College is a novel experience in so many ways. The newness of managing yourself on your own for probably the first time in your life is a huge part of how college forces people to grow beyond what even they might have expected. All this of change is necessary, important, and energizing. The process of making new friends and finding "your people" is an incredibly fun one.
However, all of this rapid and simultaneous change can also be overwhelming. Sometimes, you just get tired of telling people your name and asking theirs; you are sure your patience is the only thing that will break if you have to participate in one more icebreaker. In times like these, it is a huge relief to know a familiar face amidst crowds of people.
College is a time to push yourself past your comfort zone, but it can also be an amazing support to already have someone that understands you by your side. Certainly, you make a least a couple great friends throughout your four (or more) years, but having somewhere to turn when that first bout of homesickness or failed assignments hits you, is invaluable. Especially if that person already knows your favorite flavor of Ben and Jerry's.
For me, I have been attending college with one of my closest friends since before puberty did its magic. Of course, you worry about spending too much time together (which is pretty much an inevitability when you live two floors apart). Sometimes, you do need to give each other space to meet up with new friends, and pursue new opportunities to learn more about themselves. Other times though, having someone who understands all your weird quirks, will walk with you at 9pm to fill your prescription at Duane Reade, and knows the five most likely reasons why you have walked into their dorm room crying, is exactly what you need in the chaos that can be college and life in general.
Growing into adulthood is so much about being able to establish your own "new normal" as well as thrive within your new changing circumstances. Never forget though, to bring the positive things and people with you into every new chapter. And never forget to than that friend that you're so lucky to have walking beside you for this chapter.
