The One Where 'Friends' Is Actually About College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The One Where 'Friends' Is Actually About Freshman Year Of College

"So no one told you life was gonna be this way... *clap, clap, clap, clap*"

367
The One Where 'Friends' Is Actually About Freshman Year Of College

The first time I watched "Friends," I had just turned thirteen. As an eighth-grader, I thought I knew exactly what the characters were talking about. I related to their struggles, laughed at their jokes, and felt I had friendships much like theirs.

This summer, I have decided to re-watch "Friends." It's been a few years since I really sat down to watch an episode, likely due to new classics like "The Office" and "New Girl" fighting for my attention, so I was taken by surprise by how much I actually enjoy each episode.

Whereas "Friends" used to be a fantasy about "grown-ups" living in Manhattan, it is now parallel to my previous year as a college freshman. I may not have Rachel's iconic hair or Ross's pet, Marcel, but I do have uncertainties about the future and a group of friends I have grown to love like family.

It used to amaze me how the six friends were always together on the show, practically barging in on each other in their apartment's and having an unspoken agreement to meet up at the local coffeehouse during any free time they may have. Now, after a year of college, I'm not surprised at all.

Maybe our hangout spots weren't as chic as Central Perk (although the amount of coffee we assumed in the dining hall could be argued to make up for it,) but they did become unspoken traditions. There were few nights when we all did not gravitate to a lounge in our dorm building or knock on a friend's door and ask to come in simply because we were bored and had nothing better to do at 11 P.M.

media0.giphy.com

Writing it down, it sounds rude, but it was just how we rolled. We treated each other like family. The concept of having such close friends was foreign to me just a year ago, but having lived with these people for a year, it seems perfectly normal.

Of course, with such interactions came conflict at times. Some of us didn't click naturally, but that could be true with any group. I mean, in what world would Phoebe and Rachel choose to be friends? They are polar opposites!

Then there were a few of us who got in fights, a few of us who tried dating within the group, and several (literally all) of us who had beef with someone we were too scared to say to their face. But that's just how friendships work! We could be mad at each other one day and then best friends the next. It's not weird; it's life.

Speaking of life, we have almost no clue what we are doing

assets.rbl.ms

Dating. Careers. Majors. Haircuts. Classes. Friends. Adulting.

Basically, everything is new and exciting, while also unfamiliar and terrifying. Living on your own is fun, but it comes with a lot of learning. Just as Rachel spent the entire first season learning how to take care of herself, I spent the majority of my first semester coming to terms with the fact I didn't have a bedtime, but I had so much work to do that I barely slept anyways.

Luckily, this chaotic period of time where I am still confused about whether to call myself a teenager or an adult will not last forever. (For real, what category do nineteen-year-olds fall in?) Just as the "Friends" all grew up, settled down, and figured the whole life thing out, I am beginning to as well.

I may not have flawless '90s hair, a flashy job in Manhattan, a boppin' wardrobe, or a trendy coffee shop I frequent, but I have a solid group of friends and a whole lot of learning to do. If the group can navigate the couch up that narrow stairwell, then I think I'll be okay to navigate the next few years.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

135759
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

32010
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

29222
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments