Being in a relationship at college is not as easy and carefree as it looks.
In fact, it takes quite a bit of work. On top of classes, school activities, friends and parties, there is an interminable responsibility to give your time and dedication to another individual.
But in order to make your love lives a little easier, junior journalism major Justina Simmons and Sayvon Norman, a junior enrolled in letters and sciences, decided to share their top 10 tips for the ideal campus relationship.
They met at a bus stop outside of Elkton Hall last semester. Sayvon had just transferred, and Justina thought it would be a good idea to show him around. Although they had gone to the same high school, it wasn’t until they met in college that a friendship started.
For Sayvon, it was Justina’s fun personality that sucked him in and made him realize they were meant to be more than friends. “She’s all loosey-goosey like me,” he said as he turned to Justina and smiled.
But for Justina, the moment everything changed started the night of Art Attack last spring. “We spent the entire concert together,” she said.
This semester, they decided to take their friendship to a whole new level — and here’s how they’ve made it work:
1. Don’t study together — it’s a distraction.
I know a late-night study session seems like the ideal college date, but would you really get anything done? The answer for Justina and Sayvon is “no.” “She’s just too beautiful,” Sayvon said.
2. No phone peeping! (Trust is important.)
With hundreds of girls and guys on campus, it’s hard not to think that someone else might steal the attention of your lover. But sifting through his or her messages only signifies a lack of trust.
3. Give each other space.
When your boyfriend/girlfriend lives on campus, it’s easy to want to devote every second of the day to them. However, spending some time apart is key to a healthy relationship. In fact, Justina and Sayvon said they rarely go to parties together. They party with their friends and meet up afterward.
4. Intimacy — sex is a good stress reliever.
Don’t be afraid to get intimate. Sneak off to your bed and get rid of the anxiety brought on by your college workload.
5. Encourage each other.
College students often have to balance grades, internships, jobs and their social lives. Justina and Sayvon concurred that it is important to reassure each another mentally and physically. Whether it’s been a long day or a bad test grade, a hug, kiss or short talk could be just what someone needs to get going again.
6. Be open.
The best way to get close to someone is to show him or her the sides of you that no one else can see. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings and be a little vulnerable.
7. Cuddling is essential.
After debating for two minutes about who’s the big spoon and who’s the little spoon, Justina and Sayvon came to the conclusion that spooning is the perfect method for fun and relaxation.
8. Don’t listen to rumors.
Students love to gossip. Who’s she sleeping with? Did she kiss him? Are they dating now? It’s important to shut out the rumors and just talk to your boyfriend/girlfriend because most of the stories are fiction, anyway.
9. Stay in your place.
Trying to play the bossy boyfriend/girlfriend is no fun. Both Justina and Sayvon agree that they have a place in their relationship and they stay in it.
10. Physical attraction is important, too.
Although we all hate to admit it, but even if looks are not the most important thing, they still matter. Being with someone you’re also attracted to is a plus.
