Being in a relationship is tough at the best of times, it requires a lot of work and trust from both sides if you’re going to make it a success.
Being in a relationship whilst at university, however, is a whole new ball game.
Here are some tips to help you survive university with a partner, whether it’s long distance or not.
Keep in touch but don’t overdo it
You’re going to want to keep in touch with your other half, but also be aware that you have separate lives and hectic schedules. Texting 24/7 could potentially become overbearing.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up a little. Send some quick Snapchats throughout the day or arrange to have a Skype call in the evening. Send each other handwritten letters or set up a Facetime move date.
Don’t expect things to stay the same
Whether you started university in a relationship or found somebody once you started the battle that is higher education, there is always going to be change which will affect you going forward as a couple.
You’ll meet new people, placements will come up, assignments, exams. You’ll hit lots of stumbling blocks that will test your relationship. You just have to learn to adapt and work through what gets thrown at you.
Change doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.
Make sure you have something to look forward to
There will be lots of drunken nights, stresses and fallout along the way, but if you create some exciting plans, it will give you something to look forward to when you’re apart.
Don’t do long distance unless your heart is in it
Long distance is very difficult. You’ll end up meeting new people, you’ll spend lots of time apart, but if your heart is in it and you’re completely committed, then the chances are, it’s going to be worth it.
Communication is key, so talk to each other and figure out a way you can both be happy and satisfied with the way things are going.
Focus on friendships
Yes, it’s important to make sure that your significant other is happy, but make sure you don’t push out friends in the process. They’re the ones that will be there to help pick up the pieces if things go wrong, so don’t take them for granted.
Don’t force it
There aren’t any guarantees that things will end happily ever after. Many people don’t make it through the minefield of university, but some strong couples can navigate it together.
Be aware that things will change. You just have to be open to the idea that it won’t always be as comfortable as you’d hoped. Being honest about your thoughts is the best way to be. If you’ve been giving it your all but it’s not quite there, don’t force it and make sure you hear each other out.
Making relationships work at university is difficult, but with these tips, absence should make the heart grow fonder and if you both pull in the same direction, there’s no reason it shouldn’t work out.
