Building confidence is the first step to making friends in college.

Whether you’re from a small town or big city, going away to college can be frightening. During the first week of school, you will tackle three huge things: your first party, your first day of classes and your first week officially away from home.

Finding your classes on the first day may be a bit confusing. This is the perfect situation to get to know someone new. During my first day of classes, I found another freshman that was just as confused about the location of our class as me. We teamed up to find our class and during our small adventure we learned cool things about each other. That first bonding experience stayed with me for life, and every time we see each other we smile, both remembering that moment.

During the first weekend, you may want to find the best partying spots on/off campus. A party is the perfect way to find new friends. Do not be intimidated by upperclassmen because they were once in your shoes and they understand the stress of being a freshman. Have that confidence to go up to anyone start a conversation.

The first week of college is the perfect time to make new friends, due to the excitement about the summer, new school year, and seeing old friends. Use this to your advantage to be as active and confident enough to talk to new people and try new experiences.

Remember, coming into college you can become whoever you want to be, so having the confidence to make a new name for yourself. In order to truly experience life you have to take risks that may seem terrifying. If you do not take those risks you would probably have some regrets. College is the time where you want to remember the best moments of your life. If you don’t know where to start then create a bucket list, it is a great guide to keep things interesting in your life. It also keeps you on your feet to keep exploring new things.