Long Distance Dating in College

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College life is great. You meet a lot of cool people and learn all kinds of interesting things. But something that could put a slight  (or major) damper on your college experiences is doing it without your number one partner in crime by your side.

With 4,186 different colleges and universities in the United States, the chances of you and your current or potential beau attending the same college may be slim.

However, with new and rising technologies it's quite possible to maintain a happy, healthy relationship when the love of your life is away- be it 1 hour or 20.

1. Set Boundaries/ Establish Trust

The very first thing to do when beginning a long term relationship is to make sure you trust each other and that you know what pushes the others buttons. Establishing some rules does not mean you don't trust your partne. It's just a way to ensure that the pair of you are on the same page as far as what constitutes as cheating or what you would be uncomfortable with.

Different people and couples have varying beliefs about cheating. Some couples think texting another girl/boy constantly is cheating while others agree that only sexual physical contact is off limits. The important thing is for a long distance couple is to explain what makes each of you uncomfortable in an open, calm, non-accusatory way so that there is no confusion/accusations down the line.

Once the rules are set, you have to trust that your partner will stick by them. Trust is a huge part of any relationship, and if you feel as if you can't trust your boyfriend/girlfriend, then you need to go ahead and have that conversation as well.

2. Cell Phones vs. Text Messaging

Thanks to the use of cell phones, it's common for couples in college to communicate by talking on the phone or texting. Some people dislike texting as a way to get in contact with their mate because:

• messages can be misconstrued or misinterpreted
• they feel it is impersonal
• they are too busy to text constantly
• they would rather hear a voice than a text tone.

Despite this, some couples don't mind maintaining conversations through text:

• you are able to do homework/watch tv/hang out while texting
• you can have constant communication throughout the day instead of an hour conversation before bed.

In reality it is really up to you and your boyfriend/girlfriend and whatever the pair of you are comfortable with. Some couples talk on the phone once a week while others text all day. Either one is normal and acceptable as long as you both are happy with it.



3. Video Chat

Video chatting is a great way to talk to your partner if hearing their voice over the phone just isn't enough. It's popular for those in long distance relationships who just want some face time.


Do you guys know any other cool ways to keep in contact with your partner or do you have any more tips? Feel free to comment! :)

 

eBooking It This Semester?

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College can be just a little bit expensive. With tuition, meal plans, living arrangements, etc, it can be hard to imagine those care free high school days of free textbooks and and room and board was with mom and pop.

I've written another article already about school textbooks and how one can save money by renting rather than buying the books. But I just thought of another option for those who are lucky enough to have some form of higher technology. A lot of websites allow you to buy eBooks, and even eTextbooks that you can view on your laptop, i pad, nook, etc.

eBooks are typically way cheaper than buying  (and in some cases even renting) the textbooks you need online. Some eBooks even give you the even cheaper option of renting them rather than buying an entire textbook for your computer. I know a lot of people who complain about lugging around their huge textbooks, so this s great alternative to having to physically carry and care for your books.

As always there's always a downside to everything. If your computer crashed or something it'd kind of suck to not be able to use the book. (If anyone has any information on how this would still work, don't hesitate to correct me).

Also, I know for me that I mush prefer a print copy of my books/newspapers/magazines than an electronic copy. If I'm on the computer too long at night I can't fall asleep for HOURS. So that's definitely something to consider. You'll be using your textbooks for homework and studying, so if you have no problem with using computers late at night, then I say go for the eTextbooks. But, if you do have trouble, it might not be the best idea for someone who has early classes the next day.

I hoped this helped someone at least!

:)

Tip of the Day for: The College Crowd

I'm in college as I've said before and that means I'm BROKE. Luckily I have a few money saving tips that will hope both conventional and noncoventional students save a few extra bucks while earning that degree.


1.  Don't buy. RENT

It's no secret to those in college that the school book store is a known Rip-off. Those textbooks cost hundred of dollars, the hook being that once the semester is over, the school book store will buy them back. WRONG. Please don't fall for this trick. They'll buy the books back, but will only give you maybe 30 dollars for a 200 dollar book. Or even worse, they won't take it back at all because they're ordering a whole new set for next semester.

True, buying the used book is also an option, but if you really want to save money on a book you're only going to need for a single semester, I suggest you either buy online or rent.

There are lost of sites out there that will sell you different textbooks for way cheaper than the bookstore at your current college. It will make a HUGE difference on your overall textbook bill.

Try sites like Chegg, or CollegeBookRenter or Amazon before you buy from anywhere else. Alot of the time you can even check out what books you need on your school website. That way you can order your books before classes begin, ensuring your books make it to your house/apartment/dorm/whatever on time.

Anyways, that's my bit. Adios Curlies!