Things that friends do that just make sense

“Are you coming to class today?” — every friend ever

Friendships in post-secondary hit different. They’re built on caffeine, all-nighters, last-minute assignments and chaos. It’s the unspoken agreement of emotionally supporting each other through every academic aspect of student life (even if it is just spending hours on Rate My Professors).

So, to explore the way relationships work in post-secondary, here are the little things friends do that just make sense.

1. Saving you a seat in class

A cartoon boy waving his arm in a bus saying "I saved a seat for you." — *Via GIPHY*

There’s absolutely no loyalty stronger than a friend who arrives to class early and becomes the human-seat reservation system. They’ll put their jacket, laptop, water bottle or even a gum wrapper on an empty chair to claim it in your name.

Any and every “Hey, is this seat taken?” is met with a “Yep, for my friend, they’re coming” without missing a single beat.

Even when you walk in 15 minutes late, they’ll wave you over and have a seat ready just for you.

2. Become the reminder for assignments that you “totally” didn’t forget

A woman saying,"just to remind you" — *Via GIPHY*

You swear you put it in your calendar down to the colour code you assigned it, but now it has just disappeared.

You only remembered when your friend casually asked, “Did you do the discussion post for today?”

Instant panic. Screaming…internally.

Somehow, whenever your friend opens their laptop, you suddenly remember every due date you forgot about all week.

Some superheroes don’t wear capes, they wear hoodies and accessorize with their laptops to save your GPA.

3. Text you when you don’t show up

a man texting with the caption reading 'one sec' — *Via GIPHY*

Some friends are chaotic, while others are reliable. And then there’s the personal mandatory attendance tracker.

They make sure you get the 1% grade for attendance. If they don’t see you in your usual spot, the text will be sent as if it’s automated to do so.

“WYA? Are you coming to class today?”

“Are you sick or just oversleeping?”

“I’ll text you if prof mentions anything important.”

And if you don’t respond, you’re hit with the “HELLOOO?”

Eventually, you’re met with a neat PDF of the lecture slides and a doc titled “notes.” That’s not just a friend, that’s a hero with great Wi-Fi.

4. Plan study sessions that always turn into hangouts

seven people studying together — *Via GIPHY*

You both agree to a study session, promising each other that this is the ultimate lock-in. You bring your laptop, notes, highlighters in every colour and snacks that could feed the entire post-secondary world.

The first 20 minutes are actually studying before one of you goes, “Is it just me or…”

And then the next three hours are spent laughing during a “well-deserved break.”

But somehow, despite the chaos, studying with your friend feels productive and helps you pass courses without feeling the stress of finals.

5. Encourage you to break out of your comfort zone

an animation of a character walking out comfort zone with the caption reading progress — *Via GIPHY*

It only takes one friend to say, “Just try it, what’s the worst that could happen?”

And suddenly you find yourself doing things you’d never do — joining clubs, going to events or simply speaking up in class.

They push you gently and consistently, because they see the version of you that’s bold, confident and capable (even on the days you don’t).

6. Instantly understand your meme references

Three people talking while two of them point at each other and laugh — *Via GIPHY*

Even the most niche reference gets picked up by that one friend.

No explanation. No context. Just the simple mention of the meme, followed by the room being filled with laughter.

Your entire friendship could be summarized as “Did you watch the TikTok I just sent?”

And honestly? That’s love.

7. Shared sorrow is half sorrow

cartoon characters Lilo and Stitch hugging each other — *Via GIPHY*

Nothing bonds students faster than the shared suffering of confusing professors and even more confusing assignments.

On one hand, you rant about the instructions being “confusing on purpose” while on the other side, they complain that the group project might as well be an individual assignment.

At the end of every rant session, you leave feeling lighter while laughing and questioning your life decisions, but still somehow feel better afterward.

8. Shared joy is double joy

three people dancing in an office party — *Via GIPHY*

When you ace a test, get a job interview or raise your hand in class, your friend celebrates it like they won.

They hype you up. You hype them up. Scream. Clap. They share the joy around because your happiness becomes their happiness.

Want friends who “just make sense?”

two student participatin in the speed friending — *Image courtesy of IGNITE*

If you are reading this and think, “I want friendships like that,” then here’s your chance.

IGNITE’s Speed Friending event is designed to help you meet people who could become all of this and more.

Come find your seat-saver, study buddy or your meme soulmate.

If you are a new student, find the Speed Friending event happening on:

Wednesday, Jan. 7 at the North campus.
Friday, Jan. 9 at the Lakeshore campus.

If you aren’t a first-year student but are still looking to make new friends and make connections, don’t worry, IGNITE’s got you.

IGNITE is hosting Speed Friending that is open to all. Fun games, new friends and even better snacks. Join us on:

Tuesday, Jan. 13 at the University of Guelph-Humber.
Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Lakeshore campus.
Thursday, Jan. 22 at the North campus.

Join and meet people who might just become the highlight of your semester.

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE.

What makes student life exciting? Check out the little wins that make student life better!