The Opinions desk put out a poll asking people to send in friendship problems they’ve been dealing with as college students.
Although we only received two responses, we included hypotheticals and personal situations, adding our own touches of wisdom into the advice.
Never fear, the Opinions desk is here! Please take (some of) our suggestions very lightly. As per usual, we’re selling the poison and the antidote.
Anonymous first-year student asked, “It’s been a whole year and I still feel like I haven’t found my ‘people’ on campus. I know I have 3 more years, but this year flew by so fast. What can I do my sophomore year?”
Wren: Pursue your interests. You’ll find your people along the way.
Vivian: You’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out first.
Matthew: Join plenty of clubs and activities for more personal proximity!
Izzy: You have nothing to lose. Go to campus events. Keep trucking.
Amelia: Friends will come. In the meantime, have fun with yourself.
Claudia: Don’t try too hard, it happens naturally. Sometimes.
Situation 1: My friends from home and I are starting to grow apart due to distance. Is there a way to reconcile these bonds?
Wren: Communicate your feelings, but don’t be afraid of moving on.
Vivian: Friendships aren’t one-size-fits-all. Try a different modality, things change.
Matthew: Discord calls and online game nights are underrated tools!
Izzy: Friendships come and go. It’s okay to move on.
Amelia: Friends who share Instagram reels together, stay together.
Claudia: Probably not.
Situation 2: I feel like my best friend is prioritizing her new relationship over our friendship. I’m happy for her, but I miss spending time with her.
Wren: Elle Woods and Vivian Kensington became friends. So can you.
Vivian: She’ll probably come to her senses. If not… she’ll learn.
Matthew: Try to be her confidant and respite from the relationship.
Izzy: When she comes running back, don’t let her.
Amelia: Ditch her. College is for meeting bridesmaids, not husbands.
Claudia: Join ‘em. One man, two man. Your man, my man?
Situation 3: I’ve met so many people in college, but they all seem to drift away. How do I make university friendships develop and last?
Wren: Commit to a few people you connect with most.
Vivian: Keep meeting new people and make efforts to stay connected.
Matthew: Four words — Fight with your friends. Silly banter lengthens relationships.
Izzy: It’ll honestly happen randomly. You can’t predict it.
Amelia: Start hosting things! Movie nights work wonders.
Claudia: Spill your trauma together. Works every time.
To close it off, here’s some advice from first-year respondent Ryan who misread the poll and gave us some guidance. It’s not 10 words or less, but it rings true regardless.
“There will always be drama, take care of yourself before others. Your future self will thank you tremendously. Don’t let people drag you down, you are stronger than you think.”
Well said, Ryan.
