I’ve been exactly where you are — my freshman year was anything but a cakewalk. I had my share of struggles and hated feeling so alone. I had trapped myself in an endless cycle of comparing my loneliness to all of the happy, friend-filled, and care-free pictures I saw on Instagram. What I failed to realize is that everyone has their difficulties and worries — nobody has it all figured out, or feels happy and fulfilled all the time. The great thing about college is that this is the time to try new things, find your passion, fail (yes-fail), learn from your failures, and focus on becoming the best version of yourself.

Here are a few of my tips to make college your home away from home:

1. Give it time; patience is a virtue and it’s hard to wait, but it is so worth it.

I don’t mean wait around and do nothing, put yourself out there and seek out genuine friends who want the best for you.

2. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

This point is cliché and cheesy- but it’s so true. Talk to someone new or take a class that looks interesting and if it counts towards your major — bonus!!

3. Join an on-campus club or organization.

Whether it’s Greek Life or the basket-weaving club, find something that interests you and you’ll meet like-minded people. (No bias, but rush ZTA)

4. Have fun within reason — partying is fun, but remember why you’re at college in the first place.

My parents give me this lecture every time I go back home but it’s true. You’re at college to get an education. Of course, you should make some great friends and memories along the way. So yeah, have fun! Just make sure to stay on top of your work.

5. Learn to say no.

This seems counterintuitive to my point in writing this article, but FOMO is a normal part of life and you have to keep your priorities straight. Learn when it’s appropriate to say “no,” even when it’s tempting and you really don’t want to miss out on something. This is college, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to make up for times when you had to say no to something fun and exciting.

6. Worry about yourself.

Seriously, stop caring so much what other people think of you. This is your college experience — no one else’s. Don’t let other people’s judgments get to you and, likewise, don’t judge other people’s choices.

7. Be positive

You attract the energy that you put out into the world. Life’s too short for negative people and not investing time into the things that you really love.

I don’t have college all figured out — I am by no means an expert at making friends and being all “sunshine and rainbows” all the time. I hope that wherever you go to school, whatever your major is, and whatever clubs you’re a part of, you always remember that you matter. It will get better. Good things take time.

As my idol, Ron Swanson, put it, “Never half-ass two things, whole ass one thing.” So get out there and whole ass your college experience!