5 Fun & Low-Key Ways I’m Staying Connected with My College Friends This Summer

Summer brings some of the best things: warmer weather (hello, beach days!), a break from school, and some relaxation. But whether you’re going home, relocating for a summer internship, or sticking close to campus, it can also come with distance between you and your college friends. Whatever your case may be, it is totally normal to feel all the feels this summer. 

Coming home for the summer always was a bittersweet feeling for me because I wanted to make sure I stayed connected with my college friends; now, as a college graduate, I feel like that’s more important than ever. If you’re feeling anything like me, don’t fret. Check out these fun and low-lift ways I like to stay connected with my college friends that you can try, too!

My college friends and I just started our book club in April and have no signs of stopping anytime soon. One of my friends sent out a form with book suggestions and from there we selected a book for each month. Since being apart we will continue to meet on Zoom and, honestly, most of the time we are just catching up and giggling. Book clubs are the perfect excuse to meet up once a month — even if it’s online! 

I love nothing more than making a calendar to stay organized. Even better? Making a shared calendar with your friends. My friends and I use the free app TimeTree, which allows you to color code the calendar so you can keep track of who is doing what. Not only is it an easy way to know what your friends are up to, but it gives you good convo starters to text or call them about!

You know what summer means … a new “bombshell” has entered the chat. Love Island: USA is set to take over our screens (and social media) on June 2. My friends and I take Love Island very seriously, but even if you have never watched it, this is the perfect reality show to help you stay in touch with friends. Whether you are close enough for in-person watch parties or will be sticking to the virtual ones, Love Island airs every day but Wednesday (except for premiere week, when it’s every day!), so you’re sure to have plenty to talk about in the group chat. 

And the best part? You can do this with any show you’ve been wanting to watch or even rewatch. I do find it easiest, though, to have a show that airs new episodes weekly so you have that pre-set slot to watch and chat! 

This, honestly, is my favorite way to stay connected, especially with long-distance friends. Weekly photo dumps are so simple and a great way to keep in touch with what your friends are up to. They’re so easy: You pick a day each week (my friends and I do Sundays) and send 5-10 (or however many you want!) pictures of what you were up to that week with a little blurb of context — it’s like posting on Instagram, but just for your pals. 

While this may seem overly obvious or cheesy, honestly it’s so effective. Texting and checking in with your friends is key to staying in contact with them. Let’s be real: Summer is busy, and people have packed schedules. Texting your friends shows you care, even if it’s a simple “How have you been?” It’s a great way to stay in touch and gives the person time to answer when they can.