Attending college is stressful and is a balancing game for many as they try to juggle school, work, and relations. To be successful in the balancing game, setting time aside is key. (Kaitlyn Johnson/ The Signpost)

College is a stressful and time-consuming endeavor. Juggling classes, extra-curricular activities, family, friends and relationships — it can all seem overwhelming and making a successful relationship seem impossible.

Aaron Jeffrey, Weber State University’s licensed marriage and family therapist, said on a national average relationship problems are one of the three main reason college students will seek counseling. Relationships take work and time and college students already have a lot of work in the classroom. Sometimes the extra time a relationship takes up can take an emotional toll on students.

One of the best ways to maintain a successful relationship is to have good communication skills. Jeffery explained that while many think that setting clear expectations for a relationship is important, often the listening that goes into that process is most important. Giving equal attention to education and a partner is key to having a successful and healthy relationship, according to Jeffery.

It is often hard to give full attention to many things, but focusing on one thing at a time can produce the best results. “Make relationships a priority by setting apart time together,” Jeffery said. “It doesn’t have to be a lot of time … but if there is dedicated time, you can focus on school and it gives you something to look forward to.”

It’s already a struggle for students to find time to set aside for all of their responsibilities, like school and work, making finding time for relationships even more difficult.

“It is definitely hard finding time to go on dates as well as do homework, go to class and hang out with friends,” freshman Natalie Noble said.

However, Noble said she has seen the benefits of going on dates while in college.  “I think it has been good to see what I like in different guys and what I enjoy to do on dates,” she said.

Morgan Walker, a senior in radiography, said she knows the importance of balance and time. She is currently engaged, holds a church calling and is in her final semester as a radiography student.

“For me, I don’t feel like there is enough time. You are so busy and school is so important for me. It’s a balance act between everything,” Walker said.

Often with time being limited, it can be hard to show others we care for them. “Texting can be really helpful. Just sending small message throughout the day,” Jeffery said.

While dating and relationships are great, it is also important to be your own person and pursue your own interests. Between relationships and school, finding quality time for yourself is essential.

“If you both stick everything into the relationship, you lose yourself and will be less satisfied,” Jeffery said. “When people have their own interests it tends to foster higher satisfaction because they know they have their own time plus couple time.”