Coming to university is an exciting time where you get a whole new sense of freedom and a world of possibilities. Most people end up meeting up with new people and finding new romances, but it can be a little different if you’re coming as a couple.
It may seem that all students are happy to live the single life, but there are a lot of couples at university too. Whether it’s your high school sweetheart or the start of a new romance, you’re determined to make it work.
It can be tough to maintain a healthy relationship in between the partying and studying, but it can work. Here are 5 things you need to know if you’re coming to uni as a couple.
1. Don’t Listen to the Naysayers
If you haven’t heard it all already, get ready for some negativity from the people at uni. Your friends, family or flatmates may tell you that your relationship won’t last, and say it’s only a matter of time.
But don’t let these comments get to you. If you’re happy with your partner and secure in your relationship, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Unless you feel like you’re missing out on the single life, there’s no reason not to enjoy being loved up.
You don’t need to be single to enjoy university, and you don’t need to listen to the negative comments. If someone won’t stop it, make it clear that you don’t appreciate their input and would rather they said nothing at all.
2. Make Time for Socialising
If you’re sharing the same university, or even the same student accommodation with your partner, it can become overwhelming. It may be the first time you’ve lived with a partner, and you may end up spending every waking moment with them.
As much as you love each other, every couple needs their own friends. Make sure you each make enough time for socialising while at university. University is where you form some of your most meaningful friendships, and it’s good to spend time around new people.
Plus, it means you each get to make your own memories that you can relive as you tell each other all about it!
3. Communicate With Each Other
Communication is key when it comes to all relationships, but it’s especially important as a student. Each of you are living busy lives and you may end up feeling insecure when they spend time doing other things.
If you’re living together, you may end up getting on each others’ nerves every now and then too. Set boundaries and talk about your feelings in an open, honest and respectful way. Keep an open line of communication and do your best to understand your partner.
When you communicate well, you avoid misunderstandings and you’ll both know which page your on. It will help you live a harmonious life as students and make your relationship stronger.
4. Give Each Other Space
As a couple, it’s natural to want to spend a lot of time with each other, but it’s also important to take breaks. Everyone needs time to themselves and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for space from your partner.
If you spend all your time together, not only will you miss out on student life, but you may grow to resent each other eventually. Taking time to yourself will help you get stuff done and relax independently.
Join a society and go to meetings or hit up a pub quiz with some friends. There are so many things you can enjoy without your partner and they can improve your uni experience a lot.
5. Don’t Neglect Your Studies
It’s also important to remember why you’ve come to university in the first place. Don’t let juggling your relationship and social life get in the way of your studies.
Make sure to commit enough time to getting your work done and attending your classes. At the end of the day, you’re there to get a degree which will help improve your future prospects.
In a good relationship, your partner will understand (and agree) that you both have work to do and your relationship needs to accommodate that.
Enjoy Your Time at University as a Couple
Coming to university as a couple can be a very rewarding and enriching experience. You’re both in the same boat and you get to share a whole new chapter of your lives with each other! It’s totally possible to make it work, and following this advice will help keep your relationship going strong.
Did you know that you can share a studio flat as a couple for no extra cost? Get in touch and we can help you find student accommodation perfect for you both.
