For Valentine's Day, we asked the students on the Globe and Mail Student Advisory Council to offer other students advice about romance on campus. Are hook-ups most compatible with academic demands or should students look for someone long-term, with the same values and goals? They had different opinions, but they agreed on one thing: The uncertainty of student life and jobs after graduation can make any relationship more stressful.
One thing that's been hard is the "where next" you get when graduation day approaches. Seeing some of my friends get married(!!) and settle down, while others are still doing their own thang and being single. To me, being in a long-distance relationship gives a bit of flexibility in the sense that I have a support system and someone to think about, but I still spend most of my time concentrating on my activities, school, and friends. There are big challenges though, especially because my life for the next few years is in flux while I wait for acceptances and apply to internship programs that aren't all in Canada. Isabelle Duchaine
Personally, I would have to say that I would advise against long distance relationships. They add so much stress to an already stressful life when you're a student. Brandon Clim
Early in my undergrad, dating was really hard because I was SO busy. Short term isn't my thing but I can see why it is for so many students. It's hard to balance a serious relationship, plus there is a lot of instability and uncertainty in students' lives these days (you're not sure where you'll end up getting a job or going to grad school and so forth). Anita Acai
I don't currently try for relationships, but I am open to them. I don't think about the impact on school/work, I usually do what feels right. I have no regrets, but I do know that dating someone significantly older can be tough. Jaxson Khan
I think the most important thing to remember is that everyone's needs and desires are very different, and one has to work hard to distinguish between what they feel compelled to do and what they want themselves. Long-distance, open relationships, non-exclusivity and everything related all have the potential to work. Kareem Ibrahim
Both relationships and school are two huge commitments to make and require equally significant amounts of time in order for them to grow. I think that a healthy relationship with open communication and mutual understanding has the potential to work, but it's unhealthy ones that will make student life really difficult and strenuous. Amy Yee
My best academic periods have always been while I've been in a relationship. Most likely because I tend to be partying a lot less then also. Davide Mastracci
If you meet someone that makes you happy and those feelings are mutual, then date them. If it's the right person, they'll help you through the tough times of university and make it less stressful, not more. If the relationship works out, fantastic. If not then you battle through the pain of a break up and come out of it more knowledgeable about what you're looking for in a partner. Justin Scaini
Don't feel obligated to be in the dating scene because that is what others expect of you. Dating is not for everyone at the exact same time you don't get put under a magical spell when you turn 18 that's says you must do it or you will be cursed kind of thing. Josh Miller