My freshman year is just beginning and I feel like I already have a packed schedule. Between going to class, studying, attending meetings and meeting new people, I barely even have time to update my family on how I am doing so far. And as two of my best friends move to Europe for school, and my other best friends populate a multitude of cities across the country, I’ve deduced that keeping up to date and in touch with them will be a tough feat. But even in my mere two weeks as a college student I am already learning the best ways to keep in touch with friends from high school so far.
1. Schedule Yourself Some Down Time
Admit it: you’re going to need a break at some point. In theory, it might be nice to believe that you can study from 3PM to 7PM without fail, or not check your phone for the entirety of a Sunday afternoon. But if you give yourself a designated time, even just 30 minutes, to take a breath and FaceTime a friend or two, you will feel ten times better. The first step to keeping in touch with friends is to actually make time to keep in touch with friends. It won’t happen on its own.
2. Let Them Know You Are Thinking of Them
If you see or hear something that makes you think of a friend, let them know! Even a quick text in between classes can brighten someone’s day. The simplest of gestures such as “Saw someone wearing a Boston College shirt today and thought of you! Miss you xo” could turn their day around. Tell them they were on your mind. It’s the little things!
3. Be Persistent in Making Plans!
Whether you’re planning to visit them on campus or already looking forward to baking Christmas cookies together, making plans with your friends from home is a one-two punch. It will ensure that you and your friend stay in touch and keep up to date on how everything will work out, and looking forward to something throughout the semester can alleviate some homesickness, as well.
4. Make a Phone Call
If you have the time, call your friends. The only thing better than hearing someone’s voice after a long time away from each other is seeing them in person, and sometimes that just isn’t possible. I’ve already gotten into the habit of calling my friends when I have something to tell them. It’s more personal than a text and nothing makes me feel more comforted than hearing my best friend pick up on the other end of the line.
5. Accept the Things You Cannot Change
Try not to get too frustrated if your schedules don’t always match up, or if it’s tough to be in different time zones. Making the effort is half your battle, and trying is better than forgetting. Of course, in no way are you obligated to make time for friends from high school, but if it becomes a little but difficult, don’t give up. Just understand that it may take some time for you each to get adjusted to your new space before you have the time to spare.