Long-Distance Relationship Advice for College Students

Maintaining a long-distance relationship (LDR) in college can be challenging. For most students, college is one of the busiest times of life. You’re trying to keep up with coursework, study for exams, find time for social activities, and work on personal development. Staying connected to a partner who is hundreds (or thousands) of miles away is a big commitment. It takes effort, patience, and creativity. 

When you’re armed with the right strategies and mindset, though, a long-distance college relationship can do more than survive — it can thrive. Here, you’ll find actionable strategies and college relationship advice to help your long-distance relationship withstand the test of distance and time.  

Can a Long-Distance Relationship Last Through College?

In simplest terms, yes, long-distance in college can work. Long-distance relationships among college students are more common than you might think, especially during the early years of school (when high school couples have first parted ways). Some studies suggest that more than 34% of students are in long-distance relationships. The same study also found that being in a long-distance relationship can be just as fulfilling as having a partner who lives close by. Also, it’s worth noting that more than half of long-distance relationships (about 58%) are successful in the long term.

There are challenges for long-distance relationships — physical distance, different schedules, the potential for time zone changes — but couples who are committed to making their relationship work and who are willing to put in the effort can build lasting connections.

Core traits of a successful long-distance college relationship

Maintaining a strong connection and navigating the challenges of physical separation in a long-distance college relationship requires certain qualities. Long-distance college couples should always strive to maintain:

  • Trust: Often described as the cornerstone of a healthy relationship, trust becomes even more crucial when dating long-distance. Being able to trust your partner despite the distance between you can ease anxiety while strengthening your bond.
  • Communication: Prioritizing open, honest communication is an excellent way to bridge the physical gap in a long-distance relationship.  
  • Mutual support: Supporting each other — in terms of academic success, personal goals, and local friendships — fosters a sense of partnership.

How to Do Long-Distance in College

To have a successful long-distance relationship in college, you need to be intentional and creative. The tips here will help you maintain a healthy and fulfilling partnership.

Establish clear and firm boundaries

Setting boundaries and clarifying expectations early on is essential so you can avoid misunderstandings. Before there are problems, be upfront and come to an agreement on topics like:

  • How often you communicate
  • What social activities you each take part in 
  • Expectations for exclusivity

“By establishing clear boundaries in your long distance relationship you can potentially reduce stress and potential burnout when school becomes difficult. It will help to foster greater independence and self confidence and reduce or eliminate resentment of your partner. Healthy boundaries can be the key to emotional well being especially when dealing with a busy college life.”

– Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW

Communicate regularly

In a healthy relationship, it’s important to give each other some space. That said, regular communication is key to maintaining emotional intimacy. Fortunately, technology today makes it easy. Video calls, texts, emails, social media, and good old-fashioned snail mail can help you stay connected. 

One caveat: It’s important not to overdo it or be too demanding with your partner. For any relationship to be successful, you must respect and honor independence and individual growth.

Plan visits

One way to make distance more bearable is by having something to look forward to, like a visit. When you have a definitive, concrete timeline for seeing each other again, you’ll have the energy to survive loneliness in college. Sometimes, frequent visits aren’t possible due to financial concerns, work commitments, or academic constraints. However, planning the next time you’ll be together is a great way to stay connected.

Send care packages or letters

Sweet, thoughtful gestures, like care packages or handwritten letters, will help long-distance partners feel closer to one another, especially when you’re sending a “just because.” The effort you put into expressing your love helps you reconnect.

Be supportive and understanding

College life is demanding, so it’s critical to support each other in academic and personal aspirations. Recognizing that a partner’s goals are just as important as your own shows you respect and are rooting for them. Remember to celebrate every success and offer encouragement during the toughest times.

“It is important to be supportive and understanding to your partner even when you are missing your original connection. Being supportive and emotionally available can encourage emotional growth,  help to strengthen the relationship and foster trust in your partner.”

– Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW

Maintain your own identity and life

In a long-distance relationship, it’s essential to nurture the partnership. This doesn’t mean losing sight of your own goals or neglecting your friendships. Having independence is fulfilling, and, in the long run, it can strengthen all your relationships.

