It’s no secret that you are likely to drift apart from your high school friends during your first year of college. It’s completely normal and healthy to do so. It’s weird to think that now we have our “home” friends and our “college” friends, but the key to maintaining good relationships in both of those areas is balance. Here are some tips to keep in touch with the old while making the best of the new.

1. Skype, but at the right times

Try to save long Skype calls for weekdays and afternoons on weekends. Your Friday and Saturday nights are usually the best times for socializing. And remember to plan the calls ahead of time so you don’t interrupt your friend while they’re in the middle of something important.

2. Write some snail mail

There’s something about receiving a physical letter and seeing a person’s handwriting that is much more personal than texting or chatting online. Take a day to get everyone’s new addresses and try to send someone a letter every week or so. By catching up through a longer letter, you can reduce the time you spend texting your “home” friends and then spend that extra time getting to know someone new at school.

3. Track yourself

Try to talk to about the same amount of “college” friends as you do “home” friends each week. I’m not saying it has to be exactly equal, but if you’re feeling like you haven’t connected with your “home” friends in a while (and vice versa), then act on that feeling. Send a quick “I hope you’re doing well” text or post a funny YouTube video to their Facebook wall if it’s someone from home. If it’s someone at college you want to get to know better, ask to grab coffee or lunch with them, or just send a “How has your day been?” text. Monitor how many times you get dinner to-go and make sure that there’s a few days each week where you just sit down and eat with friends. It takes a little practice, but keeping track of your actions will pay off in the long run.