Balancing Time Between Friends in College
By Kristyn, age 20, Massachusetts
Sweet Designs Staff Intern
A lot of you who read Sweet Designs Magazine may be heading off to college. Some of you are probably sad that you are going to be away from your friends for the first time. This may be hard to deal with, but you have plenty of opportunities to meet new friends.
Having two groups of friends is great. When you go home you have your best friends, and when you go to school you have your fun new exciting friends. The hardest thing to do is to maintain a good balance between each group.
Like you, some of your friends move away to college, and some of your friends will remain at home to work or attend a local or community college. Almost all of my friends went to local colleges, and I went away to New Hampshire. It was great being away from home and making new friends. However, I felt left out at times because all my friends from home were doing things, and I couldn't.
Whether we like it or not, fights happen between groups of friends, but they only make your relationships stronger. However, I have thought about some tips to help you balance your friendships while at college.
First, if you're at school, and you invite the girls over for a movie night, or to help each other get ready before you go out, but your best friend from home calls, don't ignore her! Simply talk to her through one of those crazy social networks we have. A great way would be an instant message or Facebook. If you want to get really fancy, then maybe even video chat with your at-home friend while your college friend is doing your makeup! That could be a great way to intermingle with friends from school and home.
Second, if you find yourself rushing to get ready for class or work, and you don't have time to talk to your friends from home, don't worry! Almost every college campus has a little bit of a walking distance. Just for a second, pick up your cell phone and call your friend while you walk to class or the gym. Just a few seconds of communication can show that you care.
Lastly, if you can accommodate guests in your dorm room or apartment, invite your friends from home up to your school! There's nothing like sharing your college adventure with your friends from home. So grab an air mattress and show your friends the ropes of your college.
There are many more ways to keep in touch; these are just a few basics. When it's time to pack up and move home for the summer, remember these three tips for your college friends! Staying in touch is something you should always try to do. Friendship is a big part of your life, and will continue to be as long as you're able to stay in touch with them.