Be honest and trustworthy

Honesty is non-negotiable in any relationship, but it becomes especially critical when distance is involved. A study on long-distance college relationships​ found that honesty is a trust-building factor that improves communication, builds long-term trust, and helps with conflict resolution in relationships. Even if you think it’s best, don’t keep information from your partner or engage in behaviors you know would hurt them.

Make time for each other

College life is busy, so prioritizing quality time together is imperative if you want to stay connected and maintain your emotional closeness. 

Try planning virtual dates where you can do shared activities, like watching movies while FaceTiming or playing online video games. Having regular “date nights” gives you something to look forward to (and putting them in the calendar helps prevent double-booking mishaps).

“Making an intentional effort to spend quality time together (even virtually) will enhance your emotional connection and improve intimacy and relationship satisfaction. It can also improve intimacy when you are physically together.”

– Talkspace therapist Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW

Embrace the experience

If you let them, long-distance relationships can offer valuable lifelong lessons. They teach you about the power of patience, resilience, and communication in a partnership. It’s not uncommon for couples to notice personal growth and stronger bonds as they overcome the challenges of being apart. 

Practice self-care

Balancing any relationship during the college years can be emotionally taxing if you don’t take care of yourself. This is even more true if you’re trying to hold something together long-distance. Don’t forget to replenish your spirit by making time for a personalized self-care routine and protecting your mental health.

The most helpful mental health tips for college students include: 

  • Working out
  • Practicing personal hobbies
  • Using mindfulness techniques like journaling and meditation for stress management

Seek support

Prioritizing mental health is crucial for both people in a long-distance relationship. Emotional well-being has a direct impact on relationships. It affects how you resolve conflict, build trust, and keep intimacy alive. If it’s become difficult to cope with the emotional complexities of your relationship or if you’re struggling with college stress, you don’t have to struggle emotionally or face challenges in your relationship alone. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or even a mental health professional. 

Talkspace offers a convenient, accessible, and affordable way for students to work through their feelings with an online therapist who understands the unique challenges of relationships in young adulthood. Whether you’re managing personal stress or seeking online couples therapy, Talkspace provides tailored support to help strengthen your relationship. The process is simple and flexible, fitting seamlessly into a busy college schedule.

Navigate the Challenges with Support

Long-distance college relationships can thrive, but like any relationship, there might be some hurdles to overcome before you find success. Time zone differences, academic stress, working on top of taking classes, and social distractions can all take a toll. However, staying committed to the relationship, using strong communication skills, and practicing self-care will help mitigate the challenges you and your partner are up against. Then, you’re more likely to stay together (and be happy while doing it).

Managing a long-distance relationship in college can seem daunting at first, but it is possible — it’s also an opportunity to grow, both individually and as a couple. Make sure you prioritize trust, communication, and mutual support as you embrace creative ways to stay connected. With the right tools and support, your relationship can succeed, even if there are miles between you.

If you’re overwhelmed by the demands of your relationship and academic responsibilities, remember help is available. Investing in your mental health through resources like Talkspace ensures you have the tools to navigate your journey successfully. Get support with online therapy for teens and young adults today! You don’t have to face the distance in your relationship (or any stress because of it) alone. 

Sources:

  1. Beckmeyer JJ, Herbenick D, Eastman-Mueller H. Long-distance romantic relationships among college students: Prevalence, correlates, and dynamics in a campus probability survey. Journal of American College Health. 2021;71(8):2314-2318. doi:10.1080/07448481.2021.1978464. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34591746/. Accessed April 5, 2025.
  2. SurviveLDR. Long Distance Relationship Statistics 2023 – What you need to know. Survive LDR. November 30, 2023. https://surviveldr.com/long-distance-relationship-statistics/. Accessed April 5, 2025.
  3. Oommen AM, Sekhar P. Bridging the Distance: Effective Communication and Honesty among College Students in Romantic Long-Distance Relationships. Vol 6.; 2024:1-2. https://www.ijfmr.com/papers/2024/2/14732.pdf?form=MG0AV3. Accessed April 5, 2025.

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