Going to school on a different coast is tough when you're so far away from friends and family, but being at a trimester school makes it even tougher. What makes it more frustrating is when your breaks don't coincide with your best friends and you only get to see them once or twice a year if you're lucky! Long distance friendships are hard and often you lose touch with even your closest friends from high school. Thankfully, I'm lucky enough to have kept close ties with a lot of my friends back in Oregon. Here are some ways helped me to maintain these friendships that could help you too!
1. Snail Mail
There's something so wonderful and exciting about receiving hand-written mail from your closest friends, even if it is old-fashioned to some. Try decorating the letter and adding a personal touch, your friends will appreciate the extra thought and creativity put into it. Snail mail also makes a great hobby if you're the crafty type. 
2. Care Packages
While not the cheapest thing, I'd recommend sending care packages on birthdays and during finals weeks. It'll put a smile on their face and remind them that you've got their back in both good and tough times! I personally start hoarding things for my friends at the beginning of the term and send things in a flat rate package near finals week to make the most of it.
3. Skype Dates
Skype is one of my favorite ways to keep in touch with my close friends from high school now that we're all scattered about the United States. With its group video call feature, you can see all of your friends' beautiful faces and update then in a group setting. This is especially useful when you have a tight squad that loves to update each other on everything, but one on one Skype dates are great for catching up as well. I've definitely been one to spend all Friday night Skyping a best friend or two... or three from home!
4. Group Texts
Definitely a bit of an obvious way to keeping in touch with friends, but an incredibly useful way. There's something about being able to talk to all your close friends in a group text setting especially if you need all of their opinions, thoughts, or just miss them in general.
5. Just Talking in General
I'll be honest, the key to keeping friendships is TALKING TO YOUR FRIENDS, even if it's just saying hi and asking how they are. You don't always have to say much to make an impact. Long distance friendships suck especially when your friends are your anchors, but even the littlest of things can put a smile on someone else's face.
While it does suck when your closest friends are far away and that fear of not being able to sufficiently keep in touch with them kicks in, just remember that even the smallest of messages like "hello, I miss you!" can do big things. It may seem like time is passing by too slowly, but within no time you all will be reunited and picking up right where you left off! So here's to long distance friendships and being the best friend you can be from 1000 miles away!
