The Dating Guide: Making A Long Distance Relationship Work At Uni
Going to uni can be a big change in your life. For some it is an opportunity to spread your wings. Whilst some people prefer to stay close to home, some look to stay in student accommodation and learn and explore in a new city.
Or their chosen subject to study is only taught at a specific university resulting in having to move to be able to follow their dreams. This can be a stressful time and one of the biggest impacts it can have is on your relationship.
There are many reasons for this, including your partner having to stay close to home for work or study whereas you are accepted at a university further away. Long distance relationships are not always easy to balance but are achievable if you are willing to put in the effort.
With all the technology we have at our disposal, there are many ways that you can spend time with each other and keep that spark alive. Here are a few ways you can make a long distance relationship work at uni…
1. Text Messages
This might be a given one, but a great way to stay in touch with your significant other is the basic text or WhatsApp. It’s an easy way to communicate with each other when you are busy.
Whether that is a quick message between lectures or when you have an assignment due that you need to concentrate on. A text enables you to keep in touch even if you don’t have time for a full-on conversation.
Plus, how great is it when you receive a cute text which brightens up your day – we love it!
2. Phone Calls
For when you have more time, a phone call is a better option. A phone call not only gives you the opportunity for a deeper conversation but hearing their voice can be a comfort to you.
Hearing your partners voice before you go to sleep or in the morning before you start the day can be a soothing and calming presence that can help you whilst you count down the days till you can see them in person.
3. Facetime Calls
Another good option for staying in touch with your partner when you’re in a long-distance relationship at uni is Facetime, or any other video-calling apps.
Not only can you hear their voice but seeing their face can help you feel that bit closer to them even though you are miles apart.
Facetime is the easiest way to interact as you can multitask – both of you can eat your dinner whilst you chat – like a virtual date! You could even order each other a surprise takeaway if you want to be romantic.
Facetime is versatile and one of the best ways to feel close to your partner before you can meet up in person again.
4. Using Your Laptop
Whilst your phone comes in handy for a variety of reasons it may not always be practical or is restrictive to what you want. An alternative way to keep in touch is using your laptop.
With your phone you might have limited calls and texts or your battery might not last as long.
Whereas with your laptop it will have a longer battery life, a bigger screen and if you have internet access within your student flat, you will be able to connect for however long you want.
Skype is free to use and one of the best ways to connect over the internet. It is versatile just like facetime and a good way to keep in touch when you are long distance.
5. Watch Together With Teleparty
An exciting way to have a virtual date with your partner is by doing a watch party on Teleparty (formerly Netflix party).
You can watch the exact same TV show or film at the exact same time, it will be like they’re sitting next to you! It has programmes available from Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
There is also a chat window so you guys can talk about what you’re watching, or you could just text each other. Get some snacks and sit and relax on your date night!
6. Plan To Visit
Talking over the phone or on a laptop may help you communicate and feel close but nothing beats being able to see each other in person.
How easy that is for you depends on how far apart from each other you are – whether that is every other weekend or one weekend a month.
But having a plan for when you can visit each other gives you both something to look forward to and be excited about.
Plus splitting the traveling between you will help with keeping traveling costs more or less even and shows you both are willing to make an effort.
This could be both traveling to each other alternatively – one of you travels to the other on the one weekend you planned to meet but the other does the traveling the next month.
Another option is planning a weekend away where you both travel to a destination or meet somewhere in the middle. You get to see each other in person at the same time as you can explore a new city or experience something new.
However you plan your visits and whatever you do, make sure you enjoy and make the most of your time together.
Dynamics
Making time for each other helps to keep you feeling close to one another and keep the spark in your relationship, but it shouldn’t be the only thing to consider.
Uni is a time for change and personal growth, you are just figuring out who you are and what you want to do in life.
Your long-distance relationship shouldn’t hinder that progress, this is where good communication is key.
Setting boundaries so you both know what each other finds acceptable or unacceptable – you should both feel like you can experience uni life and everything it has to offer without feeling smothered or missing out on good opportunities or memories.
Remember the phrase ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’!
Giving each other space to make new friends and memories will give you something to talk about next time you talk or meet up for a date.
Plus, it will make you appreciate the time you do spend together a little more and that can only make you stronger right?
But don’t forget, relationships you have with people should make you happy and don’t be afraid to admit when something isn’t working it will only hurt both of you in the long run.
We hope these tips will help you with your long-distance relationship at uni. Remember to be occasionally creative with the ways you meet up or plan to spend time with each other even if it is virtually. Romance isn’t only for valentine’s day, these messages are sure to be a hit regardless of what day it is!
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