Going away to college and entering a new stage in your life can change a lot of things, but one thing that never changes is your best friends. Distance really doesn't matter when friendships are so strong.

1. You can be yourself when you’re with them.

You are completely comfortable with them. They won’t ever judge you no matter how weird you act, what you do or what you say.

2. They were there through it all.

They were there for you through all of your mistakes and helping you pick up the pieces. They were there when you didn’t make the team, failed a test or had family drama. They were there through the breakups, too. Through the tears and ice cream, they were the one with you holding the tissues and spoons.

3. They are still there for you no matter what.

They’ve seen you at your absolute best, but also at your absolute worst and have stuck with you through it all. That doesn't stop. They’ll always be there for your late night phone calls, freaking out, having anxiety attacks over studying for exams or vent sessions to the group chat. Even though you may have grown apart or aren’t in touch all the time, they still offer the same comfort and advice just like they used to.

4. They know everything about you.

If something happens, there’s no need to explain why it makes you so upset or who the people in the story are because they will already know and understand your past. They know what you like, what annoys you, how you will react to certain things, your quirky habits and how to help.

5. You made it through your awkward high school years together.

You made it through the struggle of being in high school together from being lost in the hallways freshman year to getting through finals week together as a senior. They were with you for your firsts and your lasts of high school like your first date, getting your license, going to prom and everything in between. You grew up together, learned together and experienced all the same things with them by your side.

6. You have the funniest memories with them.

“Remember when…” always leads to uncontrollable laughs. You went through all your most embarrassing moments with them. No matter how much time passes, you will always understand your inside jokes and laugh at all of your embarrassing moments like it was yesterday. Nothing beats looking back at old pictures of horrid homecoming dresses, outfits and braces.

7. They tell you how it is, no matter what.

Even when you don’t want to hear it, they tell you the truth. They will always look out for you because they love you. Tough love is still love.

8. Their house is your second home.

And you miss their families (and their pets) just as much as you miss them.

9. You can’t go a day without referring to one of them or a memory you all have together in a conversation.

The words “This one time..” come out of your mouth every day, followed by a story you and your friends share.

10. To be able to share all of the old pictures, tweets and posts of them that show up on Timehop.

You can remember everything about that exact day, what happened and why something was posted from freshman year Facebook statuses about hanging out and winter formal pictures to the carefully thought out subtweet defending your best friend and summer memories captured in a picture.

11. When you’re all reunited, it’s like nothing has changed.

Literally nothing.

12. You wouldn’t be who you are today without them.

Your high school best friends are your people. You wouldn't be who you are today without them.

13. They are truly your friends for life.

No matter what stage of life you are in, you will always be able to count on them to be at your side.