Updated with current information for 2023
If you’re committed in a relationship to someone you love, it’s worth hanging onto. Just because you leave your hometown into Ohio University housing doesn’t change the way you feel about each other. It’s tough, but there are ways to stay connected, especially in this age of technology. At the same time, you want to give each other space to grow. Too much social networking can be suffocating.
Establish Some Ground Rules
It’s important to establish a few ground rules before you pack your bags. How often will you visit each other? Can you afford it, both in terms of money and time? How often will you call? What are the rules for social media?
Prioritize the Books
Seeing each other about once a month can be a happy medium. If you see each other too often, you won’t get to fully experience the college life. Plan your visits according to each other’s schedules. If one of you has an important test to study for or a paper to write, hang back. When you finally do see each other, you want to spend quality time together, even if its just all day breakfast at your Athens Ohio apartment.
Share the College Experience
You are both experiencing new worlds. Share them together through texted photos or a social media platform. Skype, Facetime, or Facebook video a dinner together. Share photos of you and your roommates or new friends. Give them a video tour of the house in Athens you are renting.
Be Honest
If you love someone, but your feelings are changing, be honest about that. College is a time to grow and experience newness. If things are changing for you relationship wide, be upfront about that. You owe it to them.
Stay Active Together Virtually
Despite the miles between you, technology has bridged the gap and made it easier than ever to engage in activities together. Why not host a movie night? Platforms like Zoom or Skype allow you to share screens. Perhaps you could watch a documentary about Ohio or take a virtual tour of uptown Athens. This way, your partner gets a glimpse into your new world. If you’re both fitness enthusiasts, consider doing workouts together over video call. You can simultaneously tune into a popular fitness app from your Ohio University apartment and their location.
Send Surprises
The thrill of receiving a surprise package or letter can never be overstated. Think about sending your significant other a postcard featuring uptown Athens or a souvenir from one of the local stores. If they love reading, how about a book from a local store near your Athens Ohio apartment? Even better, you could send them a themed package – maybe a taste of Athens? Include local treats, or perhaps a T-shirt from one of the cool Athens Ohio rentals or events you attended.
Plan Your Future Together
Talking about your future together can strengthen your bond. Maybe you’re considering moving into one of the luxury apartments in Athens after graduation. Discuss the pros and cons. Would a two-bedroom apartment near campus be ideal, or would you both prefer a house with a yard for weekend barbecues? Daydreaming about the future and making tentative plans can provide comfort and assurance, reminding you both of the bigger picture.
Engage in Local Activities and Share Stories
While it’s essential to share your college experience, it’s equally vital to engage in activities separately. Perhaps you took a boat from Strouds run boat rental or found a unique café near Court Street. Share these experiences with your partner. Likewise, encourage them to take part in their local activities and share their adventures. This way, both of you grow individually, and you have new stories to tell when you catch up.
Being in a long-distance relationship while in college is undoubtedly challenging, but with trust, communication, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can keep the spark alive. Remember, it’s the memories you create, the stories you share, and the future you envision that will carry you through the college years and beyond.