America. Population: 12.

Or at least that’s how I feel right now.

The first semester of junior year is one of the most popular times for students to study abroad. Six of my close friends are studying in places like Spain, France or the United Kingdom this semester, some of which will be gone the entire year. I now wonder, will there be any people left!? 

I have compiled a list of tactics to survive the next few months while my friends find adventure abroad.

Throw a party – many of my friends just left the country for their study abroad programs. Sure, I was sad to hear they would be leaving, but the best way to make them feel appreciated (and selfishly spend a bit more time with them before they go) is to throw a going away party. Ingredients: friends, food and drinks. Blend and celebrate the prospect of new adventure.
Get a Skype account – if you don’t have one of these already, it’s time for you to progress into the 21st century. I Skype my father on a weekly basis, and absolutely expect to keep in touch with some of my best friends who will be spending the semester overseas through the popular video-chat host. Some stories are best told in person but can’t wait for the return home.

Remember, people are still here – so I said that I felt like America had only 12 people in it after my friends left, but the reality is we are surrounded by over 12,000 people on campus every day. I bet that you can find at least one to be friends with.
Although many of my good friends will be gone, some of my best friends are still here. I can’t wait to spend time with them. However, if your very best friend is gone and you’re truly struggling to find a hangout buddy, treat this as a great chance to put yourself out there and meet new people!

Be a tourist in your own city ­- sometimes it can be hard to watch your friends have a blast in Spain or travel down the French Riviera while you’re stuck in school all day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun either. Sure, your friend may take the train to Berlin one weekend, but you can take a road trip to Austin or pop over to the Dallas Arboretum for a Saturday picnic.

You may not think Dallas has as much to offer as some of the cool European cities, but there are some incredible destinations within a 30 minute drive from campus.

Fort Worth, Texas as much as I hate to say it, is an incredible place. Both Dallas and Fort Worth have several museums and national landmarks that you can explore. Who knows, you may fall in love with Dallas all over again.

Now trust me, I know it can be hard to watch your friends have a great time abroad while you’re studying in Fondren Library. I still live vicariously through my friends in London right now, especially because I fell in love with the city when I studied abroad last summer.

However, they’ll be back, and we have so many great things to look forward to right here in Dallas this semester. So don’t fret, there are plenty of people and places left to see in this great city.

Graves is a junior majoring in communications studies and religious studies. He can be reached for comment at [email protected]