Is It Better to Be Single or in a Relationship at Uni?

University is described as one of biggest life moments you will experience, going to uni is most likely the first time you will experience true independence. You are away from your parents and away from control, there may be that small voice in the back of your mind saying “You shouldn’t be doing this,” but you may learn to ignore this. A slight problem might come during your stay at university if you have decided to continue on a relationship from before. This relationship may have started during high school/secondary school or even during the summer break and you made the conscious choice to not let this ‘love’ go. The most common reason used is “We can make this work long-distance” or “We will visit each other all the time,” but most of the time it is easier said than done. While at university, you are immediately immersed in the culture, the lifestyle, and the adventures, making it hard to notice or care about anything else. So, the question is: Is it better to be single or in a relationship at university?

A relationship, especially a long-distance one, requires a lot of time, effort, and communication, and one of the ways to help a long-distance relationship survive is the sacrifice. Sacrifice, it may sound a bit harsh but some individuals may have such a solid relationship that they are willing to sacrifice their independence. These types of individuals would rather sacrifice their social-life than lose the one they love, which to some extent is understandable because nobody wants to experience heartbreak. However, is it worth risking your university experience, often described as one of the best times you will ever have in your life, over a relationship that may not last forever? A fairy-tale is sometimes just a fairy-tale, it is not always reality.

On the other hand, a relationship is something you treasure and is something you cannot easily let go off, especially when it is long-term. It then becomes very hard to say goodbye because you have been so used to sharing your life with that one person, you cannot possibly imagine being alone, not talking to them and not seeing them. Being single to some is not ideal in university, as it means starting all over again and it becomes difficult when you are not sure what you are looking for, therefore some choose a long-distance relationship as reassurance. Although, do long-distance relationships really survive?

Love is uncertain. Love is unpredictable. Only 40 percent of long-distance relationships last, highlighting that many people don’t last very long being away from their loved ones, it also means that being single while at university is almost inevitable. Being single does have its benefits as you will have a chance to experience new opportunities and meet new, interesting people. Who knows, you may even meet the love of your life at university? One-fifth of students meet the loves of their life on campus, so this should excite you! It may not happen to all of you but it will happen to at least one of you.

Whether to be single or in a relationship during university is your choice, this is very important because you may feel pressured by other people around you. But, you must focus on your desires because, after all, it is your life.