Your Degree Might End, But your Friendships Don’t Have to

And just like that, your university life is ending. Whether you've been enrolled in a one-year programme at LSE or have been here for the last three years as an undergraduate, you probably didn't realise how fast time flew by. This bittersweet feeling marks the beginning of a new chapter - one without the daily proximity of the friends who made LSE, or even London, feel like home. 💙

That being said, even though your time at LSE has come to an end, that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the friendships you built here. Read on to discover how you can stay in touch with your friends post-graduation, and make sure those bonds only grow stronger. 🌱

Acknowledge the Distance and Use Time Zones 🌍

After graduation, your friends might move to different cities, countries, or even continents to pursue new opportunities. Acknowledging that you won’t be around each other as often is the first step in maintaining your friendship. Consciously recognising that friendships now require more intentional effort and less convenience is essential. But this isn't a sad thing. This is growth. And friends who grow together, stay together.

P.S. If your friends are in different time zones, use that to your advantage. Had a late day at work, and want to unwind, but everyone around you is asleep? Call that friend across the globe who’s just getting their evening matcha, you might just be able to catch up with each other, finally. 🕓

Make Friendship Rituals a Habit 🔁

Establish shared practices with your close friends, whether that’s checking in weekly or monthly, virtually or in person. Plan group dinners or start a tradition of annual trips, just like the day trips you used to take during LSE term breaks.

Having something to look forward to helps you stay connected, even if you can't see each other every day!

Use Social Media to Engage 📱

Chances are, you're already connected to your friends on social media, but now is the time to really leverage it. Did someone land a new job? Send a “congrats.” Is someone moving countries? Drop them a “good luck.”

Stay engaged. Don’t just be a silent viewer. 🔔

Tap into the Power of LSE Alumni Circles 🎓

LSE has an extensive alumni network that spans the globe. While great for networking, these groups can help you reconnect with friends you may have lost touch with, through formal events hosted by LSE or casual coffee catch-ups in your current city.

It never hurts to catch up with an old classmate over some coffee, you know. ☕️

Send Little Surprises (if you can) 📦

Once you catch up with a friend, whether they're doing great or going through a rough patch, send them a little something. A small, thoughtful gift can go a long way.

Remember the friend who made you ramen during exam season? If they’re having a tough day at work, maybe it’s your turn to send them a warm, hearty, comforting gesture. 🍜

 Accept That Some Friendships Will Change (and that’s okay) 🕊️

Life after university brings rapid changes due to new cities, new roles, and new pressures. Some friends may also go MIA as they adjust to their new life. Instead of taking it personally, offer them (and yourself) some grace.

Friendships will evolve and may look very different. You may grow closer to someone you barely spoke to at LSE, and drift apart from your ride-or-die. And that’s okay. Having this awareness can help you embrace change and unpredictability with more compassion and less fear. 💫

At university, you make some of the best friendships that last a lifetime. Staying in touch with those friends doesn’t have to be a monumental task. While easier said than done, the tips above will help you stay connected with the people who laughed, cried, and thrived with you at LSE, without whom your university journey wouldn’t have been the same. 💌

With a little effort, you can keep these friends for life. So, choose to check in. Choose to show up.

To the LSE Class of 2025: new era, same group chat(s) (don’t leave them on read!)