College is one of those times in life where everything feels like it’s happening all at once. One minute you’re studying all night for midterms, and the next, you’re making spontaneous McDonald’s trips with your roommates at two in the morning. It’s exciting, bittersweet, and overwhelming, to sum it up. Between the pressure of classes, clubs, figuring out what you want to do with your life, and still managing to have a social life, it can be a lot, to say the least.
If there’s one thing that’s helped me in the last few years, and so many other generations of women, it’s the power of female friendships. As cringe as that phrase may sound, these little lifelines of support, empathy, and empowerment make life feel just a little bit easier and a lot more fun.
In my experience, college was a whirlwind at first. I was placed into a random dorm and was already nervous for class, but my very first weekend of school is when I met a group of girls feeling the exact same things. We ended up spending almost every night of freshman together, and friends turned into family before I realized it. They became my go-to when I was feeling overwhelmed or questioning if I was good enough to be here in the first place. The same girls who I would stay out till 2 am with were also the ones reminding me of my worth at my toughest moments.
I’ve realized that female friendships reach far beyond solely emotional support— they push you to be better. While sitting in the basement of my sorority house on a Wednesday at midnight, I can find strength and take comfort in the women who are reviewing flash card terms and interview prepping with me. When you have people in your corner who genuinely want to see you succeed, it motivates you to work harder, give yourself grace, and believe in your capabilities.
At the end of the day, I’ve been able to realize that college is about so much more than just academics— it’s about the life you build wherever you are. It’s about finding the people who make your house a home, build you up in all of your dreams, and make you feel seen in every way. And the true beauty of female friendships is thriving and growing together, surrounded by the people you feel like yourself around.
In the end, I can confidently say that female friendships are one of the most valuable parts of the college experience. They remind you of your strength when you’ve forgotten it, push you to be better, and turn the once in a lifetime moments of college into something truly unforgettable.