As I look out of my window from my room on the 9th floor. I see small snow crystals covering the roofs of the neighbouring student area; South Courts. It is the end of November and the campus trees are all red and yellow, some without any leaves at all. Essex is slowly moving into Christmas spirit and soon the campus will be quite empty when its students leave for celebrations at home.
” I have met many students in long distance relationships at uni, who enrol university with their partner back home or in our case, separately on our own adventures in foreign countries.”
Christmas time at university
This past weekend I got a taste of that Christmas spirit, when visiting the small village called Wivenhoe on Saturday afternoon. After a refreshing walk along the River Colne, we arrived at a small local pub The Rose and Crown. We sat down in the fully Christmas decorated inn. With a sparkling fire in the corner and ornaments hanging on the walls. The weekend was also rather special as I got to celebrate my birthday together with my university friends and boyfriend, whom I hadn’t seen since enrolling uni. For that reason, we decided to spend some time on our own as well, in the city of Colchester. Having our AirBNB located in the centre, it was easy to get around town and luckily for us we got to enjoy the fall sun kissing our cheeks. I have met many students in long distance relationships at uni. Most who enrol university with their partner back home or in our case, separately on our own adventures in foreign countries.
Long distance relationships at uni
This is not the first time we have lived apart since we began our relationship in this very way. A match on a dating app and a visit abroad was the starting point of our relationship. Him in Germany and me in Sweden. It was a challenge to start off a relationship apart but we made it work, with visit once a month. We kept on going for a year till he decided to join me in Sweden and we went from having a long distance relationship to living in the same flat. Living together taught us so much about each other and we soon found ourselves very comfortable in this life. Slightly too comfortable. As we were getting closer to our second year anniversary, he was offered a job position abroad and I felt compelled to discover something new as well. That was when I decided to send in my university application to Essex.
This is the second time we have lived apart and we know now what works and what doesn’t. I have met many people saying that they would never be able to remain in a long distance relationships at uni and many students break up before enrolling university. I would say that it is entirely up to the individual and I can understand those who cut the strings. In my own case I would argue that since I have been through it before, I can more easily see the many perks rather than only the negative parts. For instance, having somebody who knows you very well and supports you through this big transition to university is incredibly valuable. Because first and foremost, he is my very best friend.
British politics
This year we will spend parts of the Christmas holiday together in Sweden, but there is still much to be done before I can return back home. On the 12th of December, the UK will vote in another general election since Prime Minister Boris Johnson doesn’t have enough MPs to easily pass new laws. He hopes an early election will increase the number of Conservative MPs, making his Brexit plans “easier to achieve.”. This is an important election that I will be able to take part in as an EU-citizen. These are turbulent times in the British politics and I am intrigued to be a part of it. If you are eligible to vote in this election I urge you to do it, you will not regret it.
Feel free to contact me for more info about my story or share your own enthusiasm. Other questions or your own tips for a Fresher like me in the comments below
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