Love, Friendship & Campus Relationships
The Friendship Phases
First Semester
- Everyone is your friend
- Names blur together
- Friendships form quickly
- Most won't last—that's okay
First Year End
- Your actual friend group forms
- Quality over quantity
- Inside jokes emerge
- Study groups solidify
Second Year
- Friends become family
- You know each other's quirks
- Group trips happen
- Life beyond academics is shared
Final Year
- Nostalgia hits early
- Making memories intentionally
- Future plans are discussed
- Bonds tested by distance ahead
Finding Your People
Where to Meet Them
- First bench enthusiasts: Library
- Backbenchers: Canteen
- Creative souls: Events and fests
- Nerds: Study groups
- Party people: Evening hangouts
- Everyone: Committees and clubs
What to Look For
- Similar values (not just interests)
- People who show up when it matters
- Those who push you to be better
- Genuine over impressive
Red Flags
- Only call when they need something
- Gossip about everyone
- Compete in toxic ways
- Make you feel small
- Disappear when you need them
The Relationship Reality
College Romance Stats
- Many start one
- Fewer finish one
- Some become marriages
- Most become memories
If You're Single
- It's not a character flaw
- Focus on self-development
- Friendships are relationships too
- Your person might be elsewhere
If You're In One
- Maintain your individual identity
- Don't neglect friends
- Same class = convenient but risky
- Keep some things private
If You're Heartbroken
- It will pass (cliché but true)
- Lean on friends
- Don't stalk social media
- Focus on academics as distraction
- Avoid rebound relationships
The Group Dynamic
Study Groups
- 3-4 people maximum
- Similar work ethic needed
- Rotate hosting
- Phones away during study
- Celebrate together after exams
Hangout Groups
- Larger is fine
- Flexible membership
- Regular meeting spots
- Shared interests help
Core Circle
- 2-5 true friends
- Quality conversations
- Honest feedback
- Long-term thinking
Managing Conflict
When Friends Fight
- Don't pick sides unless necessary
- Listen before advising
- Give space when needed
- Some fights need to happen
When You Fight with Friends
- Cool down before responding
- In-person resolution > Text fights
- Apologize when wrong
- Some relationships end—that's okay
The Batch Bond
Your batch is special:
- Shared experiences create unique bonds
- WhatsApp group might be annoying but valuable
- Class representatives are the glue
- Reunions will happen—treasure them in advance
Long-Distance Friendships
After graduation:
- Quality over frequency
- Video calls help
- Group trips when possible
- Some friendships are forever, most aren't—and that's okay
Advice from Those Who've Been There
- Be the friend you want to have
- Show up for the small things
- Pictures fade, memories don't—make good ones
- Not everyone will like you—that's not a failure
- Your college friends might be your lifelong tribe
The people you meet here might be the people at your wedding, in your career, through your life. Choose wisely, invest deeply, remember always.