One of the best parts about college is finding people who you know are going to be your forever friends. While this didn’t happen for me right away, I pushed myself to talk to nearly everyone I came in contact with, whether that was in my residential halls, during class, or during extracurriculars. Eventually, all that talking landed me with people who have made this time in my life so special, and who I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing college with.
However, with making friends in college comes the knowing that both them and you have to follow your own path. This could mean a multitude of things such as moving, transferring, or graduating at different times. It’s amazing to watch your friends chase their dreams and move on from this portion of life, but it can be sad when those paths bring physical distance between you. I got so used to having my best friends be just a few steps away, that seeing them find post-grad jobs across the country has become quite the adjustment. Even still, I wouldn’t change a thing. That’s why I have developed ways to make these long distance friendships everlasting. Here’s a few of the ways I make 3,000 miles feel much closer to home.
Texting, Facetiming, and Calling
We have something that no other generation of college friends has had: our phones. This may seem obvious, but day-to-day student life is still busy no matter what, and it’s easy to let texts and phone calls go unreturned. One of the ways I combat this is by action-stacking. For example, if I am taking a walk or going to the gym, I’ll call my friends instead of listening to music. This could work in many instances like when you’re cooking dinner, getting ready for the day, or cleaning your living space. When it comes to texting, I try to make sure I start conversations as often as I can. Even if it is just a quick check-in or “hello”, I want to let my friends know that I am thinking of them beyond responding to texts they’ve already sent.
Pictures Are Worth A Thousand Words
Sending pictures throughout the day or week works hand in hand with my earlier tip. Saw something that reminded you of your friends? Take a picture. Went to a new restaurant? Take a picture. Wore a cute outfit? Take a picture; you get the jist. Pictures are a great way to show your friends what’s happening in your life and helps to share moments that they might miss. They are also one of the many ways to start conversations via text, especially if either of you don’t have the time to call or Facetime. Shared photo albums are also great for sharing pictures, and they give you something to look back on when you’re missing your favorite people.
Be Each Others Pen Pal
While yes, using your phone is probably the most accessible way to communicate, it doesn’t mean that’s all you have to use. Sending mail is another great way to stay in touch. Plus—who doesn’t love getting a letter in the mail? Whether it’s a handwritten note, post card, or trinket, sending and receiving physical mail is a heartfelt way to stay connected to your long distance friends. I personally love to hang the mail I get from my friends up around my room. It makes it feel like they’re right there with me.
Be a cheerleader, even if it’s from the sidelines
If there is one thing I know about friendship, it’s that support can go a long way. If you know your friends have anything coming up, and I mean even the small things, let them know that you’re rooting for them. One of the ways I remember upcoming events is by putting my friends’ activities in my own calendar, like if it’s their first day at work or they are going to a concert they’ve been waiting for. Listening to their responses about different experiences is a big part of being a supportive friend as well. Everyone needs a cheerleader, even if you’re rooting for them from miles away.
These are just some of the ways that I practice being a long distance friend. As much as I wish my loved ones were right here next to me, I’m grateful that I get to know them at all in this life. Once you find your forever friends, putting in the effort to maintain the friendship across geographical boundaries feels like a piece of cake. The right people can make anything worth it.