Since I’ve come to college, I have made so many great friends. Being on a small campus, you get to know everyone fairly quickly. Being able to walk from your dorm to your class and saying hi to ten different people is exciting and rewarding. Engaging in conversations and having fun with people is a huge part of college that sets it apart from high school. You have a better basis to be able to invest in relationships than ever before. The friends I have made are extraordinary and there’s so many reasons that I have come to love them. Here are ten reasons to love your college friends…

1. You get to see them every day.

You have classes with your friends, you have meals with your friends, you go to events with your friends. It’s a major blessing to be able to spend time with your friends every day. You can build great bonds and make the best memories. It’s hard not having your family with you every day, so your friends are a close second. They become like your second family through the years.

2. Sleepovers are whenever.

Being one door down or a few halls away allows for a girls' night any night you need it. You don’t have to ask permission and there’s no driving involved. Walk over in your PJs and you’re all set to go.

3. Finding connections are easy.

Being at the same school, you’re probably going through similar classes, have the same professors, and experiencing the same college things. There are immediate connections you can make and it’s awesome conversation starters.

4. Coffee dates are the best.

Honestly, coffee dates are a gift from God. Taking a little time out of your day to have a heart to heart with someone you haven’t talked with in a bit is so relaxing and rewarding. And it’s also great that there’s so many locations on campus that this date can be. Talk about life and just be free of all worries. Coffee and friends…what could be better?

5. Adventure is out there.

In my time at school, I have been on so many fun adventures with my friends. These memories will honestly last a life time. You get the opportunity to explore and do new things with one another. You’re in a new place and there are so many things to explore around neighboring towns and cities. Take advantage of the beauty of freedom and make memories.

6. Having a crisis? Your friends are a walk away.

Your friends are always there when you need a shoulder to cry on or a big hug or a cup of tea. Being able to have friends so close is a major blessing. Going through things yourself is always hard. A call back home may help a bit, but honestly having someone present to comfort you will help some more. Take advantage of being close with one another because it won’t last forever.

7. Their closet is your closet.

I cannot tell you how many times I have stolen an outfit from my friends’ closets. Not feeling your own wardrobe today? Go steal something from your roomie or friends’ closet. The more outfit choices the better!

8. They’re lifesavers.

Forget a book in your room? Need a friend to keep you company as you study? Your friends are your lifesavers and often come to the rescue at any moment. It’s great to have someone to rely on, even if it’s for the simplest things.

9. Study buddies all the way.

Studying alone is so boring. That’s why your friends are great study buddies. They'll hold you accountable, allow for some fun study breaks, quiz you when you need it, and ultimately keep you company as your struggle through college work.

10. You’re always learning from them.

Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has different experiences. You’re able to learn so much from the people around you, especially your close friends. Listen to what they have to say and take their advice and viewpoints into account. You’ll honestly learn so much from being in community with other people. Be open to learning, be open to new things, and enjoy all of it.

Your friends make college a home away from home. There are so many reasons to love them and to hold them close. Your college friends will honestly be the friendships that last a lifetime. Invest in them, cherish them, love them fully.

“I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.” -Helen Keller