The time of year is coming where school is beginning to wind down, finals are steadily approaching, and before you know it is summertime. I always have mixed emotions about the end of the school year. I’m excited for the workload to be lighter and to enjoy summer, but I’m sad that I have to stop the routine that I’ve gotten used to for the last couple of months. In this case, seeing my friends every day. This year is different because it is the end of my freshman year of college. So, not only does the end of the school year signal summer, but it also marks me having to leave all the amazing friends I just met in college.
Luckily, we are living in the age of modern technology, so everything is only a button away. However, if you are like me, then you are bad at keeping in touch with people, even when you try your hardest to. Sometimes life just gets busy, and it’s hard to stay on top of communicating. It’s okay! I have a few tips that may help with that!
1. Write in a journal and mail it to each other throughout the summer!
A couple of weeks ago I came across a TikTok that showed a group of long-distanced friends passing a journal back and forth to each other, as a way to update each other about their lives. I thought this was a really cute idea and could be a unique way to stay in touch with your friends if they live far away. Someone could buy the journal right as the summer is starting and begin to document whatever they want in it. This could include sketching, doodling, or writing full stories. Then you could make a schedule of who should get the journal next and for how long. Or if you are more of a go with the flow type friend group then you can just randomly mail the journal so the next person who gets it will not be expecting it!
2. Plan weekly online hangouts!
This could be as simple as a Facetime, Zoom call or even just a regular phone call. If you are feeling a little bit fancier then you could even arrange to watch a movie together on a streaming app or play an online game together, like Cards Against Humanity. This doesn’t have to be an entire day affair unless you want it to be! It’s just a fun way to feel like you are together and catch up while you are apart.
3. Plan a trip to meet up somewhere or to visit each other, if possible!
I know that this is not always an option for everyone because of busy schedules, living in different states, cost of travel, etc., but if it is an option, then I would 100% recommend. Whether you meet up at a friend’s house, or find a middle point between all your homes, this would be a cool way to see each other and to interact during summer. I’m thankful that almost all the friends that I met at college live in parts of Texas that aren’t too far away from me, they are all in driving distance. So, this will be something I take advantage of over the summer.
4. Keep up with each other on social media!
This could include liking and commenting on each other’s pictures on Instagram, sending each other funny TikTok or Tweets, or even starting a Snapchat “streak”. I will be the first to admit that I had lost all interest in “streaks”, because I felt it reminded me too much of junior high. Lately though, I have found myself snapping my friends each day and the little fire emoji and number has found its way back on my Snapchat screen. I honestly think it’s a good way to stay in touch and to “see” and hear from each other every day. Sometimes I may forget to respond to a text but when I hop on Snapchat, I’m instantly alerted to my notifications so I will definitely respond to a Snap. This method has worked for me in the past, so I would recommend trying it out in your friend groups as well.
5. Start planning fun activities for the fall semester!
The summer will eventually come to an end and you will be right back in the swing of things with your group of friends again before you know it! So, start to think ahead by planning some fun activities that you can do when you go back to school. This can include restaurants you want to eat at, coffeeshops you want to try, or just cool places you want to visit. Whatever you feel fits your friend group best!
Life can get busy, and it can be hard to stay in touch with friends over the summer, but you have to make an effort! Whether that be a “hey! How’s it going?” text occasionally, or if that’s planning a time to go visit them during the break. Communication is important! Don’t fret, fall semester will be back faster than you can imagine!