Starting college feels like someone hit reset on your entire life. One moment you’re driving around town, windows rolled down with your day ones, and the next, you’re in a whole new country, surrounded by unfamiliar faces while your old group chat slowly goes dead.
I suddenly found myself torn between thoughts like “I feel left out” and “Am I even trying hard enough to stay in touch?” It’s confusing. It’s tough. But it’s also completely normal.
I slowly uncovered the real truth: distance doesn’t end real friendships, it just changes how you show up for each other. This is what I learned.Â
- Accept that things will change (and that’s okay)
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You might have promised daily updates, but life gets busy. The chaos of classes, clubs, and midterms may take over, but that doesn’t mean your friendship is fading!
Real connection doesn’t depend on constant communication. You can go weeks without talking and still pick up right where you left off. I finally talked to my friends after almost two weeks of unintentional no-contact, and just like that, we yapped for hours. Nothing had really changed.
- Stay in touch… the easy way
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Forget the pressure to have “long” conversations. Send memes, short voice notes, or “this reminded me of you” texts. These little things say, you still matter.
A monthly FaceTime call or a Netflix binge night are effortless ways to still keep you connected. And when you do reunite, be present. Put the phone down, soak it in, and let it feel like time never passed.
- Make room for new friendships
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You’re not replacing your bestie, you’re expanding your circle. College friends will see the version of you that’s messy, growing, and figuring things out. Your old friends saw your roots, where you started.
Both belong in your story.
Tell your old friends about the new people you’ve met so they still feel like a part of your new life. And, do the same for your new friends, so both sides get to know the people who matter to you.
So… The Bottom Line
Long-distance friendships in college show you what real connections mean. It’s not about constant contact, it’s about consistent care. The love doesn’t fade; it just learns to travel.
So, send that text. Plan that visit. Keep showing up.
Because the best friendships? They’ll always find their way back.
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