Three weeks before I left for my freshman year at Rowan University, my roommate dropped out. And while I will never blame her for doing so, I was ultimately petrified at the thought of going to college with a roommate; a lifeline to save me from the craziness of the upcoming semester.

I had anxiety the following weeks leading up to move-in. Every time I thought about leaving my hometown for a university two and a half hours away, knowing absolutely nobody, I was frozen with fear.

Then, I got there.

I forced myself to go out, interact with people on my floor, and meet up with new friends that I had met online. I joined Odyssey in hopes that I could meet other incoming freshmen who also had an interest in writing and English.

I went completely out of my way to invite another Odyssey writer to the freshmen football game, in the rain, completely pitch black outside.

I met a friend of a friend who's living in a single this year, who had the same exact fears I did going into the first weeks. I met people who have completely different majors ranging from computer science to business to geology, by going to Midnight Breakfast in the dining hall.

I am still friends with most of these people today.

I met people who I awkwardly pass in the hallways when we see each other, avoiding all forms of communication possible because I saw them at a floor meeting, but never actually had a real conversation with them.

I've come to realize that everyone begins college in the same circumstances. We were all away from home. We are all utterly scared out of our minds from new classes, new friends, and the total independence we were suddenly granted.

I've also come to realize that, for the most part, if you just smile and find a common topic to talk about, you will be okay. Everyone is afraid of being that lone man out the first couple of weeks, so everyone is desperately trying to interact with as many people as possible.

It still holds true to this day, when I'm in a new class or club. If you're really stuck for a topic, complain about how tired you are because chances are, the person next to you is, too!

After all, you're in college!

My point is that, in order to make friends, you need to put yourself out there a little bit. The opportunity for new friends is there, but only if you're willing to make the initiative.

Don't hole up in your dorm for the weekend thinking people are going to waltz up and knock on your door. Don't be super nervous because everyone is in the same exact circumstances.

Just be open to the new experience you're about to enter. Remember that you might not meet your best friends the first day, or the first week, but you'll meet people who will change you.

That's what a huge part of what college is all about.