Always take care of yourself first because you can not help anyone if you do not help yourself first.

I am the absolute worst with this as I will literally give the clothes off my back before realizing I'm giving way too much and not taking care of myself.

Some things I try to do to take care of myself first are Run, read, sing, listen to music, go on a walk with my dog and do workout classes. These are just some of the things that help me feel stronger and complete and without doing them I definitely wouldn't be of much help to others.

Do not make everything about you and really listen when someone is reaching out to you

The absolute worst feeling is reaching out to someone or opening up and them just not paying attention to you. When someone is opening up to you, it's probably hard for them to do so- so make sure they feel listened to and if not understood, at least guided.

It can be helpful to relate what someone is saying to an experience you've had, so that you show them you have perspective and they feel that you may understand better, but don't turn it into being about you. If you need to talk about something you will have your turn, but don't take someone else's moment.

You may have a thousand things going on yourself or maybe you feel a bit uncomfortable with the information this person is disclosing to you, but try your best to not check your phone or doze off while they are talking. It hurts.

Check in on your friends

I know life is crazy and it can be easy to forget to check in on friends, even the ones you are seeing almost every day at school. Sending a quick text asking a friend how they are and asking if they need anything could quite literally make someones day that much better because they feel like someone has their back.

I like to make people happier, however I can, so something I like to do is cook or bake for my friends, especially if I know they may be down and need to feel like someone cares.

For the friends that may be away at a different school or studying abroad, sending them a quick text or snapchat saying you miss them will make them feel appreciated, even though they aren't there.

College is an extremely stressful time period and not many feel they can open up, because everyone else is just as stressed if not more. It is so important to make those around you feel like they can talk to you about anything, whenever they need. To me, that's a good friend; someone that's there, not always because it's impossible for anyone to always be there, but to be there when they can.

Find your friends love language, because it may be very different from your own 

Like I said before, I like making food for my friends because I feel like it may make them feel loved and appreciated. However, this doesn't apply to everyone and it doesn't apply to every situation. Some people are huggers and simply giving them a hug when you see them will make their day a little better. Some people do not like touching that much, so simply being there and having a conversation with them might make them feel better.

Everyone is different and has different needs, and paying attention to your friends and their needs is so important.

That being said, it is important to understand your own love language so that you can tell others when you're feeling down and what you might need to feel better.

Don't just be there when it's convenient for you 

I think the best friendships are those that are mutually giving and receiving. If you're only reaching out to certain people when it's convenient for you, you're not being a great friend. Sure, you might not always be able to give, but you certainly shouldn't always be taking. Friendships are mutual and both people should be getting something from it.

Like I said previously, it's impossible for anyone to always be there, but you can be there at some point and you should be. Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes.