1. Communicate!
Being away from each other may seem like a burden but when you finally get to talk with your significant other, it means you can talk about everything in that week. It is not good to talk constantly throughout the day, but every once in awhile. When it gets later in the day or every couple days, talking about what has happened makes the information you are sharing more interesting. You will get to talk about more new and exciting information if you talk less throughout the week. Even just talking for 30 minutes a night on the phone recapping the day can be enough.
2. Socialize!
It may be hard to start a new life in a completely different place and not have that one person to talk to that you are used to having. But remember to not shut yourself in your room and watch Netflix all day. Making new friends and meeting new people is an important part of college but even more important when you have a significant other. Being social with a group of people can take your mind off of that person and give you a life outside the dorm room where you would be continuously thinking of that special someone. It will also give you more to talk about with your someone and people for them to meet when they come to visit.
3. Call, Don’t Text!
When you get to speak to that significant other, make sure you are not just texting. Sometimes text can come off the wrong way and you can get frustrated when you are waiting around for those texts to come through. Calling can make the conversations special, adding that person’s voice or even seeing them on video can help with the longing you have for them. It also makes the call more personal, allowing for you to see them which makes you feel closer to them rather than texting.
4. Set Expectations!
Make expectations with one another before one of you leaves so you know when you will visit or talk on the phone. This can minimize waiting around for that person to be free because you can have a date or time already in place. Also make sure to talk about trust with one another when it comes to being away. You don’t want to start a long distance relationship when there isn’t trust within the relationship.
5. Avoid “Those” Situations!
When going out over the weekend remember that your significant other is still out there. If you are planning on drinking or dancing, set your own expectations so you don’t get into any sticky situations. Talk to your partner about going out so they know what you have planned and they can feel comfortable with trusting you. But also don’t let having a partner force you into staying in every night. College night life is something many people like to experience so you shouldn’t be held back from important times in your life.