How To Balance A Relationship And Uni Stress
You know what’s stressful? University. You know what’s also stressful? Being in a relationship. If you go to university whilst still in a relationship, it may become long distance and that’s hard to maintain. Trying to balance the two takes up a lot of mental energy, so here’s some tips to help you out:
1. Communicate, be honest
It seems simple but it’s hard to always be honest. However, whilst trying to balance your university work with a relationship, it’s really important to be honest with your partner. If you need space to study, tell your partner. If you want more attention from them, talk to them about it. It’ll solve a lot of arguments and tension by communicating how you feel.
2. Make a plan
This is good for both university and your personal life. Having a planner to map out your months and to break down how much coursework you have to do will ease stress. When you can see in front of you what your days look like, it can remind you when you’re free to spend time with your partner and relax.
3. Study together
If your partner is in higher education too, studying together is a great way to spend time together whilst also still keeping up with your coursework. Even if they’re not in higher education, you can get them to test your knowledge, read through your essays, and go through presentations with you.
4. Don’t listen to people who are single
People who are single in university have a different perspective on relationships. They may encourage you to break up with your partner to be ‘young, free, and single’ with them, and their advice may be unhelpful and they may not be able to relate to your experiences. You can be at university enjoying yourself even while in a relationship
5. Sexting
You’re going to spend time apart and you may not see your partner has frequently as before. The joys of being in this digital age is you can relieve some of the stress and isolation with the magic of sexting. It can feel embarrassing at first and it may not be your thing, but it can sometimes make you feel closer to your partner by being intimate over text and video call.
6. Socialise as a couple
You’re going to make your own friends in university and you can sometimes be torn between spending time with them and spending time with your partner. Solve that issue by doing both! Obviously don’t be one of those couples who are inseparable because your friends were friends with you first, but introducing your partner to your friend group and bringing them with you can ease the strain of splitting your time.
7. Do what feels right
Stress is hard to deal with, and sometimes, all you need to do is whatever feels right. If it means taking a year of voluntary suspension to ease the pressure, or if you have a break from your relationship, if that’s what’s right for you then do it. Sometimes you need to be selfish.
