As the end of freshman year approaches, the number of existential crises I experience is growing exponentially. Regardless of your academic year, school, or social standing, I think it's safe to say there is a universal standard of how your college years should be spent.

In my humble opinion, that standard is, in a lot of cases, wrong.

1. Believe it or not, you actually don't need alcohol to have fun!! (What?!)

Whether you're over 21 or not, there's no doubt that a big part of "the college experience" includes a spectacular nightlife overflowing with fake IDs, drinks with questionable amounts of unknown liquor in them, and a plethora of "How did I even get home last night?" moments. In my 8 months of experience, I've gathered that, while these things are unquestionably part of the stereotypical college culture, they aren't the only means of having unforgettable nights, and making incredible memories.

If going out every weekend is your idea of a good time, if that's how you blow off steam after a long week, if that is the epitome of "fun" for you, then by all means, you do you. But, I've learned that just because you don't want to go downtown every weekend, just because you don't want to go to every frat party, just because you'd pick a night in with Netflix over a hangover infested "day after," it doesn't make you any more or less of a college student, or any better or worse of a person.

2. Everyone does academics differently.

If you're the type to bunker down with Starbucks, Insomnia Cookies, and your Biology textbook for a comfortable all-nighter at the library, good for you! If your body is capable of functioning on minimal hours of sleep, and it's productive and effective for you to stay up all night before a big exam, learn every ounce of material you need to, and ace that bad boy while running on caffeine, adrenaline, and an immeasurable amount of newfound knowledge of the cardiovascular system, that rocks!

But, if your body is literally incapable of functioning on less than 8 hours of sleep, if you can't study for more than an hour or two at a time, if cramming before a test isn't your style, that's fine too. Coming into college, a few people told me that the ceremonial first "all-nighter" spent in Thomas Cooper Library was, quite literally, one for the books. This sent my sleep-loving self into a miniature tail spin. If flashcards and sleep deprivation don't work for you, so be it.

3. You do not need to join every student organization, get a 4.0 every semester, triple-major, and begin planning your U.S. Presidential Campaign by the end of sophomore year.

It's scientifically proven that the more involved you are with a group (your college, a specific organization, etc.), the more rewarding that experience will be. However, that being said, if you don't feel like you can handle spreading yourself pancake-thin, don't do it. Everyone's capabilities are different, and if being super involved in your sorority or fraternity is fulfilling enough for you, then let it be. If you can get a part-time job, excel in academics, and find a handful of student organizations that you enjoy being a part of, that's awesome, too. And while I definitely recommend getting as involved as possible, by maximizing all the incredible opportunities your university provides to you, I also think that sanity is fairly important as well. Just because your chapter's president is a member of an honor society, three service groups, and has made Dean's List for the past 4 semesters, doesn't mean you're failing. Your personal priorities are just that: personal.

4. Shockingly enough, you neither have to commit to a long-term relationship, nor go home with a different person every night, in order to "live it up".

In today's "hook-up culture," (read more here), it's no secret that often the best way to culminate a fun night out is to successfully leave the bar with the person you've been making eyes at for the last 45 minutes. It's also true (especially in the South), that "ring by spring" is no joke. But here's a cool secret: you are actually allowed to leave a bar with the same group of friends you came in with, and it's surprisingly acceptable to graduate college without an engagement ring on your finger. That being said, if hook ups are fun for you, YOLO swag, do your thing. If you were fortunate enough to find the love of your life during your 4 years at college, that's honestly so great. But don't stress yourself out if you find yourself halfway through Junior year single, and maybe not even really mingling. Do whatever makes you feel good, comfortable, and happy-- regardless of which end of the "love" spectrum that choice falls upon.

5. Just because "you're only young once," doesn't mean you have to spend your "young years," doing what the general public wants you to do.

Some say your twenties are your selfish years-- a time to focus on personal growth and new experiences. Some say this time is the best time to get involved in your community, philanthropies, and things greater than yourself (read more here). Regardless of which side you take, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to generalize your attitude about your college experience. If your goal for these beautiful 4 years is to remember as few nights as possible, meet as many new people as you can, and cherish the freedom and lack of real-life responsibilities that this time has, then good for you. If you know what you hope to get out of your time here, you have every right to pursue that. But if you would rather focus solely on academics, making life-long friends, and growing as a person, that's equally as valid. Neither of these choices are bad ones, and you are completely entitled to prioritize your decisions as your little heart pleases.

So, regardless of whether your ideal first date is a wild night downtown, a relaxing night in, or neither of these because the last thing you'd want to do is go on a date, that is A-OK. You are entitled to whichever type of college experience you prefer. And just because your preferences are a little different from others', doesn't mean you're "doing college wrong."