Believe it or not, once you get to college, a lot of things change. College is a time to pave your own path. You start to live in a new environment, have a new set of teachers, and are even given a new set of responsibilities.
Many of us will also find ourselves with a new group of friends. This may all seem like a lot to handle, but trust me, you are much stronger than you think.
Changing friendships is just one of the many transitions that everyone goes through after graduation and for many, this is the toughest part of all. I understand the fear.
College and life ahead are about building a network
There is something just sentimental about leaving the comforts of home including the friend group with whom you have grown up with. They have been with you through it all – puberty, pimples, high school crushes, and final exams. It’s not unusual for you to feel sad or upset. That is completely natural and a slow transition that you will slowly figure out.
Now moving to college doesn’t mean you need to cut off all of your friends from high school. In fact, I recommend that you don’t.
Beyond just a peer support system, college and life ahead are about building a network. Wherever your high school friends end up, they are still a part of a growing network of connections that you will have by the time you are in the work field.
Balancing new and old friends
However, you should always keep in mind that you don’t need to talk every day or text about every detail of your new life with your friends back at home, but together you should create boundaries about how you want to build your friendship thousands of miles away.
Just because you don’t talk to your high school friends on a daily basis doesn’t mean that you guys aren’t friends. You have to remember that in college, everyone is busy. College is a time for stepping into new waters, joining new organizations, and paving your way in life.
Many of you will join dance teams, sports teams, or other professional societies that will require large amounts of time. With time you will learn to prioritize which friendships are more important because it is impossible to remain close with everyone from high school while still juggling usy class schedules and extracurricular activities.
While college classes have only 15-20 instructional hours a week, the office hours, clubs, seminars and other college events fill up your schedule. Looking back at this past year I don’t think there was ever a day that I was really bored or didn’t have anything to do.
Take the first step and talk to someone new. Never shy away from any opportunity
My college experience was unlike anything I have ever been through in my entire life. Moving to a different state at 18 seemed like such a daunting task that I literally had butterflies in my stomach. And this applies even when talking about new friends, everyone is just as scared as you are about the start of college life.
Take the first step and talk to someone new, once you do it you will realize that everyone at college is understanding, kind, and has their own unique story.
At first, I felt very overwhelmed and felt out of place but slowly I got out of my comfort zone and put myself out there. I learned an important lesson during my first month in college – never shy away from any opportunity.
College is about trying new things and finding your likes and dislikes. You no longer have your parents deciding what extracurriculars to do or what classes to take. It is all on you.
Your parents will miss you the most out of anyone. Talking to them on a regular basis.
Now moving onto parents. I have always had a pretty strong relationship with my parents. I still remember the first week of college when my parents called me nearly 15 times every single day. Obviously this is extremely excessive but it serves a point that your parents probably miss you the most out of anyone.
At college, my dad would always call me at lunchtime, and then my entire family would FaceTime me at night every day.
Now while every day may not be ideal for everyone, I highly recommend talking to your parents on a regular basis. Maybe try coordinating a time to talk a few times a week or even once a week depending on what you are comfortable with.
Your family will always be there for you, as your rock. Even when you feel the most alone in college it is important for you to know that your parents will never leave your side.
I found it incredibly helpful to tell my parents about my college life as well. I remember telling my parents about my new friends, my grades, and any new opportunities that I had gotten. They always gave me good advice and helped me with any roadblocks that I was facing.
Trust me when I say you are not alone at college. You may think that you miss your parents and family a lot but I guarantee you that they miss you far more than you can even imagine.
There is always a bright side to whatever situation you may face
I hope after reading above you may feel a little bit at ease about one of the biggest transitions in your life.
Always keep in mind that there is always a bright side to whatever situation you may face. While you may feel that you are leaving behind life long friends, parents, and the comforts of home, you are *literally* embarking on an adventure through life.
College can be a fresh start for anyone who needs it. You have the capability to reinvent yourself and become the best version of you. You are no longer doctined by high school drama or pre-glow-up looks.
The friendships you make in your first few years of college can become some of the strongest friendships you have in life. As long as you remain optimistic, I promise you, everything will go well. Just remember to have faith in the process and take in every moment you have.
The friendships you make in your first few years of college can become some of the strongest friendships you have in life. – Yashvi
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