My life has been changed dramatically since I made the move out to the West Coast. But leaving your best friends behind (over 1800 miles away) can be a bit difficult.
1.) FaceTime becomes your *new* best friend.
In today's world, a face-to-face chat is possible, even from coast to coast. When you are the only one in your friend group to live on the West coast, a video chat while doing some dormitory chores is really refreshing.
2.) You completely forget about time zones.
When I'm texting my friends or family at 9:00 PM, it seems completely normal, but I forget that they are all most lily asleep, given that it's midnight where they are. This also occurs early in the morning when you receive a "good morning" text from your friends, and they don't get a response until (their) lunchtime. Also, you know you're up too late when your East coast friends are texting you that they are getting ready for the day.
3.) The culture is different.
When I'm talking to my friends back home, I commonly reference things like In-N-Out, freeways, or West coast schools, I am met with confusion and have to explain myself. It's also scary how quickly you adapt to one culture, even if you have lived on one side of the country for a long time.
4.) The food is different (and better on the West Coast, sorry.)
The East coast doesn't have good, authentic Mexican food. Nothing will hail in comparison to the Mexican food and culture you can find in the Southwest. However, the West coast is lacking in the Chinese food department. And I must say, I miss going to my local Chinese restaurant (silver chopsticks) with my friends.
5.) The distance makes you appreciate them so much more.
My time in college has been lots of fun, but it has all been time away from my close friends. Not being able to see them and make near-daily Starbucks runs has made me realize how lucky I was to have those moments, and make me look forward to having those again when I go back.
