You know that feeling when you and your best friend hug goodbye before heading to different colleges, promising to call all the time? Then, suddenly, it’s been three weeks, and you’re both drowning in assignments, new friends, and the chaos of college life. That’s what happened to my hometown best friend and I in our first year of college. But just because you’re in different places doesn’t mean your friendship has to fade. With a little effort, long-distance friendships can stay just as strong, maybe even stronger. Here are some tips to keep your long-distance friendships alive!
Check In (Even If It’s Just a TikTok)
Not every conversation needs to be a full-on life update. Sometimes, a simple “Thinking of you!” or sending a TikTok that screams our humor is enough. The key is consistency, making sure they know you’re still in their corner, even if you don’t talk every day. My best friend and I send TikToks every single day, which just always makes me feel like I am closer to her even when we are 200 miles apart.
Make Time for Facetime
Sure, texting is easy, but nothing beats hearing your best friend’s laugh in real time. My best friend and I make it a point to call each other almost every week to catch up on life. Our conversations always start on one topic but inevitably spiral into something completely different. We also make it a habit to introduce each other to our roommates during these calls, helping us feel more connected to each other’s daily lives. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind after a long day of classes and work. We don’t always call exactly when we plan to, but the effort matters more than perfection.
Surprise Them Just Because
Everyone loves a little unexpected love. Send a quick Venmo for their morning coffee, write an old-school letter, or mail a random care package. On my birthday, my best friend couldn’t come up to see me, so she sent me my favorite flowers with a card. I was so happy to get them, it made my whole day. These small gestures make the distance feel a little smaller and remind your friend that they’re still a huge part of your life.
Celebrate Their New Life
It’s easy to feel left out when your best friend has new friends, but real friendships don’t compete; they grow. Hype them up when they land an internship, make a new connection, or try something totally out of their comfort zone. My best friend and I have also met most of our new friends respectively, and we always make an effort with them. Supporting their new life doesn’t mean you’re any less important in it.
At the End of the Day…
Long-distance friendships take effort, but the best ones are always worth it. My best friend and I have been going strong for 12 years, even though we go to different colleges. We’ve learned that prioritizing time for each other, whether through a quick text, a long FaceTime call, or planning visits, keeps our bond just as strong as when we lived six minutes from each other. The key is making the effort, no matter how busy life gets. Plan visits when possible, and when you can’t, stay connected in whatever ways you can. In the end, what matters most is showing up, no matter the miles in between.