These years are critical for personal growth. You learn how to be responsible in terms of getting things like homework done, how to balance friendships with personal needs and academics, and how to be independent. And you’ll meet a ton of new people who can significantly influence how those experiences turn out. While you’re in charge of your own emotions, the people you surround yourself with also affect your attitude: positive friends lift you up, while negative friends bring you down. Try to build friendships with people who support your goals, bring joy to your life, and genuinely want you to thrive. Skip the “friends” who criticize or limit your development. Look for people who are honest, kind, and comfortable being themselves; if you’re not sure where to start, you can sign up for a club, sorority or fraternity, or activity like your college newspaper to find friends who have similar interests. Or you can focus on prioritizing current people in your life who care about your well-being and like you for you.