In about two months many of you are about to separate from your high school friendships to begin a new journey. This journey is going to involve college for many of you. School itself is time-consuming enough. When you pile a social life, homework, and a job on top of it. It may be hard to maintain friendships that are sometimes hundreds of miles away. I was able to maintain the single most important friendship I’ve ever had and here’s how I did it!
1. FaceTime...A LOT.
You'll need to because they get you. My best friend and I FaceTimed on average 4-5 times a week. Sometimes they were only for a minute or two just to ask for help, and sometimes we talked for an hour about our days and our families… I care about her family just as much as I do my own so this was important.
2. Set aside specific time for each other when you're home.
Nothing feels better than knowing someone wants to see you. Your family misses you too, so they want to see you when you’re back in town too. This is stressful at times but any amount of time to visit is better than none, and your friends and family will understand this.
3. Remember details and send your support.
Any type of a relationship takes effort and a friendship is no different. College is HARD and feeling like you have no support is harder. You are going to be busier than ever before but it’s important to take the time to remember the big exam your friend is taking next week and send them a quick text before it or when you know they’ve spent all night studying. This motivation is going to go a lot farther than you think.
4. Encourage them.
It’s your job to encourage your friend in this crazy new adventure. It’s hard to make memories when you wish they were there to join you, but they are often thinking the same. You’re both going to be making new friends and you’ll each feel left out. However, these new friends are going to be wonderful for each of you, so encourage that. You’ll always have your hometown and this bond is stronger than anything.
5. Keep an open mind and a big heart.
You both are going to change and grow in enormous ways. Ways that you did not even see coming. It’s so important that you keep an open mind throughout this change. Just because your best friend takes up a new hobby or tries things that you wouldn’t, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be there for them. (Within reason of course) You should also keep a big heart for your bestie because again, college is hard and they need you, your listening ears, your caring heart, and most importantly your honesty. I couldn’t have made it through my first year without my best friend and each of these traits that she has.
Last August my best friend, Lexi, and I moved 110 miles away from each other. She goes to Bowling Green State University and I go to Ashland University.
At home, we live 13 miles apart so this was a huge change. She is one of the most important people in my life, and I have not and will not ever find another soul like hers. I am so thankful that we could remain as close, if not closer throughout our first years of college. I absolutely loved being a part of her journey and watching her grow along with me. If we made it, you can too.
