1. Know their favourite food, where to get it and be able to get it ASAP, for if you sense they aren’t feeling all that happy.
2. Get to know their parents or a sibling, if possible. Even if you just meet them once. At uni, there is usually a divide between our friends and our family (especially if you’re not local) and if you know some of your friend’s family members it strengthens the web of support around them.
3. Make them a personalised Spotify playlist to listen to when they are stressed. Bonus points if you also make them a happy party playlist of all their faves as well.
4. Don’t pressure them to go out and get on the piss if they really need to get uni work done, or are feeling run-down. It’s so hard to say no to a fun time, so if they have said no, it’s because their priorities lie elsewhere right now. Respect that.
5. Ask them whether they experience stress or sadness regularly, and if there are any signs when this happens. That way, when they do need a friend, you will already know the signs and be able to reach out to them.
6. Go on a date to somewhere outside of the campus area. Head out to the beach via walking, bus or Lime - or if you have a car, go check out Long Beach or Aramoana. Get away from the busy uni grind for half a day to recharge their batteries.
7. Keep them safe. If you are worried about their health for whatever reason, it’s okay to bring it up and check in with them. It doesn’t make you uncool to be worried about their party habits – it makes you someone who cares about their wellbeing.
8. Write them a surprise card. Tell them all the wonderful things you love about them. It will make their entire month, and will cost you next to nothing.
9. Look after yourself. It’s hard to look out for others if you’re only barely hanging on yourself. Eat, exercise, sleep, and repeat.
10. On their birthday, post a heartfelt collage on Facebook of you looking like a snacc in every photo, with them looking like trash. That’s true friendship.