Let's face it; we've all grown up dreaming about having the perfect date in college, hanging around with the best of friends, and being popular among our peers. That's every American teenager's dream. That's how the movies and sitcoms have romanticized college life – fun, carefree, partying all night with friends, cruising, being a fashion icon, and having the perfect loving relationship. Sounds perfect, right?
But that's just where it ends, in the movies. In reality, college students often find their expectations crushed due to the harrowing pressure of acing grades, finding their niche, having a successful relationship, and maintaining a good social life while managing finances. Sounds like a lot, right? Imagine having to juggle it all at once.
Although student life is filled with adventures, friendships, events, emotions, and drama, balancing academic life, co-curricular activities, a job, and good physical health is challenging. And above all, there is no time for a love life. It's very easy to get overwhelmed by the pressure of tests and assignments to have time for affectionate feelings towards another.
But don't lose hope yet! Here are a few tips on how to juggle classes while dating someone and maintaining a social life:
Shift Focus and Priorities
It's common to face difficulty when choosing between studies and your romantic partner. But sometimes, setting priorities and informing your partner about your plans ahead is necessary. If you plan to study this weekend because of a test the following week, be strict about it and stay in for your study session.
Life isn't always about fun; it is also about achieving your goals and being a responsible student; you have to find a balance and shift your priorities according to the circumstances.
The sad truth is not all relationships last, and jeopardizing your studies and future for a relationship isn't always the right move. Being a student, you should prioritize your studies. However, it doesn't mean you have to spend your whole time in the library, pull all-nighters, or stop going out with friends.
Communicate With Your Significant Other
Seeing eye to eye and being on the same page is essential for a couple. Communication and understanding the other person's POV are the basis for a healthy relationship, especially between students. This goes both ways; if you expect your partner to be understanding, do the same for them. Talk to them about your plans for the week or month and communicate your feelings. They deserve clarity; notify them when you'll be unavailable and why.
On the other hand, your significant other shouldn't object if you prioritize your studies over them. If your partner demands or expects your time, you should sit down, discuss, and set healthy boundaries.
Find a Balance
It is understandable to want to see your partner every day. But spending too much time together can adversely affect your studies and relationships. It can also turn into an obsession or start feeling like a burden.
No one likes being with someone who doesn't respect their boundaries. Finding the perfect balance is necessary; seeing each other rarely or too often can be problematic. Most couples prefer going on dates on weekends, and that's doable. Find ways to compensate for the lost time or communicate when you can't see each other. Texting or FaceTime can also be a great alternative.
Study Together
If you want to spend more time with your partner, try studying together. People believe finding a study buddy is beneficial, then why not your partner? This can boost your productivity while you spend quality time together.
You can meet and study, help each other with assignments, or even stay connected through video calls. This is a great way to spend time together without the added pressure of planning something different every time.
It is always difficult to strike a balance between work and play while you are in love. You are not alone. In his book, Leslie has shared similar experiences and struggles with establishing boundaries and juggling his academic and love life. To Learn how he worked through it all, get your copy of The Unofficial Guide to Surviving College today.
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