You hear about it in movies, on TV, and from most people who have attended a university—college is the best time of your life. But, what most people don’t tell you is that it’s not always red solo cups and “Project X” parties. There are a lot of stressful times, many of which are spent cramming for exams and moments where things just don’t seem to go your way. Maybe you’re kept up the night before a midterm by the guys partying in the frat house next door, or you’ve come down with the flu and miss your mom’s homemade chicken noodle soup dearly. I’ll admit, I’ve shed some tears during my (almost) four years as a college student. But, what’s made the bad times and, more importantly, the good times all the better is having a boyfriend that has been there for me through it all.

It’s oftentimes engrained into our heads that college is the time to be single because we have the rest of our lives to be tied down. But, I disagree. Of course, if your significant other is blowing up your phone when you’re out with your friends, that is totally uncool. But, when a relationship is healthy and genuine trust is involved, it is definitely possible to get the most out of the college experience and be in a relationship at the same time. Because, let’s face it, a relationship in college without trust is as doomed as Ronnie and Sam on Jersey Shore. And if you’re reality show obsessed like me, you know that one was a lost cause.

What I’ve learned is that having a significant other during college actually can make this unique period in our lives even more fulfilling. Motivating each other when school gets tough, Netflix marathons, lunch dates, and most importantly, sharing the once and a lifetime experience that is college together has made my boyfriend and I even stronger as a couple.

So, if you’re unsure whether or not to put a label on it because you’re in college—remember, being single is fun and all, but what’s even better is having someone to dance the night away on Saturday with, and brunch it out on Sunday with.