So the fun and excitement of Freshers’ Week is over, lectures have begun, and the work’s piling up. It’s so easy to begin to lose touch with friends (and boyfriends) from back home. Now seems to be the time where, for lots of people, the strain of a sudden long distance relationship is taking its toll. But fear not, here are a few ideas to make sure you don’t forget everyone after entering the uni bubble…
SNAPCHAT
More personal than a text, faster than a phone call. Sending the odd snapchat from time to time is a great way for a fun catch up, whether it’s a shameless selfie on a night out or a photo of the first meal you cooked by yourself. Just remember, be careful what you send on a night out – you won’t be able to see what you sent in the morning!
An easy way to let all your friends know what you’re up to through status updates and sharing photos. Make sure you actually talk to your friends too though – Facebook chat is great for a quick goss.
If you have a smartphone, I’d also recommend connecting Facebook to your phone so you’ll get a reminder when a friend has a birthday coming up. Moonpig.com provide free next day delivery so if it gets to the day before and you realise it’s nearly your best friend’s birthday you can quickly create a personalised card they’ll love.
SKYPE/FACETIME
I met a guy travelling who put aside an hour every Sunday to Skype his family. This is a really good idea as it means you don’t feel guilty about not getting in touch for the rest of the week and will have lots to catch up on come Sunday.
PHONE
Although social networking is great, nothing beats chatting on the phone, which is always much more personal. Catching up can also be a great way to pass the time – one of my friends is always so good at staying in contact and that’s simply because every time she’s walking to lectures or going into town she’ll give someone a ring. Just make sure you keep an eye on the phone bill for this one though, I know another girl who went £500 over her bill one month after late night calls to her boyfriend!
LETTERS
Why not shun modern technology completely and take the old fashioned approach? After all, everyone loves receiving post! Get creative and make a card for your friends to pin up in their rooms at uni.
But while it’s important to keep in touch with everyone from back home, make sure you also allow time for all your new friends.If you’re living in halls create a Facebook or What’s App group for the Block or corridor and that way it’s easy to see what everyone’s up to and invite them to a pre- drinks or movie night. So don’t stress too much if you’re already run down with work and freshers flu, just remember to keep sending the odd message from time to time so your friends know you haven’t forgotten them!
Photo Credits: weheartit.com, hellogiggles.com