I think one of the biggest college clichés is that college boys are so much better than high school boys. Although I have seen that to be true, it doesn’t make dating college guys any easier.

I used to have this mindset that, because I was in college, I had to have a steady boyfriend. After all, that’s what college is all about, right?

Although being kissed under the clock tower on homecoming night and becoming a “True Wildcat” with your special someone sounds idyllic, I’ve learned that there are a multitude of reasons being single in college can be great.

Better Grades: A movie that you have been dying to see just came out and your honey texts you asking if you wanted to see it that night.

You sigh with a little smile, thinking how positively perfect that would be, but a quick glance at your desk and its huge stack of textbooks reminds you of the numerous assignments you have to get done before class tomorrow morning.

You decide to go to the movie after all. Before you know it, it’s 1 a.m. and those assignments are still not done. Sound familiar?

When you aren’t dating anyone seriously, it’s easier to devote more time to your studies and get that 4.0 you’ve been striving for.

More time to devote to hobbies: Reading and writing have always been two of my biggest passions. When I got in my first relationship, I learned that I didn’t have as much time to sit and enjoy a good novel—or write one for that matter.

Although there wasn’t necessarily anything wrong with that, I learned that I missed my favorite hobbies.

Being single frees up much more time to do things you’re passionate about. Being in love can indeed make you happy, but doing something you love can have the same effect.

More Money: Perhaps this is a selfish reason, but when you are single you have more money. Without budgeting for dinner dates and anniversary gifts, you’ll find you can save quite a bit of that almighty dollar.

When you don’t have a significant other to think about, you can use your money to splurge on an outfit or put it aside to save up for that road trip you’ve been dying to take during spring break.

Try all 31 flavors: I once had a leader who told me that when it came to dating, it was important to “try all 31 flavors.” When you aren’t just devoted to one person, you have the opportunity to date around and find qualities you like and don’t like in a person.

Perhaps this person talks about chemistry way too much for your liking, or the way that one treats children is absolutely adorable! How will you know which personality traits you like best if you don’t get to experience them all at least a little bit?

Be confident in your own self worth: Given the fact that I am not a guy, I’m not exactly sure what they think when they don’t have a girlfriend. However, I’m afraid I have experienced the doubt in my looks and abilities that comes from not having someone fall at your feet and make you feel priceless.

Being single gives you the opportunity to learn how to be confident in the fact that you are wonderful, amazing, smart, talented and beautiful, simply because you are you.

Dating and having a significant other can be one of the best experiences, but so can being single. This is college, it’s supposed to be the time of your life! There is so much to learn and experience.

Don’t let this amazing time pass lamenting the fact that you don’t have a honey to share it with. When the timing is right, he or she will come, I promise.