The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sense of belonging. The research questions were as follows: (1) What role do friendships have on students' sense of belonging? and (2) How has students' sense of belonging changed since COVID related restrictions have been lifted? A pilot study was conducted in Fall 2020 and pointed to friendships as key to belonging. Four students in their senior year of college who were first-year students at the start of the pandemic and who had participated in the pilot study as sophomores were interviewed for this study in Fall 2022. Study findings point to student's concerns over the virus, the impact of restrictions, changes to interactions with peers, and changes to social support as having lasting impacts on students' sense of belonging. Students discussed the importance of positive interactions, feelings of mattering, feeling accepted and heard, and reciprocity in friendships. Importantly, they expressed that authenticity was a major characteristic of the kinds of friendships that supported their sense of belonging. Close friendships that were supportive, non-judgmental, and that allowed students to be their authentic selves were essential to their sense of belonging. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]