Yes, I am only one semester into my college career. Even if it is too soon to say I love you, I absolutely do. I am head over heels in love with my college friends, as I know many others are as well. Here's why:
1. You are on this crazy college adventure together.
No one really knows what to expect when it comes to college. You imagine an "I'm Shmacked" level social life and a 4.0 GPA. In reality, everyone's college experience is unique. College can be better or worse than expected, but it is often different from what you expected. Yet, it is your friends that go through all of this uncertainty with you. You are all going into this big, new place and usually don't know many other people. Once you find those people to go through this adventure with, you can truly enjoy your experience.
2. They see you at your best and at your worst.
Your roommates see you when you wake up early to make it to your calculus lecture, your friends see you on your worst nights out. Your best friends are there for you through all of the tears shed over boys or bad grades. They also see you in your best moments. They are happy for you when you ace a difficult test, are excited to hear about your newest romance and genuinely proud of you as you excel and grow over your time in college.
3. They are so new and exciting.
Disclaimer: To all of my friends from home, I promise I am not bored of you guys! However, there is something exciting about brand new people. I love meeting people that come from many different places, have all had very different experiences growing up and then starting this next chapter in our lives together. I will always love my friends from home with all of my heart, but I also have opened a chunk of my heart for the new, amazing and exciting people that have entered into my life this year.
4. They accept and love you as you are.
At least on my campus, there are a ton of people. Over 40,000 of them. When it comes to meeting people, if you do not like them, you are not forced to hang out with them. If you do not want to see someone, it is easy to not run into them. However, if you want to spend time with someone, you have to put in effort. I know that the friends that I have surrounded myself around do accept me and love me for who I am. They love me for all of the odd things that come out of my mouth, the obscure music I listen to and the idiotic dancing that I whip out when we go out. If they didn't want to spend time with me, they wouldn't make the time. Then again, I love them so much at this point, that I don't think they have a choice.
5. They expose you to new things.
As I said above, I have met many unique people. People come to my school from all over; I have friends from California, New York, Colorado--even Hong Kong! With each friend that I have, each has their own quirks, passions, likes and dislikes. I am exposed to new food, activities, music and ways of thinking. I cannot thank my friends enough for teaching me to step out of my comfort zone, try new things, not be afraid to be myself and to have a really good time. My friends have shown me new sides of myself, and I have already matured and grown as a person so much in just one semester.
6. They've always got your back.
Since you go through everything together, they know all of the trials and tribulations you experience in college. They will support you, be there for you to cry on their shoulder and always have something kind to say to cheer you up. They are your #1 fans.
7. They are the people that can literally do nothing or everything with you.
Ready for a crazy night out? They will be there and ready to throw down. Need to study for your exam next week? They will be right next to you at College Library. Absolutely exhausted? They will happily Netflix and chill with you any night. Whatever the move is for the night, they will be right there by your side.
8. They become your family.
In a new place, without the family that has been alongside you for eighteen years, you feel lonely. However, once you find that group of friends that has your back through everything, they become part of your family. They are the ones that are there for you on the daily basis, live with you, get used to your quirks and teach you a thing or two along the way.
I feel lucky to have met the amazing people that have made my first year of college amazing thus far. I love you all and cannot wait for the memories to come.
