Education
Harmonising study-life balance in college: A couple’s journey
BALANCING the demands of college life and personal relationships is a challenge. Imagine you
and your significant other both navigating the choppy waters of academics, deadlines, and a
relationship. It’s not just about finding time for each other; it’s about supporting one another’s
goals and aspirations while juggling your own.
This delicate balancing act becomes even more complex when you’re both striving for academic
excellence. Resources like EssayService become invaluable allies, offering assistance with
academic tasks, such as “write my research paper.” Yet, this is only one building block of a
healthy relationship. Let’s delve deeper into practical recommendations on how to find a study-life balance in college as a couple.
Establish Shared Goals
The first step towards harmonising your study-life balance is setting shared goals. This isn’t just
about agreeing to study at the same coffee shop. You need to understand and respect each
other’s academic and personal ambitions. For instance, if one of you is pre-med and the other is
an aspiring playwright, recognising the differing demands of these paths is crucial. Creating a
joint calendar can help you visualise each other’s important dates, like exams, rehearsals, or
presentations.
Additionally, don’t overlook the value of setting relationship goals. Whether it’s planning a
weekend getaway post-finals or committing to a weekly date night, these goals keep your bond
strong amidst academic pressures. They serve as a reminder that, even though college is
temporary, your relationship is a priority worth investing time and effort into.
Use Time Management Tricks
A key ingredient in balancing your studies and personal life is effective time management. Let’s
break down some practical tips:
● Use a digital planner and sync your schedules to avoid clashes.
● Set study boundaries and allocate specific times for studying and relaxation.
● Prioritise tasks.
● Stay on top of your tasks to prevent last-minute stress.
● Embrace downtime. It’s essential for mental health.
● Study together. If your subjects align, it can be productive and bonding.
● Keep each other informed about busy periods.
● Respect each other’s study time.
After implementing these strategies, you’ll likely notice an improvement not just in academic
performance but in the quality of your relationship. Having a structure helps prevent last-minute
study sessions from encroaching on your personal time.
Add Stress-Reduction Strategies to Your Routine
College life inherently comes with stress, which can seep into your relationship. So, it’s vital to
have stress-reduction strategies in place. Engaging in activities that you both enjoy, like hiking,
cooking, or attending campus events, can serve as a stress outlet. These shared experiences
not only help you unwind but also strengthen your connection.
Equally important is acknowledging when you need alone time. This might seem counterintuitive
in a relationship, but a 2023 study confirms that daily alone time to decompress or pursue
individual hobbies can significantly reduce stress levels. Balancing togetherness with
individuality ensures that stress from one area of your life doesn’t overwhelm the other.
Improve Financial Management
Let’s face it: college can be expensive, and financial stress can strain a relationship. Here are
some tips to keep your finances in check:
● Create a joint budget to track your combined expenses and savings.
● Seek scholarships and grants to reduce the financial burden of tuition.
● Opt for affordable date ideas like picnics, free campus events, or movie nights.
● Split shared costs to prevent resentment.
● Take advantage of deals available to students.
● Discuss long-term financial goals and steps to achieve them.
● Be open about financial struggles.
With a sound financial plan, you can reduce the stress that money issues bring to a relationship.
Navigate Long-Distance Challenges
For couples attending different colleges, the long-distance element adds a unique layer to
balancing study and relationships. Technology becomes your best ally here. Beyond the usual
texts and calls, try scheduling virtual study dates. Picture this: both of you on a video call, with books open, studying together in silence. It creates a sense of shared purpose, even miles
apart.
Start a book or TV series together and discuss it during your calls. This shared activity keeps
you connected on a level beyond just updating each other about your day.
Also, embrace the power of snail mail. Sending handwritten letters or care packages can bring a
delightful, tangible aspect to your communication, something that texts and emails can’t match.
Combine Studies with Shared Entrepreneurial Ventures:
In a unique twist, some couples channel their academic pursuits into joint entrepreneurial
ventures. This approach is particularly intriguing for business, technology, or art majors. For
example, a computer science and a graphic design major might collaborate on developing a
mobile app or a website. This serves as a practical application of their studies and fosters a
deeper appreciation of each other’s skills.
Moreover, this collaborative effort can extend beyond immediate academic benefits. It paves the
way for understanding the dynamics of working together professionally. Balancing the roles of
business partners and romantic partners requires clear communication, respect for each other’s
expertise, and the ability to resolve disagreements.
Leverage Academic Resources
College offers a plethora of resources that can help ease academic pressures. For example,
many campuses offer tutoring centers, writing workshops, and study groups that can enhance
your learning experience. You can also use the best dissertation writing service if you need
some external support from experts. Encouraging each other to take advantage of these
resources not only boosts academic performance but also reduces the time spent struggling
with difficult subjects.
In addition to academic resources, don’t forget about mental health services. Many colleges
offer counseling services, which can be beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, or any
relationship issues that might arise due to academic pressures.
Conclusion
Navigating the college experience as a couple involves more than just managing study
schedules and date nights. It’s about growing together, both academically and personally. Use
our tips to ensure that your academic journey remains on track without sacrificing the quality of
your relationship.
