Elliot Hilden, managing editor
Dear Elliot,
I’m finding it hard to stay in touch with some friends from high school now that I’m in college. Any advice on how to maintain friendships??
Sincerely,
Pining for Pals
Dear Pining for Pals,
Leaving behind high school friends as you transition into college life can be difficult, and it is entirely normal to feel a sense of longing for those past relationships. After spending years of your life together, this adaptation to a new chapter in life can be particularly challenging. However, despite the distance and demands of college life, it is essential to recognize that staying connected is not only valuable but also feasible. Here are some strategies that can be implemented to work through these struggles.
Communicate. Talk to your friends. They are probably feeling the same way that you are, and being able to have those conversations is super important. If you are all on the same page that you want to stay in touch, then that makes it much easier to do so.
Consistency is key. College can be busy. When you have to balance class, extracurriculars, sometimes jobs and social commitments, it can be a challenge. An easy way to work through this is to plan regular meet-ups. Work with your friends and compare calendars. If you all have an empty block of time each week, that can be the perfect time to get together. Whether that comes in the form of in-person meetings or a Zoom call, it can be a good way to catch up.
Use technology to your advantage. Everyone has phones now. In the case that you can’t meet up with an old friend in person, there is nothing stopping you from keeping a text thread alive. Even making an effort to check in once a week can make all the difference when it comes to keeping up with old friends.
Don’t be scared of the distance. Often, the biggest thing stopping someone from staying in touch is that the relationship has changed because you’re too far away. While this can be scary, it is important to work past that fear and do it anyway. You will thank yourself later.
In my opinion, the most crucial aspect during this transitional period is that of genuine understanding. The journey to college can be jarring and overwhelming for many incoming students, and it is vital that you recognize that. That recognition is the first step towards building a supportive network of relationships that can weather the storm of transition. To provide this effective support, it is important to cultivate clear communication and mutual respect within your friendships. This creates a foundation for a relationship that can withstand many challenges.
On my way to text my friends,
Elliot