sex & relationships student life

Getting engaged as a student — can it last?

Engaged
Written by Nigel Simpkins

Getting hitched at a young age used to be mainstream, but nowadays, those who are married by the age of 30 are now considered to be in the minority. However, if you’re in love with your university sweetheart, who says it’s not the right time to pop the question? If you’re asking yourself whether or not it’s the right time, here’s a few things you should keep in mind — as well as some couples who have been there themselves and are still together years later.

The right time?

If you’re considering whether or not to propose to your partner while you’re still at university, you may be wondering whether or not it’s the right time. However, there are countless benefits to getting married young. For example, not only will you have your partner to support you through your educational goals, but you’ll gain someone to keep you grounded through the ups and downs of university — and beyond. Additionally, research shows that those who marry younger are happier — proving that there’s much more to getting hitched at a young age than meets the eye.

Notable examples of college sweethearts

When it comes to university sweethearts that have stayed married, there is no shortage of successful relationships. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy examples is that of Prince William, who met his wife Kate Middleton at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Today, the couple has been married for a little over ten years, with Kate having graduated with a Master of Arts degree in art history, and William a MA in geography. Another notable couple that met while in university is actress Elizabeth Banks, who met her husband Max Handelman at the University of Pennsylvania back in 1992.

Making it work

If you’re considering proposing while you’re still studying, making the relationship work may seem challenging. However, by making time for your relationship and fitting it in around your schedules, you can easily ensure that your relationship will thrive without compromising your studies. One way to do this is to share your timetables with each other, and work out a plan for regular date nights or study dates. Having good and open communication is vital when it comes to making your relationship work while you’re at university, and it can be accomplished in a number of ways. For example, going ring shopping together will allow you to communicate effectively over important issues like finances, in addition to styles that you both like, and prepares you for making decisions together throughout your marriage.

Planning a wedding while you’re studying may also seem like a daunting feat, but remember there doesn’t have to be any rush. In fact, getting engaged at uni can allow you to enjoy a longer engagement, and leaving the wedding planning until after you graduate is certainly an option to consider. However, for those who don’t want to wait until after graduation to officially get hitched, grabbing lunch together or otherwise planning some free time around your studies can be a convenient way to work in additional wedding planning.

Getting engaged while at university may be the road less travelled nowadays, but it can easily be done successfully. By making it work in a healthy way and keeping an open line of communication about your future plans and goals, you can ensure that your relationship is just as successful as those who have made the same choices in the past.