In college, you are introduced to people of all backgrounds. From different cultures to religions to hobbies to aspirations, everyone is different. In every school, there is a percentage of out-of-state students. It's interesting to become friends with out-of-state students, because they come with new lifestyles no one experiences in our area. During school you have opportunities to hang out with these friends all the time. But in the summer, it is nearly impossible to meet up with them or converse outside of social networking sites and apps. While everyone's experiences may be different, I'm sure many "long-distance" friendships share the same characteristics.
1. You achieve new records with Snapchat Streaks.
Snapchat, currently more famous for its filters, is a common method used by friends to update each other on their lives, see their faces and make an excuse to try all the new filters. A streak is achieved by "snapping" continuously every day. While during the school year, homework and tests can prevent you from replying back to a snap chat message, during the summer, both parties have more time to reply.
2. You set up Skype appointments.
To meet up with everyone, the only way possible to converse with each other at the same time is video messaging. Skype is perfect. You don't have to dress up, leave to go anywhere, be comfortable and have the privacy to share conversations in any place you choose to be in. These days, people barely call one another. Because of that, we mostly read what the other person texts instead of hearing their voice. Skype fills that absence and allows you to hear your friends' voices.
3. You have tons of notifications from group chats.
You put your phone down for five minutes, and you come back to 45 text messages. Group chats can be annoying, crazy and disorganized, but they also bring together people with similar interests, provide daily entertainment, and provide a place for people to vent. It heals you yet drains your energy and your phone's battery.
4. You make plans for the school year when it's only the first week of summer.
It's only been a week since you guys said your farewells, but you already have plans for the next semester. From places to explore to food to try, your weekends and free time are already booked. With everything you come across on the Internet, you send everything to the group chat to add to next semester's bucket list.
5. You say you miss them once every week.
Just 'cause. When you're happy, you think of your friends. When you're sad, you think about your friends. When you need to vent, you go to your friends.
6. You realize you've only known these people for a year or less, yet feel like you've known them forever.
I feel like in college, everything is fast paced. Friendships, relationships, schoolwork....there is no room to take it slow. It's amazing and heartwarming to realize how close you are with your friends in college. The time you guys spent together may be little, but the experiences you guys shared are many. You know college wouldn't be the same without them, and you can't imagine struggling through it alone.
