Staying Connected With High School Friends in College

Some of my fondest memories are of late summer nights with my high school friends just before we left for our colleges and universities. High school diplomas in hand, we had warm summer nights to ponder our futures.

Although the thought of leaving your friends and hometown can be scary, it’s actually the thought of vulnerability in a new setting that’s intimidating. For the times when you need a little piece of home, here are a few tips to stay close to the friends you grew up with.

Visit if possible. That’s right, spend a weekend at your friend’s campus and learn about their new surroundings. Hang out with their new friends and build new memories upon the old. Your friend most likely will appreciate that you took the time to leave your campus to experience theirs.

Continue to talk. This goes without saying, but staying in touch can be difficult. School will keep you busy, from classwork to club meetings to social gatherings. But with so many social media outlets, it’s easy to check in with friends by liking their status, however a phone call is more meaningful.

Know that both of you will change. A big part of earning an undergraduate degree is growing up, like learning about yourself, what you care about and what you don’t. Your views will change. Sometimes you and your best friend from home won’t agree on things. It doesn’t mean you aren’t friends, but it does mean your conversations and interactions with each other might change.

Include them in your new life. Campus is amazing and you’ll experience so much in a short amount of time. But that doesn’t mean you need to leave your old friends behind. Remember to share updates regarding your classes, opportunities and friends with the people you care about.