Ultimately, the journey through college as a couple is a remarkable opportunity to build a strong
foundation for your future together. By embracing both the challenges and the joys, supporting each other’s goals, and learning to navigate life’s complexities hand-in-hand, you set the stage
for a relationship that can withstand the tests of time.
Education
Battle to save courses at Wales’ oldest university fails
LAMPETER is to cease to have any university education with its humanities courses transferred to Carmarthen, ending undergraduate teaching at Wales’ oldest university, following a decision by University of Wales Trinity St David this week.
Lampeter University students learned of the decision just days after more than 100 students and alumni took their battle to save the university to the Senedd.
Former students, including Escape to the Country TV presenter Jules Hudson, travelled to Cardiff from all over the UK to take part in a four-hour protest outside the Senedd on Tuesday, January 21.
They were joined by Lampeter residents and councillors, along with current students, who came down by coach from the former St David’s University College.
The students face having to move in September to a different campus in Carmarthen under controversial plans by the University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD) to relocate all humanities courses away from Lampeter.
This would end undergraduate education after almost 200 years in the town.
Protesters held banners declaring “St David V Goliath” and “Achub campws Llambed” (Save the Lampeter campus).
Speeches of support were given by several members of the Senedd, including Cefin Campbell and Adam Price, town councillor and former student Rhys Bebb Jones, and TV presenter and ex-archaeology student Jules Hudson.
MS Elin Jones called for a more appropriate time frame for the decision and for current students to be able to complete their courses in Lampeter, and for the Welsh Government to intervene.
The protest was organised by Esther Weller of the Lampeter Society, a group of thousands of Lampeter alumni, and was staged a month after around 100 campaigners marched through Lampeter and held a demonstration outside the university.
A petition to save the university has come close to collecting 6,000 signatures online and on paper.
Since then, a letter from University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) Chief Operating Officer Peter Mannion has been received today, January 23, and shared by students.
It says: “On November 11, 2024 the University informed students and staff at the Lampeter campus of a proposal to move its current and future Humanities teaching and learning to the UWTSD campus in Carmarthen from September 2025.
“Since then, the University has engaged in regular conversations with students and staff to listen to their responses to the proposal and undertaken a formal consultation with trades unions and affected staff. Discussions have also been held with external stakeholders representing local, regional and national interests.
“The University has now concluded its decision-making process and approved the proposal to relocate its Humanities provision from Lampeter to Carmarthen.
“The preparation and practical considerations for this forthcoming change will be communicated with you over the next few weeks.
“We are very grateful for the engagement from students and staff which has made an essential contribution to challenging and helping to further develop the original proposal.
“As you know, the Lampeter campus is of great importance to the University. We will shortly be establishing a mechanism by which we can involve stakeholders in proposing a range of economically viable, education-related activities that would bring a new, sustainable lease of life to the campus.”
The University of Wales Trinity St David has published an identical statement.
Community
County Show calling all Pembrokeshire parents and teachers
SCHOOLCHILDREN from across the county are invited to the next Food Story event, Nutritious, Delicious & Local, which will take place at the Pembrokeshire County Showground on Wednesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 6, 2025.
This exciting event, suitable for pupils from Year 2 to Year 11, will offer a hands-on learning experience focusing on health and well-being, as well as the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in local food production. Topics will include how weather and climate impact farming, the growth of crops, and the daily challenges faced by farmers.
Children will also have the chance to cook and sample local produce, making it a truly interactive and educational experience.
All primary and secondary schools across Pembrokeshire will receive an invitation and booking form to attend. If teachers have not received the email and would like to participate, they are encouraged to contact the Pembrokeshire Showground Office at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire the next generation about the importance of nutritious, local food!
Education
Former Haverfordwest High student wins South Hook LNG scholarship
A PROMISING local law student, Alisha Akhtar, has been awarded South Hook LNG’s 2024 Scholarship, receiving £5,000 to support her academic journey. Alisha, a former Haverfordwest High pupil, is in her final year of an LLB Law degree at the University of Salford, Manchester, and is preparing to undertake the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in two years.
The annual South Hook Scholarship is designed to encourage academic excellence and career ambition among Pembrokeshire students. Candidates go through a rigorous selection process that includes a written application and an informal interview, demonstrating South Hook’s commitment to supporting local education.
During a ceremony held at South Hook LNG, Alisha was presented with her award by the South Hook team. Speaking about the scholarship, she said: “My late parents worked tirelessly to provide opportunities they never had. This scholarship brings me closer to my goal of pursuing a career in law and honours my parents’ sacrifices. I am deeply grateful to South Hook LNG for believing in my potential.”
Hamad Al Samra, General Manager of South Hook LNG, praised Alisha’s determination, saying: “We are continually inspired by Pembrokeshire students. Alisha’s focus and commitment stood out, and we are pleased to support her in achieving her aspirations.”
South Hook LNG encourages local students pursuing higher education in engineering, science, or business-related fields to apply for their scholarship programme. Details for the 2025 award will be available on the company’s website in September.
Photo caption: Alisha Akhtar, South Hook LNG’s Scholarship recipient of 2024, with members of the South Hook team responsible for assessing the applications. (Pic: Supplied)
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