There are a few things you hear about before you start college. You're always told to hit the gym a few times a week and watch what you eat so you don't gain freshman 15. And you're told to step out of your comfort zone in order to make new friends. But what I was told most was to go into college single.

All of my friends who had done it said it was great. College boys were cute, smart and driven. Those of my friends who kept their boyfriends during college said it was the worst thing they could have done. "Do yourself a favor and stay single," they advised, "college is way more fun when you're not tied down to someone far away." The phrase stuck with me, and I remembered it through the majority of my final two years in high school. I was persistent on staying single through college in order to provide myself the optimal experience that my friends told me I would have.

But things change. Towards the end of my senior year of high school, I became involved with someone who I ended up liking more than I initially planned. Even though I decided long ago to keep my relationship status at "single and ready to mingle" for college, I put that aside and stick it out with my boyfriend. And let me tell you, I am so glad that I did.

There's a lot of things that my friends hadn't mentioned before about the downsides of being single in college, and thankfully, I don't have to be a part of that.

Thank you for helping me do my best.

College is tough, but having a boyfriend who can help you study makes it much easier. Whether it's helping you study for a test or telling me whether some sentences in my paper sound awkward together, you are there for me and wants me to succeed. You're basically my own little motivator at all times.

Thank you for helping me stay sane.

When stress overcomes you and roommate problems have you minutes away from a mental breakdown, there is nothing more comforting than hearing my boyfriend's voice telling you that it will all be okay. It really helps you keep it together for a least a few more days until the much needed weekend comes.

Thank you for being down to do fun stuff.

When the weekend rolls around, there's nothing better than spending time with your friends. But most of the time, they have something else to do, such as club activities, work, or their parents are visiting them for the weekend. Having a boyfriend means they're obligated to do all of these things with you, and most of the time, they're more than willing to do it. Whether it be getting Chipotle and watching Netflix all night or going to a concert in the city, you're always down to have a good time with you.

Thank you for being there for me during my highs and lows.

Whether it's acing the test I thought I'd fail or the one paper I needed to pass I end up failing, you are there for me. It could be to celebrate or to give me a shoulder to cry on, your willingness to help me through both times is more than appreciated.

Thank you for listening to my stories.

Although they may not be important, you listen to all of my stories. Not only has it taught me that you're a fantastic listener even when you don't have to be, but it has taught me the importance of listening to others whether or not what they say is important.

Thank you for supporting me.

Sometimes I get frantic thinking about the future, and I question whether I'm actually in the correct major or if the study abroad I want do is appropriate for my major, you're there to help me through all these minuscule troubles, and you help me in the end choose the thing that is best for me.

Thank you for not breaking my heart.

While college is filled with hookups for most people, nothing is more comforting than knowing that what we have won't be a silly one night stand and I won't end up crying at the end of the night. Your arms are always welcoming and feel like home, and I'm glad I can crawl into them any time I please.

Thank you for teaching me the values of a relationship.

College is all about personal growth. While some people are unsuccessful at growing together, I'm sure glad we did. I have learned more from this relationship about being a better person than I could have in years prior. I've learned about being kind, compromise, and the how precious time is. Although I could have certainly learned on my own, I'm glad I had the best teacher I could have asked for.

Thank you for making me happy.

A smile on my face or the laughter that explodes from me when you do something cute or funny means the world to me. It can easily make my day better no matter what the situation is.

Nothing has been more important and helpful to me than to have my boyfriend by my side. He has been a teacher for me about life, school and myself. While I certainly would have survived listening to my friend’s advice about staying single in college, I am glad I stuck to my own instincts and stayed with my boyfriend who has made my experience amazing. There's nothing I would change in the world. So when your friends say to you that staying single is the way to go, politely acknowledge it, but go with your gut. It could lead to something beautiful.