College is a time with a lot of change. From moving into a place you've never been to having to self-motivate, being out of the house and into a new environment can be intimidating. One of the most nerve-wracking parts of this brand new experience is the people. Making new friends is one of the hardest things to do, especially when everyone is new, uncomfortable and trying to find their place. It's like the first day of high school all over again, which is the last thing a lot of people want. Picking your friends is one of the most important parts of your school experience, and I've got a few tips and tricks that I've used over my four years of high school to make good, long-lasting friendships.

1. Know that the first people you meet often aren't going to be your friends for all four years, or even the first semester.

When you're going to a new place, you will automatically want to cling on to those first few people that you meet. You're all equally new and uncomfortable, and that makes a fast friendship on a somewhat rocky base. It is OK to let these people go once you meet people who are true friends, ones that you share values, interests, hobbies and other things with. Don't limit yourself to this small group of people that you don't really know all that well.

2. You aren't going to like everyone you meet, and that's OK.

Many people think that you have to get along with every single person that you meet, talk to or have classes with in college. That is incredibly incorrect. Sure, you should be civil, but that doesn't mean that you have to be their best friend. No one is going to make you be friends with someone that you dislike in the real world, and college is no different. You might think that you're "being fake" by being nice to people you dislike, but that isn't a bad thing. There isn't a point to being mean to people you dislike who haven't done anything to you. You don't have to surround yourself with people that you don't like just because they're there.

3. Do not be friend with people who make you feel less than you are.

When I was a junior, I became friends with these two girls who absolutely ruined my life. They made me feel like I had to agree with them at all times, that I wasn't allowed to have my own opinions about anything. They were, to put it bluntly, mean girls. Because of their influence, I ended up pushing away my best friend (who luckily forgave me) and I don't want anyone to go through that feeling. If you're friends with people who make you feel like you have to agree with them so you don't get attacked, they aren't true friends. Don't feel obligated to stay with those people. Better people will come along, and they will make you happier than those "mean girls" ever did.

4. You will never be able to completely avoid the drama, and that's OK.

There is always going to be friend drama. Whether it's over boys, classes, family or anything in between, there will be drama. And that's OK. These struggles lead to stronger friendships and better communication skills. They help you learn how to make your way through struggles and how to interact with people in the real world outside of college. There is no point, however, in starting petty drama for no reason. That will make people dislike spending time with you and not want to be friends with you anymore, and that's never a good thing.

5. Always be true to yourself, even if it means you only have a small group of friends.

A rule of thumb: quality is better than quantity when it comes to friendship. It is much, much better to have a few really great friends rather than a lot of not so close friends. Those few close friends will be your guidance and support system, the people who always make you feel better in a crisis, the people who will eventually be your friends for the rest of your life. And that's the most important thing to have for your four years.