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Students walk down Pattee Mall on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
Students lounge on Old Main Lawn on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
Ajani Knorr, a second-year studying aerospace engineering, left, and Kevin Feng, a fourth-year studying material science, right, throw a frisbee on the HUB Lawn on Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
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Students walk down Pattee Mall on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
Between classes, jobs and extracurriculars, some Penn State students feel like there’s little room left for friendships.
Days can fill quickly with assignments, work and club meetings, leaving students to wonder how they can stay connected without adding more stress to their schedules.
Ashley Frazer and Dani London first met during their Educational Psychology 14 class freshman year. Now, as third-year students both majoring in elementary and early childhood education, the two said they’ve learned to make time for each other in simple ways.
Walking across campus together, grabbing lunch at the HUB-Robeson Center, working out or studying at the library gives them a chance to catch up without adding extra stress.
“As long as we’re making an effort, it works,” London said. “It doesn’t have to be a big plan, even just a few minutes to catch up makes a difference.”
Frazer said combining schoolwork with social time helps her feel less overwhelmed.
Students lounge on Old Main Lawn on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
She often invites London to join her at the library or at Starbucks so they can do homework side by side. Even if they’re focused on assignments, the chance to share space and talk during breaks adds balance to their day.
Karen Bierman, a professor of psychology, said research backs up these kinds of connections.
She added that the benefits are especially strong during major transitions.
“During life transitions, such as the college years, supportive friendships help with coping, engagement and problem-solving and enhance feelings of well-being,” Bierman said.
Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology Beth Gerace said maintaining a healthy long-term friendship means supporting each other, but also acknowledging differences in lifestyles.
Gerace added that friends should be open to the fact that things might change and feel different over four years of college, and that’s healthy.
“The most important thing is to support each other in your separate endeavors,” Gerace said.
Frazer and London said they’ve learned not to expect constant plans, and instead focus on effort and intention. Sending a short text to check in or planning a quick coffee break has helped them maintain closeness during the busiest weeks of the semester.
Ajani Knorr, a second-year studying aerospace engineering, left, and Kevin Feng, a fourth-year studying material science, right, throw a frisbee on the HUB Lawn on Tuesday, Apr. 1, 2025 in University Park, Pa.
London said she believes this mindset has kept their friendship from fading.
“It’s the reassurance that our friendship is built into my schedule that makes long stretches of assignments feel lighter,” London said.
For Frazer, even just laughing with London when things get overwhelming helps take the pressure off.
“Sometimes that’s all I need — just someone who gets it,” Frazer said.
MORE LIFESTYLE COVERAGE
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