Tips on handling leaving friends when transferring colleges?

I'm considering transferring to a new college and I'm feeling a bit stressed about leaving my current friends behind. Has anyone gone through this and have any advice on maintaining friendships while starting fresh?

It's perfectly normal to feel a mix of emotions when transferring colleges. Leaving your friends behind can indeed be difficult. Here are a few tips on how to maintain those friendships:

1. Regular Communication: This is paramount. Of course due to distance and conflicting schedules, you may not be able to carry out daily check-ins. But scheduling regular chats where you can update each other, share your experiences, and generally catch up will help keep the bond strong. This could be weekly or monthly video calls, phone calls, or even emails.

2. Visits: Plan your visits ahead of time, if possible. These could be during breaks or holidays. Having something to look forward to always stirs up excitement and keeps the connection strong.

3. Shared Activities: If there's a TV show you and your friends are obsessed with, schedule watching parties where you can have virtual hangouts to discuss the show. Shared activities encourage continued bonding.

4. Send Letters: Yes, in the age of digital communication, an old-fashioned letter can be a lovely surprise and a personal way of keeping in touch.

5. Be Understanding: There will be changes, that's unavoidable. You might not always be in loop of happenings back in your old college and that's okay. Understand that friendships evolve and that's okay.

In your new college, do seek out new friends and actively participate in activities. Join clubs, participate in college events, and take the initiative to meet new people. This doesn't mean replacing your old friends, it's merely expanding your circle. You're opening yourself up to new experiences and friendships wherever life takes you.