s events. Those events are, most of the time, super fun. You get to experience the school’s atmosphere and chat with people there. You don’t have to go to all of them, but pick some of the ones you like and live it up.

But most importantly, find yourself and do what makes you happy. You’re not at home anymore, so you don’t have to try and make everyone you know proud. Go to that party, meet with those friends from class, do what makes you happy (but don’t do something stupid or dangerous that could hurt you). Now is the time to live your life how YOU want to.