While many try to stereotype your college years as your time to “explore” the relationship spectrum and “play the field,” that just doesn’t work for some people.

For whatever reason, college students often feel the pressure to enjoy the single life and remain unattached, but it IS actually possible to have a serious relationship in college, as long as you go about it the right way!

I know plenty of people who have survived college and are still in relationships (some are even engaged), but it does take a lot of work and patience to make it last. While I can’t say I am one of them, I can say that I’ve been able to observe many relationships and see what does and does not work.

If you’re on the verge of being in a serious relationship, here are some things to consider:

Are you on the same page?
It’s virtually impossible for a relationship to be successful unless both people are willing to put in the same amount of commitment. If  both of you are ready to be in a serious, long-term relationship, then that’s definitely a step in the right direction. If one of you is unsure, then it make be time to have a discussion.

Do you give each other space?
Seriously, college is the time to grow and learn who you are. While you’re  not going to get all of that figured out — and honestly, when do we ever get it all figured out — but you won’t don’t do that if all you care about is seeing your significant other. You’ve got to allow each other time to experience new things and make new friends. You should be able to grow as individuals during your college years.

Are you understanding?
College can be pretty stressful at times, there’s no arguing with that. There’s always going to be that time when you put off doing t hat five-page essay until the night before it’s due or have to pull an all-nighter to pass that midterm. Lots of unexpected roadblocks can come up along the way as well, causing additional frustrations. Life can be pretty unexpected during college, so it’s important that each of you understand each other’s schedules and academic courseloads.

Are you able to control your jealousy?
If you’re an extremely jealous person, college is not the time for you to try to be in a relationship. Unless you can trust your significant other, things are just not going to work out well. If you can’t trust your boyfriend/girlfriend, how are you going to handle them going to a party or out on the town without you? You’ve got to be able to keep a level head!

While these are only a few of the determining factors for a successful college relationship, the most important thing is that both of you genuinely care for one another. While no relationship is ever going to be smooth sailing all the time, if you genuinely love the person you’re with, it will be much easier to roll with the punches when the rough patches come your way. Good luck and happy travels!