In the months leading up to my departure for college, I think I broke down, at least, a million times thinking of the people I would be leaving behind. However, I cried the most when I thought of not seeing my best friend every day like I had in high school. After all, she was the one that got me through boy problems, bad decisions, family troubles, and an endless number of other things. More importantly, she was the one that I could celebrate all of life's amazing moments with, too. How would I survive without her? Well, it turns out that a little bit of separation made our friendship a whole lot stronger. Although the list is constantly growing, here are 10 perks of going to a different college than your best friend.

1. You can always count on their unbiased advice

Had a fight with a roommate? Avoiding your boyfriend for being a jerk? No need to fear! Your unbiased best friend is here! Since she isn't there every second of the day, you can explain the situation to her and let her help you with how to get past whatever predicament you might be in.

2. When you begin to make the distance work, you realize that neither of you is ever giving up

3. Your mailbox is finally not empty

Just when you were starting to think that they gave you a mailbox for absolutely no reason and maybe even that no one loves you enough to send you mail, your best friend comes through for the win with a sweet "missing you" note or your favorite candy.

4. Surprise visits are the best visits

5. Reuniting is so much sweeter

You never have to worry about being alone on your weekend home. Your best friend is nine out of ten times willing to drop all plans to reunite, and when you do, you'll make awesome plans for your time together. Sometimes these awesome plans are just ice cream and a movie, but it's exactly what you need.

6. You have a chance to branch out, even together

Not being glued to your best friend's side gives you the chance to meet new people. It's an added perk when you can introduce each other to new friends and all hang out together.

7. You can complain about how bad your week has been and argue about who misses the other more

8. Your phone is never dry

You no longer have to pretend to be texting someone while waiting awkwardly for your food to arrive. Having a best friend miles away means you always have someone happy to hear from you. Also, if you're trying to solve a problem that cannot be communicated through text, a FaceTime call is extremely easy and almost as great as being in person (although totally not).

9. When they visit you, you get to play tour guide

When she comes to visit you for the weekend away at college, it's a lot of fun showing her around the place you now consider home.

10. Distance makes the heart grow fonder

Not seeing someone every day doesn't make you forget them. It makes you remember them for who they are. That is, how absolutely amazing they are. If your friendship outlasts distance, it can make it through almost anything.