It’s your freshman year of college, and a lot in your life has already changed. You left your hometown, maybe traveled an hour, two, three, or a plane ride away. You left your high school behind, your family, your pets, and, unfortunately, your besties. The good news, however, is that you are surrounded by thousands of new people with their own experiences, stories, and contributions to this crazy world. But, how do you cope with being away from your best friend for the first time? My two closest friends have been with me since the second and sixth grade, and we have never been apart for longer than a few weeks. Here are some easy tips to stay connected to those who mean the most to you.
Text each other updates
It is important to keep up with each other’s daily lives. Even if it is a quick text to tell a story of what happened to you in the dining hall, what you did when the cute boy asked for your snapchat, or just to say “I miss you, but I can’t talk right now.” These short messages will keep you feeling connected, and involved in each other’s lives, even if you are a time zone away.
Phone calls
Text messages are a nice way to quickly say hello and express how much you’re missing your bestie, but hearing her voice and laugh is always much more comforting. Call her when you’re walking back from class to fill her in on the big report you just finished, or at night when your heart hurts, and you just need to talk to someone who truly knows you.
Keep up traditions
Even though you are in a long distance friendship, you can still keep up traditions. If you and your best friend would always jam out to music, don’t stop sending them new songs, or snapchat videos of you dancing in your dorm to your old jam music. Just because your friend is a few hours away now doesn’t mean you can’t keep doing the small things together.
Get something to remind yourself of them
Before my best friend and I left for college, we got matching tattoos to remind us to always stay whole and true to ourselves. You do not need a body altering piece of art to remind yourself of your best friend, but a framed photo, a piece of jewelry, or her favorite perfume would suffice. It will give you something to look at and smile when you’re feeling homesick.
Visit when you can
Spontaneous trips to see your friends are always fun! It is a road trip that ends with a huge reward. If you miss your best friend, hop in the car and drive the four hours to go see her. It will always be worth the drive when you finally get to check in on her in person. Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous, because even if she isn’t expecting you, you know she will appreciate the visit.
Be open to more best friends
It is okay to stay attached to your best friend from high school, but don’t let that limit you from making MORE best friends! She will always hold a special place in your heart, but allow yourself to branch out and find new friends to make memories, and have fun with. Your best friend would want you to make more friends, and she will understand that you’re not replacing her. Don’t stay in high school, but also don’t forget about those who mean the most to you.