As someone who gets major FOMO every summer after leaving college for summer break, I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit pondering how to stay close with my college friends when we’re all scattered across different cities. Once finals end, everyone suddenly has internships, jobs, vacations, family commitments, or simply different schedules, and those everyday moments of running into each other on the way to class or grabbing a late-night snack disappear overnight. It’s easy to go days or even weeks without talking — and before you know it, you’re wondering where the summer went and realizing you haven’t caught up with your favorite people in ages.
Staying in touch sounds easy in theory, but it can be surprisingly difficult when life gets busy. The good news? Keeping your friendships alive doesn’t have to mean scheduling two-hour FaceTime calls every week. Sometimes, the smallest traditions — a shared playlist, a quick voice memo, or a postcard in the mail — are what make you feel the most connected. A little creativity can go a long way in making the distance between you and your college friends feel a whole lot smaller.
So, if you’re like me and missing your college besties this summer, here are 12 creative ways to keep your friendships thriving during your summer apart.
- Create A Shared Google Doc Diary
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Think of it as one giant group journal. Make a shared Google Doc in which everyone can pop in throughout the summer to write updates, funny stories, random thoughts, or embarrassing moments from work. It’s like leaving little notes to your friends to discover whenever they log in, and by August, you’ll have a hilarious time capsule of everyone’s summer.
- Host A Virtual Book Or Movie Club
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You don’t have to be an avid reader for this one. Pick a book, TV show, documentary, or movie each month, then hop on a video call afterward to discuss it. Even if half the conversation ends up being about your lives instead of the actual story, that’s kind of the point, right?
- Make Collaborative Playlists
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Music instantly brings back memories, so why not create the soundtrack to your summer together? Start a shared Spotify or Apple Music playlist in which everyone adds songs they’re currently obsessed with. By the end of the summer, you’ll have a playlist filled with songs that remind you of each other.
- Start A Snail Mail Club
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There’s something unexpectedly exciting about getting mail that isn’t a bill. Grab some cute stationery, stickers, or postcards and start a snail mail tradition with your friends. Whether you write a long letter, send photos from your summer adventures, or include little trinkets like pressed flowers or friendship bracelets, opening an envelope feels much more personal (and whimsical!) than yet another text notification.
- Send Disposable Camera Updates
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Challenge each friend to use a disposable camera (or simply dedicate a photo album on your phone) to document their summer. At the end of the break, develop the film or share the albums during the start of the school year and compare everyone’s summer adventures. It feels a lot more intentional than scrolling through Instagram.
- Start A Photo-Of-The-Day Challenge
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Yes! More photos! Create a shared album where everyone uploads one photo every day, or every week, that captures a little piece of their life. It could be their morning coffee, a sunset, their internship desk, or the world’s cutest dog they passed on a walk. The little everyday moments often end up being the most fun to look back on.
- Plan A Monthly Themed FaceTime
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Instead of asking, “When are we all free?” and hoping your schedules align, set a date in advance that everyone can plan around. And then, to make it feel actually fun and not like an appointment, give your video calls a theme. Host a “make your-own mocktail night,” a “wear your favorite pajamas” call, or even a virtual meetup in which everyone cooks the same recipe together. Having a theme or activity makes virtual hangouts feel less awkward and gives everyone something to look forward to.
- Mail Each Other Care Packages
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You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make someone’s day. Fill a small box with their favorite candy, handwritten notes, dollar-store finds, photos from the semester, or souvenirs from your hometown. It’s the kind of surprise that instantly reminds someone they’re being thought about.
- Play Online Games Together
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Not every catchup has to be serious. Games like Roblox or a chaotic round of Mario Kart can recreate the feeling of hanging in a friend’s dorm room or apartment without the pressure of constantly making conversation. Whether you’re competing, teaming up, or just laughing while playing online together, these moments can make the distance feel a lot smaller.
- Write Future Letters To Each Other
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During the summer, write something to your friends that they can’t read until the start of the school year! Include predictions, encouragement for the upcoming semester, inside jokes, or goals you hope you’ll accomplish before seeing each other again. It’s a sweet way to reflect on how much everyone has grown since summer break.
- Start A Shared Summer Bucket List
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Create one list with fun challenges everyone can try to complete before returning to your college camps. There are tons of fun ideas: visit a local farmers market, try a new coffee or matcha shop, watch the sunrise, bake something from scratch, or even read a book outside. Everyone can check off items at their own pace and share photos whenever they complete one.
- Leave Voice Notes Instead Of Texting
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Can I just say that voice notes are seriously underrated? IMO, it’s easier, and feels much more personal to spend two minutes talking than 20 minutes typing. Whether you’re walking to work, grabbing an afternoon coffee, or heading home after a long day, recording a quick voice memo is an easy way to stay connected without finding time for a full phone call. There’s something special about hearing your friend’s laugh, excitement, or dramatic storytelling that a text message just can’t capture. It almost feels like they’re right there with you, filling you in on everything you’ve missed. These voice notes can brighten your day and remind you that no matter how many miles separate you from your friends, they’re still a part of your everyday life.
