Freshmen arrive at school with different dating expectations, but keeping an open mind will benefit you greatly. There are so many different people from different places and backgrounds, and meeting these different people is the best part of college. College is a place where you can be yourself and find people who accept you for who you are.
In addition to different expectations, students have varying dating histories that can get complicated.
Some students are leaving their partner behind. If your partner is younger than you, and though it never seemed to complicate things before, it may become an issue when you start college. As you grow and mature, they are still in your hometown, doing the same thing. Distance adds stress to the relationship, as well. Even if college is only an hour away, the distance can create complications.
If you want to keep your current relationship, be sure not to go home every weekend. Going home each weekend will stop you from making new friends and gaining new experiences. Travel home for your partner's important events and on school breaks, and invite your partner to a few sporting events, concerts or other activities to keep them involved in your life. Be sure to talk to them and tell them about your new friends and other new things in your life. Be interested in what is going on in their lives, even though you have probably already gone through it.
What if your partner goes to a different college? College is a time for change. Everyone changes in college. These are not bad changes, but necessary for growth. Going to different schools can be difficult, though, because you're doing your growing up separately. There are so many new people and new experiences that it's easy to move in different directions. Make time for each other. Plan Skype dates and weekends to visit each other. Communicate and tell each other about your new lives. Do not let having a significant other stop you from getting involved and making new friends.
Then there are the students who bring their partners with them. Do not hide out in your dorm with your partner. Make new friends separately, as well as together. It is important for you to have separate lives or you might grow bored with each other. Attend activities and events together and with other people.
Finally, there is arriving on campus single. College is a buffet of dateable people, but it is very important to make friends first. Do not arrive on campus with your No. 1 goal being to find a date. Make friends with the people on your floor. Join clubs or an intramural team. Make conversation with people in class. Sit with someone new in the dining hall. These will all make it easier to meet someone you are interested in dating.
Remember, dating is supposed to be fun and not add stress to your already stressful life. While all relationships have conflicts, college dating should be enjoyable and not about fighting. You are young and have plenty of time to explore the dating scene. So relax, and be yourself.
kyliemorrisonsloat@dailynebraskan.com
is a member of the 
