Designed by: Zarah Mangera
It is common knowledge that long-distance relationships are hard, however tackling a long-distance relationship at university can be even more challenging. They take time, effort and care, all of which can be difficult to maintain whilst juggling the many obstacles within university life. Whilst for some relationships, long-distance is not sustainable, it can be hugely successful for others, it can even strengthen them. If maintaining a long-distance relationship is something that worries you, there are a plethora of ways that this can be eased.
Facetime, Facetime…and more Facetime
Today, we live in age of rapid social interaction, and with that comes greater access to apps such as facetime and skype. Using apps such as these, is a great way to stay connected to your long-distance partner. Both you and your partner can set aside time, each day, dedicated to these calls. They can be something to look forward to. Moreover, giving one and other a recount of your day is a wonderful way to stay involved in each other’s day-to-day lives.
Don’t knock it till’ you’ve tried it
Life is all about giving things a go, and trying a long-distance relationship is no exception to this! There may be certain days when the distance is harder than others, and you may even feel lonely sometimes, but until you have tried it, you never know what could have been. Long-distance relationships can be incredibly rewarding. For example, you and your partner can work towards both shared and personal goals. Remember, if things don’t’ work out, clearly it wasn’t meant to be.
It’s a date! (literally)
Make plans! This could be a weekend spent together, a dinner date or a holiday. Whatever it may be, remember to keep it in mind. This can make the time apart more exciting, when you both have something to look forward to. Don’t forget, the little things count too! Not every date has to be extravagant, the time spent together is what really counts.
The ‘Uni Experience’
A BBC study examining individual’s fear of the unknown revealed that ‘any element of unpredictability significantly increases people’s discomfort’. This ‘unknown’ can transpire to long-distance relationships, more specifically to couples who were together before university. The move to university is a worry that looms on the minds of many in a relationship. It can cause concern because no couple truly knows how they will cope with the move. This can be emotionally demanding on both partners. Not only that, but the idea of the ‘Uni Experience’ – a ‘no-strings attached’ lifestyle – is a term those in a long-distance relationship know all too well. However, staying focused on what makes you and your partner happy is far more important than abiding by the stereotypical ‘norms’ at university…unless of course, you want to.
In short, navigating long-distance relationships at university can be challenging, but with patience, diligence, and most importantly the right partner, they can be merely a stepping stone towards what lies ahead in the future of your relationship (distance or no distance).
