As summer is fast approaching, our relationships that we made during the school year suddenly look a lot different. We can no longer go meet up to study, walk together to class, or pop in for a late-night binge-watching session. While this doesn’t mean our relationships are vanishing into thin air, it does mean that our ties with those people are likely to weaken. Making an effort, staying in touch, and not losing that connection is something every college student goes through each summer, but there are a few ways to ensure that your relationships stand firm.
Check-In Frequently
While this may seem like a no brainer, it’s a lot harder than it sounds. It doesn’t take much to get busy, distracted, and realize that it’s been a while since you talked to a specific friend. Even if it’s so much as a little text here and there, it’s important to show those people that you care and are always a call away if they need you. By continuously checking in, sending a text, or just wishing them a good day, it’ll help keep your relationship alive.
Getaway Weekend!
In this current state, travel isn’t possible everywhere, but once it is, take advantage of it! If your college friends are only an hour away, go spend the day with them. If they’re farther, consider having a weekend wear you meet up, and catch up. No matter how you decide to get in touch and spend some quality time, it’ll make a load of difference for that connection. Technology may allow it to be easier to stay in touch, but you can’t beat face to face interaction.
Pen Pals
Even though snail mail may seem like a thing of the past, there’s nothing like receiving a letter in the mail from a friend. Becoming each other’s pen pals is perfect for those friends who are a little too far for a visit. Writing letters is much more intimate than a text, and you can make your responses as creative, lengthy, and personal as you’d like. It’s so much fun checking the mailbox and seeing that letter you’ve been waiting for from a friend.
Facetime, Not Call
When you can, make time to facetime with your closest friends. You can either do one big group Zoom call or reach out individually. Either way, being able to visibly see each other is so important, and you can do it from anywhere at any time. When you catch yourself on the phone for hours, finding out all of the recent life details from your friends your heart will be so full and you’ll definitely feel more connected!
Stay Open
Do not blow off a text, call, letter, or any variation of communication. If you’re busy or have a lot going on at the time, just be honest. The worst thing you can do is choose to ignore someone who is attempting to keep their connection to you. Chances are, if you’ve grown close enough, they’ll be understanding of your situation, so simply be honest.
No matter how you chose to stay in touch with your college friends, the most important thing is to simply keep your relationships strong and alive. Use the form of communication that works best for you, and your college relationships will thrive.