It’s normal, actually.

So your first semester as a college student wasn’t so great. Perhaps you didn’t get the GPA you expected yourself to get. Maybe you still feel lonely despite the fact that you are surrounded by thousands of people every day. Maybe you feel stuck trying to decide what major you really want to pursue.

Here’s the thing: that’s all okay.

It’s normal for freshmen to not fully enjoy their first semester. It’s a whole new change. You’re on your own but still dependent on your parents somewhat. You have full control of what you do, and you have more responsibilities on your plate than you’ve ever had in your life. It’s a huge jump from high school to college, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Most freshmen claim they will never be homesick, but it does in fact happen. It happens quite often, especially when you’re eating dorm food for the thousandth time and wishing that it was your mom’s home-cooked meals instead. You never truly can be prepared for college. You just have to let college happen to you, and you’ll get used to it eventually. Maybe.

Honestly, your college experience definitely depends on your attitude. If you have a habit of being pessimistic, chances are that you’re going to hate wherever you’re at. You’ll consider transferring, but deep down you know you’ll probably hate it there too. If you have a habit of being annoyed with people and just isolate yourself instead, chances are that you’re going to feel lonely. You can’t make friends when you’re hiding from them, right? Everyone deserves alone time, but the fun thing about college is that you’re constantly surrounded by old friends and new people to interact with. It’s a time to find who you are and what you want to do with your life.

So, first semester wasn’t that great. Here’s the thing – it’s over. There is nothing you can do to change it. Take this time to reflect and realize what you liked and didn’t like about your previous semester, and try to find ways to fix what you didn’t particularly enjoy about your college experience.

Here are some ways to fix your college experience if…

You feel lonely.

This is a typical thing to feel as a freshman. You’re most likely at a huge state college, and you just don’t know where to begin with friends. Starting new friendships is awkward for everyone, but you have to embrace it at some point. Your whole college experience shouldn’t be remembered as you just chill in your room with Netflix.

Join a club that focuses on something you enjoy. Hang out with a classmate you sit next to that you think is pretty cool. Get out of your dorm and stay out later than you usually would. Go explore your college town with new friends. Get lost. Go on a short road trip. Do SOMETHING with people. Push yourself to be a part of new experiences. Future you will thank you.

You feel pessimistic.

Attitude changes everything. If you think everything sucks, eventually it will. Focus on the positive. No one likes to hang around a constantly negative person because it becomes a burden to them.

Remember how blessed you are to be at college. Lots of people don’t get the opportunity to go to college, so reflect on that whenever you feel overwhelmed and annoyed with your workload or your roommates. At least you get to be here.

Look at the positive in every situation. It’s hard at first, but once it becomes a habit to think positively, you will never go back.

You feel dumb.

This is common. SO COMMON. College has the ability to make the smartest person from high school feel like an absolute failure in academics. College is a whole different workload than you will be used to, and it just takes some time to adjust.

If you find yourself struggling with classes or the work, refer to the on-campus tutors and talk to your professors. Your college WANTS you to succeed. Don’t feel like all the homework is meant to hurt you. It’s meant to help you become a successful college student.

You feel homesick.

It’s okay to feel this way, and you’ll eventually get over it. Try avoiding going home every weekend. You won’t get to know anyone if you’re never there. Call your mom and dad often, but stay in your college town. You’ll get used to being away from home eventually. Everything just takes time.

There are tons of other ways to improve your college experience, but those are just a basic few. Honestly, college is just something to get used to, but don’t feel like college isn’t for you based on just the first semester. If you’re considering transferring, wait it out a semester. Change your attitude. College can and WILL get better if you just change your perspective on your life.

I hope you have an excellent second semester as a college student! Make tons of new friends. Step out of your comfort zone. Still find time for yourself to recharge, but don’t isolate yourself. Focus on grades (that’s why you’re here). Focus on the positive, and forget the negative.

These are the best years of your life, you know. Make the most of them.