Attending a Different College Than Your SO? Here Are 5 Tips on How to Make It Work

Updated on 11/19/2019 at 1:25 PM

Going away to college brings a whole array of emotions. But after the excitement of moving into your dorm dies down, the reality of being away from home — and your significant other — can start to sink in. Whether you decided to stay with your high-school sweetheart or just met someone from a different school, doing long distance can be hard. And between classes, studying, extracurricular activities, and maintaining a social life, some things (and people) can take a back seat when they aren't right in front of you. But the good news is that with a little extra effort, maintaining that love and connection from afar is absolutely doable. Keep reading for five tips on how to handle going to a different college than your SO.

Make the Most of Video Messaging and Phone Calls

Technology may be taking over every aspect of our lives, but when it comes to keeping in touch with your SO, it's the best thing ever! Video chat, talk on the phone, and text each other on a regular basis. Tell each other about your classes, friends, schedules, and dorms so you can feel a part of each other's lives, but also respect boundaries and space. You're both carving your own paths, so allow for that to happen, but always include each other and talk every day. Keep things sweet and romantic by sending little love texts every morning. This will remind your partner that they're always on your mind.

Send Them Monthly Care Packages

Send your partner a care package every month filled with their favorite stuff. Are they a junk food fan? Throw in some Pringles and Kit Kat bars. Do they love seasonal scents? Buy them a candle that matches the season. The possibilities are endless with what you can send, and you can even get creative around the holidays and do themed care packages.

Plan to Spend Time Together When You're Both Off

Note when your breaks from school are, and see if they match up. Whether going back to your hometown or on a trip somewhere, knowing you have something planned together and counting down until the day arrives will make your time apart go faster and give you something to look forward to.

Purchase Products That You Can Use Together

There are now tons of products online that you and your partner can purchase to use together. From matching bracelets that you can each wear and look at when you're missing one another to a pillow that lights up when your partner is lying on it, there are tons of ways to make it feel like you're always side by side.

Live Your Life, and Allow Them to Live Theirs

Yes, you read that right. Always remember to live your life! You're your own person, and you need to also cater to your wants and needs. Find things to do for you. Is your partner allergic to seafood? Go out to a nice seafood restaurant with friends and experience things you can't always do when you are together. Is your significant other afraid of scary movies? Head to the local cinema to see what scary movies are playing and enjoy something for yourself. Being in love and being with someone sometimes causes us to lose track of ourselves, so take this time apart to learn something new about yourself and enjoy it to the fullest.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, so you should have fun and make the most of your own time. And respect them when they do the same. You'll be stronger individuals, and in turn a stronger couple, because of it.