Why Friends is a Perfect Representation of the Life of a College Student

By Hallie Finkelstein 

Published in Slope Media printed magazine Spring 2023

You’ve probably seen the popular sitcom from the 90s known as Friends, but if you haven’t, here’s the gist: six friends who all live together in New York City try to act like adults and navigate the world. Sound familiar? Yes, this is very similar to our lives in college. One thing that is so special about our college years is the people we meet along the way and the friendships we form with those people. Being away from home isn’t always easy; it is our friends that become our family and make college some of the best years. Something that is so unique about college from other times in our lives is that we have the opportunity to meet so many people who are different from us. I believe that each of these people serves a special purpose in our lives, similar to the way the personalities of the characters in Friends are so different, yet each of them is essential to the cohesive family they have formed. The show is a great representation of the kinds of friends that are necessary to help us get through college and become adults.

To start off, everyone needs the “Monica” friend – organized in both physical cleanliness and in lifestyle. The “Monica” friend brings you back down to earth when you’re spinning out of control, and she can calm you down from any sort of mishap or a bad day. Organization is not the only quality of the “Monica” friend. The “Monica” friend is fiercely loyal and genuinely wants to know how your day was when she asks. The college student Monica has a competitive side to her, but in the best way that always keeps you on your toes and motivates you to be your best self. Everyone needs a Monica to survive college.

Next up is the “Ross” friend. A little sensitive, highly intellectual, slightly socially awkward but in the sweetest, most genuine way. The “Ross” friend is there for you when you’re up late at night studying for a prelim and need some help on that one problem set. He’s the one who wishes you good luck right before your test and asks you how it went when it’s over. The “Ross” friend is always there if you need a night in to relax and just watch a movie. He can be goofy and silly with a witty, dry sense of humor that makes everyone in the room laugh. Going through college with a Ross is essential to a happy college experience. 

The “Phoebe” friend is a free spirit. She is happy, silly, and cheerful, and she wants nothing but the best for you. She’ll encourage you to take risks, and she will be the person who gets you to try new things that you never thought you’d experience. College is all about the new people, new foods, interesting clubs, and shows to attend to your “Phoebe” friend, and she’ll bring you along on the adventure too.

The “Joey” friend makes you laugh and sits with you for as long as you need when you have a bad day. The “Joey” friend values friendship over everything, and he is one of the most trustworthy people you have in your life. The “Joey” friend is your more ditsy and fun friend who is always ready to drag you along to a party. His personality lights up your life, and you couldn’t imagine living in college without him.

The “Rachel” friend is sweet and caring, and she is the first person you want to call when you find out that you got the summer job or were elected president of your club. She’s here for a fun time and always knows the latest gossip. She’ll convince you to get up and go out to cheer you up from a bad day, and she is always ready to do some shopping. 

Lastly, we have the “Chandler” friend. The “Chandler” friend is quick-witted, a little overly sarcastic, but absolutely necessary to a great college experience. He makes light of difficult situations and cracks a joke here and there to show you that there’s always a bright side. 

These very different personalities are what make up the type of friends everyone needs in college. Cornell has been a place where I have been able to find and am still finding everyday friends that become my family, just like these six iconic characters. I see these very different kinds of characteristics in my friends here at Cornell, and everyone brings something important to the table that makes us a family when we are away from our biological ones. 

College is a time in your life when you have the opportunity to seek out friends that will bring different elements of happiness into your life. My hope for everyone here is that you all find your Friends characters that bring something special and different into your life, and who make you feel at home, even when you are away.