"Everyone has a friend during each stage of life, but the lucky ones have the same friend in all stages of life." That quote resonates with my best friend and I. We both moved to my hometown the same year and were fortunate to live right across the street from each other. We were childhood friends, school friends, family friends, and neighbors. I always knew that our friendship was forever, but I never expected us to be one thing: college friends.
We always expected to go our separate ways for college and before we even committed to schools, we spoke about how we would always keep in touch. Even when the college process began, we barely spoke about what schools we were applying to. We were aware of each other's dream school's and figured we would just go to them. But not everything goes as planned.
I was rejected and she was deferred from our respective dream schools on the same day. Ironic. Of course, this would happen to us together – we had always done everything side-by-side. Going through a moment like that brought us closer than ever because we were there for each other during the tumultuous time that was the college process. Yet, despite this change, we still never suspected we would ever end up at the same university.
We both got accepted into the University of Michigan on the same day (of course). I committed immediately, but she was still weighing her options. I'll admit, at first I was nervous for her to say yes to U of M. It wasn't that I didn't want to go to college with her, it just never crossed my mind that we would share this part of our lives together because we shared everything else. However, eventually, that hypothetical idea became reality.
Although we were both reluctant to go to school side-by-side for another four years, it ended up being the best decision ever for these reasons...
1. You always have an unconditional best friend
One of the challenges you face when going to college is making new best friends. It's really hard to meet people that compare to your home friends because you knew them for years and these people for months. I'm not taking away anything from my college friends because I love them, but being able to see your absolute best friend whenever you want to is like breathing in fresh air. This person understands you more than anyone else in the world and is always there for you. It is so rare and lucky to have that person by your side every day.
2. You have someone to introduce you to new people
There are so many people to meet at college, but it's inevitable to fall into a friend group. It is always important to branch out, and your best friend can help with that. We ended up joining different sororities, but that never stopped us from meeting and hanging out with each other's friends. For example, I went to a basketball game with my best friend and her friends and had such a fun time. It's unique to have the ability to cross over into a completely social circle whenever you want. Plus, you know you'll click with their friends because if your best friend loves them, then you are bound to love them as well.
3. You never have to buy a plane ticket to see them
My high school friends go to schools across the country, from Delaware to California. It's hard to find the time and the money to visit each other. And even if you do see each other it's only for a brief amount of time. I feel so lucky to have my best friend just a ten minute walk away rather than a whole flight. In retrospect, I cannot fathom how we would survive being so far away from each other.
4. You understand each other's gossip
Every school has not only different people but a different culture. Thankfully, you guys are in the same general social circles and when you talk about someone, your best friend knows exactly who he/she is. As fun as it is to repeat your college drama to your high school friends, it can be difficult to explain each person's personality and history. Whenever I want to gossip with my best friend, she can participate in the conversation because she knows exactly who I'm talking about and what my history is with that individual.
5. You always have a piece of home with you
College is a scary adventure to embark on, especially alone. You are living in a completely new place amongst completely new people and are completely independent for the first time in your life. It's intimidating and can definitely lead to its fair share of homesickness. However, I can honestly say that over these past five months that I've been at school, I have only been homesick a handful of times (if that). I rarely miss home because I have a little piece of it with me at all times. If ever I'm lonely or sad, I always call her up (and visa versa) and she will find a way to ease my anxiety.
Don't fear going to school with your best friend because trust me; it was the best decision I ever made.
