Juggling long distance in a packed final year

We all know what everyone thinks about long-distance relationships unless they are in one - that they are doomed for failure. That there is no way for people to stay together unless they can see each other on a regular basis, because that’s what a relationship is to most people. But I like to think myself an expert in long-distance relationships as I have been in one since my first year of uni and I strongly believe that we are lucky enough to have someone to miss.

Now, in the past years I have learned how much dedication you need to put in for something like this to work, because you are lying if you say it’s easy. Especially when almost every other person in your life has their partners right there, a 10-minute drive or even a 5-minute walk away. Stepping into my third year it has become a little bit harder, as it seems that 24 hours a day are not nearly enough with the number of things I need to do. But after a few months of practice I have learned that organisation is the key to a long-distance relationship.

My first tip is to know when you are going to see each other next. It brings comfort as you can visualise and count down the days until you are together again. Make plans for the future and where you are going to go once you see each other. Plan one thing for every-night, whether it’s something as simple as cooking dinner together or just going for a walk.

The next tip is finding time for each other when you aren’t together. Whether you require a minimum of a 3-hour facetime just before bed, or a few calls throughout the day updating each-other, anything other than just texting is crucial. You need to be able to hear and see each other or the distance tends to feel even wider.

I know how hard it is, and sometimes you will need them and they can't be there which will probably make you feel even more alone, but don’t let the bad days govern the outcome of your love.