RACHEL BROOKS is a Lecturer in the Department of Educational Studies at the University of Surrey, UK. She has taught for the Open University and the University of Southampton, and worked as a researcher for the National Foundation for Educational Research.

• Acknowledgements Introduction Purposes and Hierarchies: A Review of the Literature on Higher Education The Practice of Friendship in Late Modernity Differences and Difficulties The Role of Friends and Peers Managing and Maintaining Friendships Conclusion Appendix 1: Information about Emily Davies College Appendix 2: The Higher Education Applications of the Young People Who Took Part in the Research Appendix 3: Friendship Groups Involved in the Research Appendix 4: Details of Fieldwork References

RACHEL BROOKS is a Lecturer in the Department of Educational Studies at the University of Surrey, UK. She has taught for the Open University and the University of Southampton, and worked as a researcher for the National Foundation for Educational Research.

• Acknowledgements Introduction Purposes and Hierarchies: A Review of the Literature on Higher Education The Practice of Friendship in Late Modernity Differences and Difficulties The Role of Friends and Peers Managing and Maintaining Friendships Conclusion Appendix 1: Information about Emily Davies College Appendix 2: The Higher Education Applications of the Young People Who Took Part in the Research Appendix 3: Friendship Groups Involved in the Research Appendix 4: Details of Fieldwork References

RACHEL BROOKS is a Lecturer in the Department of Educational Studies at the University of Surrey, UK. She has taught for the Open University and the University of Southampton, and worked as a researcher for the National Foundation for Educational Research.

• Acknowledgements Introduction Purposes and Hierarchies: A Review of the Literature on Higher Education The Practice of Friendship in Late Modernity Differences and Difficulties The Role of Friends and Peers Managing and Maintaining Friendships Conclusion Appendix 1: Information about Emily Davies College Appendix 2: The Higher Education Applications of the Young People Who Took Part in the Research Appendix 3: Friendship Groups Involved in the Research Appendix 4: Details of Fieldwork References