1. Be realistic – People want different things, and if you’re moving away from your boyfriend to go to university, it’s worth establishing whether you both do actually want to continue the relationship. There really is nothing wrong with having “that chat”. A couple of months before my boyfriend went to uni and I started my gap year, we did just that. Having a good honest chat about it helped us see that we were both on the same page, whereas I know friends that stumbled into a long distance relationship that fizzled out due to a lack of commitment from either side.
2. Communication – This doesn’t necessarily mean a two- hour phone call every night before you go to bed. I won’t lie- I’m not really a phone person, despite being able to talk for England. But I’m pretty proud to say that during the entire 20- month course of my relationship, my boyfriend and I have texted at least once pretty much every single day. What’s nice about texting is that it’s quick and simple, there are no awkward silences, and you can do it anywhere. Another nice one is email or Facebook messaging – the odd lengthy message here and there can be a really nice thing to find waiting for you in your inbox. And of course, a lovely long phone call when you’re feeling blue, missing him, or just fancy a chat, can be a great way of helping you feel close, despite the physical distance. There really is nothing like the sound of someone’s voice, short of seeing them, of course.
3. Technology – Whether it be sexting, skype, a saucy email, or an imaginative phone call, there’s no excuse not to embrace modern technology. It’s a great way to keep the relationship fresh and exciting, and it can do wonders for your sex life, too.
4. Activities – There’s nothing wrong with sitting in and having a quiet one, but it’s quite nice to go out and do something special when you actually do get to see each other. Whether it be a trip to the cinema, a nice romantic meal, or even going for a drink at your local, going for a proper “date” can be a nice way to prevent the relationship going stale.
5. Ann Summers – Let’s not beat about the bush, we all have needs. Whether it’s surprising him with a kinky new outfit next time he visits, or having a bit of toy-aided fun yourself, this is your one- stop shop for all things sex.
6. Small things – Presents, flowers, cooking a nice meal, or sending a card or letter to his halls or house, can all be lovely ways to show appreciation for him. Remind him that he has a gorgeous, loving girlfriend, even if you’re not there by his side 24/7.
7. Plan Ahead – If you both work or can manage to save money from an allowance or loan, planning a holiday or trip in the future can give you something really nice to look forward to. It also means you’ll get a chance to have some space away together for more than just a day or two. Seeing each other for such short time periods and so infrequently during uni can take its toll, so spending a decent amount of time in each other’s company once in a while is really important.
8. Friendship group – Make sure you introduce him to friends or flat/housemates fairly early on in the year, rather than hiding him away in your room. This way he’ll become a proper part of your life, and you of his. It also makes things easier for those that you’re living with if they know your boyfriend rather than just hearing (unfortunately walls are far too thin in most student digs) or catching glimpses of him.
9. Trust – You’re both in different cities, you’re both meeting new people, and that means those of the opposite sex. Alcohol, clubs, pubs and dancing are all going to mean temptation for both him and you. If you’re a strong enough couple, you’ll trust one another to look, not touch. Trust is vital and if you spend your entire time being paranoid about the umpteenth pretty girl that he’s added on Facebook, it’s not good news for your relationship. Not to mention it means you’ll enjoy your time at uni far less.
10. Appreciate what you have – A lot of people come to uni single, and spend far too much time worrying about pulling, dates, STIs, who’s slept with who, and whether they’ll ever find Mr. Right. At times you might miss the freedom of being single, but you’ve got something that others would kill for – a loving, caring, strong relationship. If it’s meant to be, it’ll work whatever the distance. Appreciate this, because in my opinion, the grass is never greener, and if you have a strong relationship, you’re one lucky girl.