It’s been a month since college started, and for reference it’s my second year at the University of South Florida. Although not much has changed drastically, saying goodbye to my hometown friends this summer was unanticipatedly more difficult. I’m from the suburbs of Chicago so evidently, I don’t get to see my high school friends very often. Yet, some words of wisdom have compiled themselves in my mind over the past year on how to maintain and still foster those connections back home.
- Text them for the sake of texting them
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It sounds so redundantly obvious, but it is absurdly simple to get swept up in the insanity of college and subsequently create this bubble of “university friends” around you and completely forget about your life established prior to going to college. Send them miniature life updates, ask them about their studies, have a little rant session, or send them some memes about Adam Levine cheating on his wife…ahem…anyways… Keeping in consistent touch was my biggest struggle last year with my friends back at home and it honestly felt so disconnected the first few times we’d hung out since we’d gotten so immersed in our college atmospheres.
- Send them things that remind you of them
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Whether it be through a care package or letter or even a well thought out email, it lets people know that they are appreciated. For example, every time last year my friend Brandon had a particularly fashionable outfit, he would send me a fit check, often accompanied by a ridiculous pose. He knows that I love helping everyone style their clothes and having them pick out outfits and this tip is one hundred percent inspired by him. It is such a heartwarming surprise when you get an unexpected present or reminder of your people back home and it puts energy into the friendship, even if it isn’t a regular habit.
- Acknowledge that some friendships will fizzle out and the dynamic will change
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Things evolve forever, just as you have and will in your college journey; it doesn’t invalidate the fun you all had as friends or the friendship itself. Sometimes being cordial acquaintances is okay and the natural path a relationship takes. As a last miniature tidbit, friendships overall are a balance and university is a place and life shift that inspires growth and self-actualization in so many realms. Don’t completely abandon those who supported you back home, but also put yourself out there in your new self-made home. Those who watched you grow back in your hometown will love and support you as you go through these next few years and will be so excited for all that there is in store for your journey.
Send your friends some good memes & tell them you love them <3
Jess