Education

Harmonising study-life balance in college: A couple’s journey

Published

2 years ago

January 31, 2024

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

Teaching assistant struck off after asking pupil for photos of her body

Published

2 days ago

December 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A FORMER teaching assistant at Haverfordwest High School has been banned from working in education after sending highly inappropriate messages to two female pupils, including asking one girl to send him photos of her body.

Samuel Davies, who was employed at the school through apprentice agency Ap Prentis, was removed from the classroom in October 2022 when safeguarding concerns were raised. An Education Workforce Council (EWC) panel has now found his conduct to be sexually motivated and amounting to unacceptable professional behaviour.

Messages sent under false name

The panel heard that Davies contacted two mid-teen pupils on Snapchat using the name “Sam Bear Davies”. One pupil identified as Learner B received messages asking whether she felt comfortable sending him pictures. In one message he wrote: “I want to see that body and a few pics maybe?” followed by further requests for images.

Another girl identified as Pupil A accepted a friend request from the same account and was shocked to receive the message: “Oh hey, I am your teacher. Do not tell anyone, I would get into trouble, but I think you are really attractive.”

Davies also warned one of the girls not to tell anyone he had contacted her because he would “get into trouble”.

Both pupils later provided screenshots to senior staff which resulted in Davies being escorted off school grounds while an internal investigation began.

Previous concerns about boundary issues

Deputy headteacher and safeguarding lead Tracy Edwards told the hearing she had already spoken to Davies several times about his over familiar behaviour with pupils. Concerns had been raised including allegations that he offered teenagers a drag of a vape off school premises and that he had shown pupils photos of himself vaping in a school toilet. There were also reports that he had been overheard discussing pubs and clubs with under eighteens.

Although some of the earlier claims could not be verified, his behaviour escalated and a formal complaint was made once the social media messages were shared with staff.

Davies resigned from his role in January 2023. Police reviewed the matter but did not take further action.

Panel finds sexual motivation

The EWC committee found a number of allegations proven and concluded that Davies had deliberately targeted children under sixteen and that his actions were sexually motivated.

Panel chair Robert Newsome said Davies had abused his position and caused direct harm to pupils. He noted that Davies had shown no engagement with the disciplinary process, no insight and no remorse.

“This was a pattern that developed after he began his employment,” he said. “He knew what he was doing was wrong and took steps to hide it. His actions place him as a significant risk to learners.”

Davies did not attend the hearing and provided no representation. During the school’s internal investigation he denied all allegations.

Struck off indefinitely

The committee ordered that Davies be removed from the EWC register with immediate effect. He cannot apply for reinstatement for at least five years.

He has 28 days to appeal the decision to the High Court.

Community

Potential Ysgol Clydau potential closure ‘deeply concerning’

Published

3 days ago

December 11, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

THE LAUNCH of a public consultation on the potential closure of Pembrokeshire school Ysgol Clydau just before Christmas has been called “deeply concerning” and unfair to local families.

At the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, members backed a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which included statutory consultation on proposals to discontinue Manorbier Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School and Ysgol Clydau in Tegryn.

A plea on behalf of Ysgol Clydau was previously made by Cllr Iwan Ward, local member, who said it was “the heart of our society not just a school, it’s family, a community, an anchor for children who deserve the opportunity to grow”.

He added that closure was “a disaster for the future of education locally” and was “not fair and was not moral”.

The Ysgol Clydau consultation has now been launched, on the eve of a plea to keep the school open being heard at County Hall.

A council statement accompanying the launch of the consultation says: “At its meeting on May 8, Pembrokeshire County Council considered a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which outlined the findings of a review of education provision in the Preseli area.

“In particular the review considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population.”

A petition, opposing closure of the school, on the council’s own website, generated 648 responses, meaning it crossed the threshold to be heard at full council.

That petition call, along with a similar one for Manorbier school, which also crossed the threshold, with 1,511 signatures, is to be heard by councillors at the December 12 meeting of full council.

The Ysgol Clydau petition states: “We demand that Pembrokeshire County Council reconsider its decision to close Ysgol Clydau and instead prioritise the needs of our community by keeping the school open. We oppose the closure of Ysgol Clydau and call for full public scrutiny before any decision is made.

“We urge you to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the community, listen to our concerns, and work with us to find alternative solutions that support the needs of our children and families.”

Paul Davies MS

Local Senedd Member Paul Davies has voiced his opposition to the proposal to close Ysgol Clydau, describing the timing of the consultation—just before Christmas—as “deeply concerning” and unfair to local families.

Mr Davies also highlighted the impact that closing Ysgol Clydau would have on the local community and the Welsh language.

“Ysgol Clydau is a crucial part of the local community, and its closure would have a huge impact on the local area. It’s unacceptable that this consultation has been launched without any discussion with local stakeholders and announcing it just before Christmas is very disappointing.

Education

Paul Davies MS opposes proposed closure of Ysgol Clydau

Published

3 days ago

December 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Senedd Member criticises ‘deeply concerning’ timing of consultation

LOCAL Senedd Member Paul Davies has spoken out against Pembrokeshire County Council’s proposal to close Ysgol Clydau, warning that the timing of the public consultation — launched in the weeks before Christmas — is “deeply concerning” and unfair to affected families.

Mr Davies said the school plays a vital role in the community, and that any attempt to close it would have a damaging impact locally, including on efforts to promote and protect the Welsh language.

“Ysgol Clydau is a crucial part of the local community, and its closure would have a huge impact on the local area,” he said. “It’s unacceptable that this consultation has been launched without any discussion with local stakeholders, and announcing it just before Christmas is very disappointing.”

He pointed to the school’s strong record, noting that Estyn inspectors highlighted positive relationships between staff and pupils and praised a curriculum that makes purposeful use of the surrounding area to inspire curiosity.

“Closing this school would be to the detriment of local families, and it would also undermine efforts to protect and promote the Welsh language in the community,” he added.

Mr Davies urged Pembrokeshire County Council to ensure the consultation is meaningful by “genuinely listening to local voices” and working with parents, representatives and the wider school community to find a constructive way forward.