[Jessy]

It has to be said that as a student your love life will certainly experience a 'shake-up' during the few years that you make the move towards growing up a little and start really having some fun! My experience as a third year student has taken me through the highs and lows of dating whilst at University, whether this be with a partner at the same Uni as you or a boyfriend/girlfriend from your hometown. Hopefully I can be of some help:

If you’re a singleton:

Whether newly into this realm or you've been a part of it for a while, I have to say that a first year at University is like no other. You will meet people, do, think and try things you have never before. So... here are my personal lessons from being a singleton in 1st year:

• Be open to meeting new people; try not to isolate yourself in the first few weeks (generally the most crucial) by being the true socialite of your halls! Try and talk to everyone and have a laugh in whatever you love and it is safe to say the good lookers of the building will be falling at your feet!

• You will soon realise that you have lots of new mates (even if you are not the most outgoing of people) you will not feel like you want the commitment of a relationship...perhaps you just want to have a bit of fun so just enjoy this.

• Be safe, this one is a must for the University singleton. STDs are not pretty and neither are unwanted pregnancies. So get yourself down to the free clinics in Manchester for some free advice and protection and make your new sexual exploration a happy one!!! Visit: www.fresh4manchester.com for more advice.

• A golden rule that I have learnt over my time at Uni and after the horror stories I have heard...Try and avoid dating your housemates. Watching a new ex walk in with their new boyfriend/girlfriend. Enough said!

What if you're in a relationship?

So, you're part of the lucky few that can actually hold up a relationship throughout the summer, then it's safe to say that you guys are ready for a bit of a challenge. Going to Uni is a massive test for a couple and it only makes you stronger if you can get through it. Obviously it depends how far away you are. Here are my few points of advice after seeing the future marriages/train wrecks from my friends:

• Be very open and honest with each other - even though this should be the mantra to any relationship - it applies even more in this situation

• The Golden rule = for the first two weeks (freshers), give each other ALOT of space. This doesn't mean not speaking for just a day, it means real SPACE where you can have a chance to make new friends, get settled in and have some fun!

• Appreciate that the first few weeks/months are going to be tough, don't just fall at the first hurdle and think 'I cannot do this'. If you both love each other equally...give it a go, it can create an amazing relationship where you get your own space and see your boyfriend/girlfriends at weekends (which are pretty much dead around the campus anyway)!

[jakal]

i dated my housemate and i am still with her now nearly 1 and a half years down the road. but we were very cautious.