By Kyle Yep
College of Pharmacy Class of 2028
Student Ambassador
Kyleyep.cop28@ketchum.edu
You receive your acceptance letter to graduate school and feel a rush of joy and excitement—for a moment. Then it hits you: you’re moving far from your friends or partner. That joy quickly turns into anxiety as you wonder how you’ll maintain the relationships that matter most to you.
First, take a breath. Just having the motivation to maintain these connections is already a huge first step. In this guide, I’ll share general tips, personal strategies, and a dedicated section for those navigating a long-distance romantic relationship.
A Quick Reality Check
Let’s start with a few honest disclaimers—brace yourself.
Chances are, you won’t be able to spend as much time with your friends as you did when you lived nearby. Some friendships might fade. Some people may not put in the same level of effort and could drift away entirely. And here’s the truth: that’s out of your control.
Relationships—romantic or platonic—are two-way streets. No matter how much you reach out, if the other person doesn’t reciprocate, the friendship can feel unbalanced or unfulfilling. Accepting this reality can help ease your anxiety. It’s okay to grieve those losses, but don’t let them define your graduate school experience.
Everyday Tips to Stay Connected
Now for the good news: there are ways to keep friendships alive, even across miles.
In the digital age, texting is incredibly easy. A quick message—30 seconds, maybe a minute—is often all it takes. Yet somehow, we still put it off. You don’t need to text every day. Start small: once a week, or every two weeks. It doesn’t have to be profound. A meme, a memory, a quick “thinking of you” can go a long way.
I’ve often found myself realizing it’s been a month (or more!) since I last reached out to someone I care about. That moment of realization is important. The next step is even more important: do you send the message, or do you let that moment pass and promise yourself you’ll “text them later”?
Choose to reach out. That decision is entirely within your control.
Beyond Texting
If texting feels too surface-level, there are plenty of other ways to connect:
Schedule a phone call during a study break
Video chat while cooking or eating dinner
Send a quick update video about your week
Share a funny TikTok or Instagram reel
Mail a letter or postcard—a heartfelt old-school gesture
You don’t have to invent new ideas all the time. Ask your friends what works best for them or even search online (yes, even ask ChatGPT!) for ideas that match your shared interests.
A Note for Long-Distance Romantic Relationships
If you're in a long-distance romantic relationship, the stakes may feel even higher. This is one of the most important people in your life, and being apart will hurt—there’s no sugar-coating it.
In addition to the tips above, planning in-person visits whenever possible is one of the most valuable things you can do. Yes, it takes time, money, sacrifice, and coordination (especially with busy grad school schedules and time zone differences), but seeing each other face-to-face—even if only for a weekend—can do wonders for your connection.
Just remember: no amount of screen time will ever feel like “enough,” and that’s okay. Quality matters more than quantity.
Final Thoughts
Whether your relationship is platonic or romantic, long-distance is a challenge. But it’s not impossible. With intention, effort, and creativity, you can maintain meaningful connections even from far away.
Hopefully, these tips help you navigate the distance—and remind you that love, care, and friendship can travel farther than you think.
