Many students start university already in a committed relationship. It can be tough to make the relationship work if you’re attending schools far away from each other — but it’s certainly not impossible. With the right strategy, you can make a long-distance relationship work and succeed at university. Here are a few tips to consider.
1. Put Your Education First
Although you may want to do everything possible to ensure your relationship works out, it’s important to remember that your priority is your education. Your classes, homework, and labs always need to come first if you’re going to graduate on time and with a good GPA. By prioritizing your studies from the start, you’ll be able to keep your goals in mind through any ups and downs.
2. Set Ground Rules
Before you head off to university, discuss what you can expect from your relationship and your partner. This will help you confirm you’re both on the same page and will give you the chance to work out any details while you still have the chance to talk in person.
3. Communicate How You’re Feeling
Situations may occur that you hadn’t considered when you were setting ground rules. If you’re ever feeling upset or unhappy about something, make sure you communicate this. Never expect your partner to know how you’re feeling — this is extra important when you’re far away from each other, as it’s more difficult to read someone’s emotions when you’re not talking in person. By communicating, you’ll be able to overcome issues and prevent them from becoming major problems.
4. Be Honest
Although there’s no need to tell your partner about every detail of your life, it is important not to hide anything. Lies even about small things can erode the trust between you.
5. Live the Full University Experience
Make sure you complete university with no regrets. It’s important to live your own life by making friends and finding activities you enjoy. Not only is it definitely possible to do this while maintaining a long-distance relationship, it’s crucial for feeling happy at university. You’re more likely than your peers to feel lonely — but having plenty of friends and making good use of your time will help keep negative emotions in check. You should encourage your partner to do the same.
6. Schedule Time to Chat
In addition to sending each other messages throughout the day — such as to share pictures and brief greetings — schedule regular times to chat. This will ensure there’s always a time when both of you will be available, meaning you won’t need to turn down a chance to talk because you have a class, an extracurricular, or something planned with friends.
7. Arrange to See Each Other
Depending on how far away you are from each other, you may be able to meet up frequently at the weekends, occasionally during the semester, or only during your breaks. Whatever the case, it’s worth always having something on your calendar to look forward to.
It will be easier to arrange visits from your partner if you’re living off campus. You can find Queen’s University student housing at Foundry Princess. When your partner comes to visit, you’ll be able to hang out in places like the rooftop patio, outdoor swimming pool, and clubhouse as well as your spacious apartment. Book a tour to see where you could be living.
