I grew up in one of those towns where everybody knew everybody, give or take a few people, I basically had the same friends from early elementary school to my high school graduation. The friend area was always easy. I’d been around these people for years and I knew who I wanted to spend my time with. We all survived our adolescent years with this knowledge, alongside a few really good friends. It was sort of an unspoken agreement across the youth of my hometown.

I had many worries and concerns going into college. They were mostly irrational fears, to be honest. One thing that never occurred to me, however, was settling in with a good group of friends. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met some really great people here that I consider my friends; but it’s not that same comforting group of friends that I was used to.

Moving to a new place without that group causes one to fall into a sort of “friend limbo.” You have your old friends, and your new friends, but which ones are your best friends? Who do you talk to when you’re having a hard time at your new school? Your old friends may sympathize but it’s difficult for them to fully be there for you. Your new friends can talk about it some, but many may not feel comfortable enough just yet to completely open up about their feelings.

Friends are an immensely important part of a college student. Many of us are dealing with homesickness and the shock of not seeing our families every day. Family will be there for us, but we are adults now, and can’t go running to our mommy and daddy for every problem. That’s where friends come in.

In due time, this won’t be an issue anymore, I’m assuming. I will have my best friends again and all will be well. However, in the meantime, amongst all the other confusions of college is the “friend