This past week has been a whirlwind in my life, between move-in day, meeting almost a thousand people, and trying to remember how to get to each building on campus. During orientation, I was forced to meet other members of Xavier University’s class of 2020, and honestly, I don’t remember any of their names. It’s a jam-packed weekend of advice and forced politeness that definitely got on my nerves, but come Monday morning when I realized I was on my own, I missed orientation. Classes started, and I thought that I wasn’t fully prepared for what was to come.

With the help of my five new best friends and orientation leaders, I actually got through my first week of college! It was great to have people to eat every meal with and spend the weeknights with who had similar interests to me, and who genuinely enjoyed spending time with me. I didn’t know how easy it would be to make friends in college. In high school, everyone had cliques and an assigned group of people that they were friends with. In college, all freshmen are in the same boat of being on their own for the first time, so everyone seems to naturally get along. I’ve known my friends for about a week, and I feel like I’ve known them my whole life.

I’ve learned that it’s also important to set boundaries for yourself while in college. Making friends and having fun is great, but if you don’t feel comfortable in a situation it’s ok to remove yourself. Your friends will understand, and if they don’t then they aren’t actually friends. I’ve already learned that real friends will have your back no matter what the situation, and they will do anything to help you.

I’ve heard from many people that college will be the best four years of my life, and if things keep going like they did this week, I know they’re right.