“I’m gonna die alone with 30 cats!”
“If we’re both single by 40, we should just marry each other.”
“If I want to have kids by 28, I should be married by 26, so I should be engaged by 25, which means I need to find my husband by next month.”
Or you can just be twenty-something and single.
Sometimes being single is the best thing you can be, especially in college. Now more than ever is a time for growth – personal, social, professional – and stressing over finding a romantic partner can hold you back from how rewarding college can be.
Fortunately, being single is a completely valid and respectable choice.
Navigating life in your twenties is scary enough as it is, let alone while pressuring yourself into a relationship you may not be ready for or truly interested in. There are so many things that college has to offer that aren’t necessarily available once you graduate. Exploring this developmental stage of life on your own terms can be overwhelming, but also extremely rewarding. Learning more about yourself is the first step in becoming the very best you.
Cherish your time with friends. Communities like this won’t last forever. Living in the same place as your best friends is something to be cherished, so grab a pillow and head over to a sleepover! Meeting people has never been easier, and your new bestie may live right down the hall. Introduce yourself to everyone around you – even seniors can make new friends. Sometimes relationships can make us forget how special our friendships are, and they need just as much attention and appreciation. Play pickleball, grab a Trenta, no foam, five shot half-caf, no foam, pumpkin spice latte with no foam at 210 degrees (to our Scream Queens, this one’s for you), or host a watch party for the newest season of DWTS!
Find your niche. Being single forces you to learn more about yourself than ever before. Spend time in your own presence; figuring out what you like when no one else is around is the key to becoming more comfortable doing things alone. Being in your twenties is the best time to dive deeper into what makes you tick, and you may even find yourself doing things outside of your comfort zone (we’re proud of you, by the way). Taking yourself out to dinner, going to a movie theater alone, or even something as simple as grocery shopping by yourself creates self-reliance and confidence. Falling in love with your own company is a beautiful thing, and taking this time alone will never be something to regret.
Work hard, play hard. Ah, yes. Networking. (Sorry – trigger warning!) Not nearly as fun, and definitely frustrating, but this can help you with jobs after graduation. Scheduling coffee dates, booking time with advisors, and seeking out internships is a great investment in your future. Joining different clubs on campus is always a great way to make new connections and enjoy what your tuition is already paying for (might as well get a free T-shirt out of it, right?) As fun as college can be, setting yourself up for success in the future is never something you’ll regret, and staying busy with extracurriculars can bulk up your resume!
Explore your new home. Being so close to the city giveso West Chester University students the opportunity to immerse themselves into Philadelphia’s bustling atmosphere without being too far from campus. This is your space for the next four years, so go out and enjoy it! The surrounding towns and cities have so much to offer, and they’re just a train ride away! New cities can offer insight into what you might not have known about yourself. You may find out whether you prefer mountains over beaches, or the countryside over the city. Exploring all that West Chester has to offer can open doors you may not have thought to seek out. Our study abroad programs are another great way to explore an entirely different world, exposing various cultures, allowing you to adapt to new challenges, and seeing parts of the world you may not have the opportunity to see again.
Now, can you do all of these things while also being in a relationship? Absolutely! But if you’re worried that you’re missing out on the college experience by staying single – we’re here to reassure you that you aren’t! The right time will come, and until then, keep working to be the best version of you! (We think you’re pretty awesome already, by the way!)