Never "stick by her side." A girl should stick by YOUR side. If she wanders off, you don't chase her. Do your thing, talk to your friends, talk to other girls, etc. Just do what comes natural, while keeping in mind that you're there to have fun, and not to follow her around and leech off her energy
You've been here since June, I'm surprised you'd even suggest something like "sticking by her side." That mindset makes her the leader and you the follower