From Stress to Shenanigans: How My Friends Saved the Day

University life is like riding a rollercoaster—exciting, chaotic, and sometimes downright terrifying. But if there’s one thing that makes the ride survivable, it’s the friendships and memories you build along the way.

As part of our group project, each of us came up with a question that reflected how friendships help us get through university. We also created surveys in different languages to see how perspectives varied across cultures.

My question was:
“What was the funniest or most unexpected thing that university friendship helped you survive?”

Let me start with my own experience.

There was this one programming class that just wouldn’t let us win, no matter how hard we tried. We studied, we panicked, we tried again—still, we couldn’t crack it. Eventually, we reached the final mini-exam, our last chance. And guess what? We didn’t pass.

It meant we’d have to retake the whole class next year. But instead of crying about it (okay, maybe just a little), my friends and I did what any sensible uni students would do—we went to McDonald’s, laughed about our failure, and spent the rest of the day just talking and eating fries like queens. As a wise, fishy woman once said:
“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…”

Let me share experiences from other students:

·       It was one of those gloomy, grey days on campus—no sunlight, no motivation, just endless deadlines. But as one student said, “With uni friends around, you can’t have a boring and miserable day at the same time.” Maybe their day was slow and draining, but a cup of coffee and a chocolate bar gifted by a friend made all the difference.

·       We’ve all had those stressful days—deadlines stacking up, failed exams haunting us, and group projects no one really wants to do. But one of the best ways to cope? Go out, unwind, and hit the bar with your friends. It doesn’t fix everything, but it definitely helps.

·       One student shared that they and their friends all failed an exam—and instead of being upset, they turned it into a bonding moment. It became an inside joke they still laugh about today. That’s the magic of university friendships: finding light in the dark, and turning stress into shenanigans.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, university isn’t just about the lectures, exams, and all-nighters—it’s about the people you survive it with. Friends who turn stress into laughter, bad days into funny stories, and failed exams into unforgettable memories. Sure, we might not always pass the class on the first try, but we pass through the chaos together—and that’s what really counts.

So here’s to the friendships that keep us going, the McDonald’s runs after disaster, and the inside jokes that make even the worst days feel a little lighter. University might be tough, but with the right people beside you, it’s also one of the best rides you’ll ever take.

- by Emilija Bisikirskaitė

Maintaining Relationships in College Feels Like a Full-Time Job?

College: the land of questionable sleep schedules, and late-night identity crises. It’s also a time when everyone tells you you’ll make “lifelong friends” and maybe even meet “the one.” Cute idea - until reality hits like an 8 a.m. class.  

 
We asked students what really makes it hard to keep relationships alive during college.  
 
Long-Distance: Now Hiring Teleportation  
 
"Distance" was the number one complaint, and let’s be real—it's hard to maintain a connection when your best friend is three cities away and your significant other is basically in another time zone. Even Zoom calls can't fix a relationship that’s slowly being ghosted by geography.  
 
Time Management? What’s That?  
 
If time management were a class, we’d all be failing. One student said it best: “Time management during study sessions, especially.” Between juggling lectures, assignments, and that one friend who always wants to “just chill,” who even has time to send a text back?  
 
Communication Breakdowns in 4K  
 
Yes, communication is key—but good luck using it when your brain is fried from exams. Messages are misread, tone is misunderstood, and “I’ll call you later” becomes a euphemism for never. 
Texts get left on read, sarcasm gets misinterpreted, and “we need to talk” turns into a full-blown panic spiral.  
 
The Ultimate Plot Twist: Not Fitting In  
 
And then there’s the good old “I don’t vibe with most people.” We feel you. Sometimes you just want to find your people, but all you’ve got is lab partners who think small talk is a personality trait. It’s not you—it’s definitely college.  
 
It's Not Easy, But You're Not Alone  
 
Maintaining relationships in college is kind of like trying to keep a plant alive when you haven’t watered it in weeks and it lives in a closet. But the good news? Everyone’s struggling, so at least you’re in relatable company.  
 
Whether you’re dodging communication problems, time zones, or emotional burnout, just remember: college is temporary, but your group chat full of “let’s hang soon” texts is forever.  
 

- Aleksandra Strzelecka