After all the nerves and heartbreaks of first year, we generally create strong and long-lasting bonds in college. Going away for the summer can be difficult, especially if you dorm with your friends and return to different parts of the country or world each year. When on campus, we establish a routine of attending classes, having meals together, participating in events with friends, and more. This routine gets broken during the long summer break, and adjusting can be hard.
Here are some ways to stay in touch with your friends while you enjoy your break!
1. Check in once in a while
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Calling or texting consistently is often difficult during the holidays, especially if you're going on a vacation. Instead, you can do so every few days to check in and see how your friends are doing. Send them photos of your travels and simply get on a call and chat! Letting them know that you're thinking of them and missing them is a simple yet great way to maintain your relationships and make sure you stay in touch until the fall.
2. Take advantage of social media
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Sometimes, you might be stopping by your friend's city, or maybe going somewhere close by. Let them know and see if you can plan a little outing! It's always a treat to see those you thought you wouldn't for months, and spending some time with them to catch up can be a lot of fun.
Find a common place where you can meet and spend some time together. Catch up on how your summer has been so far and what you're planning to do for the rest of your break!
3. Plan activities remotely
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If you have the time, plan activities that you can do together online. It can be as simple as arranging a listening party on Spotify and enjoying the same songs while you do your own work. Other things include arranging movie nights, getting on video call to cook together, or joining some creative online class together like baking, poetry, or whatever you all have a shared interest in. You can also play games together online, discuss your back-to-school shopping essentials, and even set up virtual get-togethers or birthday parties.
4. Send each other gifts
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Sending gifts does not have to be expensive; it's more about being thoughtful and showing them that you miss them and care about them. If someone has a summer birthday, plan something for them virtually and send them a present! If you want to stay in touch consistently, then you can do things like exchanging letters or emails. This would not only keep you in touch, but also strengthen your bond with one another.
Make sure you see what is financially viable for you when it comes to things like visiting or exchanging gifts! It's also okay if you're busy during the summer and cannot contact each other often, as long as you can check in once in a while. Sometimes, people also need a break from college life and may not stay in contact as regularly.
If this is the case, make sure that you inform your friends of that so that there are no high expectations, or potential of conflict. Most of all, enjoy your break!
