How to survive university if you're in a serious relationship

How to make that relationship last to graduation and beyond.

University life and serious relationships don't traditionally go hand in hand. What with living away from home for the first time, dubious drinking games, and, oh yeah, studying for that degree, there's no time for any of that mushy love stuff, right?

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Well, let's be honest – whether you're a high school sweetheart determined to make it last, or you've already fallen for your roommate (not the best idea FYI), some of us just can't help getting loved up at uni. But how can you make it through the turbulence of 9am deadlines, 2-4-1 tequila shots and the disgusting campus annual traffic light party?

1. Don't listen to your single mate's opinion

There's always that one friend who's always single, up for 'playing the field' and who's breakin' hearts on a daily basis. Every time you get drunk with them they'll try and argue that university is the time to be 'getting life experience' and persuade you to break up with your partner. Don't listen to them. They just want someone to double date with.

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2. Do make time for your friends as much as possible

You might rather spend Saturday nights Skyping your long-distance bae or cuddling up on your single halls bed watching TV, but uni IS the time for going out and having fun. There will always be time for phone calls or Netflix marathons another day, and you won't spend the rest of term living with FOMO after seeing your flatmates' pictures from the "amaaaazing" foam party.

3. Don't worry about each other's social life

The first term of uni is notorious for the rate of fresher flings, but don't spend your nights out Whatsapping your partner who's on a bender without you. Firstly, your mates will get sick of you quick. And secondly, nights out at uni are for going out, meeting new people and having fun! You're way more likely to meet your life long bezzer in the kebab shop at 5am, rather than while you're rushing back home to snuggle.

4. Do socialise as a couple

One of the best things about being in a relationship at uni is that you have a whole new group of friends to hang out with. Make sure you spend time socialising with each others' mates – if only to hook up your friends with their housemates.

5. Don't move in together

DONT!!!!!!!!!!!

Like seriously, don't. University is stressful enough, and you'll need your own space for writing that 5000 word essay, watching your guilty pleasure TV shows (Dance Moms, anyone?) and nursing your hangover with a 4pm lie-in. As soon as you move in together, there's ALWAYS going to be someone there, and your alone time will be a rarity.

6. Do make sure there's a double bed if you do

A single bed might be 'cute and cosy' two nights a week, but if you're sharing 24/7, expect two hour shouting matches at four in the morning because their foot brushed against yours, or because you're hogging the pillow.

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7. Don't forget the reason you're there

Apply for all the jobs you want to, in all the cities and countries you want to live in. Bagged that dream internship in London but your partner's staying in Manchester to do their masters? Well, you did go to uni to get a career, not a life partner. If you love each other, you'll make it work without having to sacrifice career opportunities.

8. Do remember - long distance takes hard work

After spending three years going to the same bars, having the same friends and living on the same campus, suddenly having distance in your relationship is going to be a bigger shock to the system than surviving without your student loan. It's not impossible, of course, but it will take hard work.

9. Do make sure your uni years are fun As F##k

Because as soon as that mortarboard goes on your head, you step into that scary world called real, proper, grown-up life, and your amazing uni memories will make it all the more bearable. Make friends, join in or you might regret it.