Anyone who has a best friend going to a school at least three hours away knows the struggle of trying to keep up with your best friend’s new college life and your own. Aside from the fact that you probably weren’t going to take a three hour train ride, the pandemic limits you to strictly Zoom meetings. Now, I know what you’re thinking, it’s going to be impossible. Even if you do go to the same school, but don’t live in the same residence hall, physically seeing each other can become super difficult. After all, you can’t bring them into your dorm, you can’t really go anywhere on campus, with the exception of food trucks and the Student Center. So, what can you do? Based on my own personal experience, I’ve compiled a list of helpful tips on how to divide time between your college life and your best friend.
- Prioritize work first.
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Let’s be honest, this isn’t high school. You’re not going to get all your classes’ work done in an hour. The same goes for your best friend. You both came to college to work, and you’re paying for your education. Besides, why waste your money for a C- in Stats when you can get that A+?
- Make a schedule.
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It’s super helpful to know when your best friend’s classes are. By working together to form a list of when each other is or is not in classes, you’ll never feel like the other person is ignoring you. It’ll make it easier for you to know when it’s a perfect time to call, or they’re in their two-hour econ lecture. Aside from knowing when not to call, a scheduled Zoom gives you something to look forward to during the day. Trust me, sitting through a 1-3 hour class is so much easier when you know you’ll be chatting with your favorite person after dinner.
- Plan (at least) once a month visits.
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Speaking from personal experience again, none of my best friends have ever been to Philly, so this is a perfect opportunity! Growing up in a beach town was perfect to have a nice socially distant beach day. Even though neither of us are near our favorite beaches, there’s still so many things to do in the city! If they haven’t been to the city, plan out the most touristy spots you can come up with. Think Cira Green, Center City, Reading Terminal Market, etc. If they’re a resident of Philly and tired of tourists, grab some food together at a cool restaurant downtown, or give them a tour of the campus. Whether they’re in or out of state, there are tons of things to do in the city that aren’t for the basic tourist, unless that’s what you’re looking for.
Remember, the most important thing in any friendship is communication. If you’re feeling stressed, express that. Anxious about an upcoming exam and don’t want to chat? Let them know. College life is already stressful, but freshman year in a new city mixed with a pandemic is a deadly combination. When in doubt, talk it out. Besides, nine times out of ten they will literally be going through the exact same thing. Just know, as best friends, you’re in this together.