College life is often overwhelmingly busy. Between classes, extracurriculars, jobs, and friends, it’s difficult to juggle everything. If you throw a relationship into the mix, it’s even harder to stay balanced. If you find yourself in a relationship during college, it’s important to make time for your partner, and to show them that they are valued, loved, and a priority in your life. Luckily, there are many ways even the most stressed out college students can keep their romantic relationships going strong.

1. Use technology to keep in touch

While technology can’t replace in-person communication, simple things like a “good morning” text or the occasional phone call can make your partner’s day. If you’re in a long-distance relationship, these small check-ins are even more important. Forming some sort of pattern, i.e., always texting your partner goodnight, or committing to a daily lunchtime phone call, can help make sure your partner remains pencilled in without either of you being distracted when you’re supposed to be studying.

2. Have a scheduled date night

Whether you’re in the same city or you’re miles apart, having a weekly date night, even if it’s over Skype, is important. This ensures that you never go too long without communicating and that you always have some quality time together to look forward to.

3. Study together

If you both need to get some work done, why not study together? Bring snacks and curl up on the couch for a study date, or prop up your phone to Facetime. Have your partner quiz you for an upcoming test, and reward yourselves with pizza when you’re all done.

4. Do them a favor

There are fewer things stressed-out students appreciate more than something being taken off their plate. If you’re in the same area as your partner and you have a few minutes to spare, do their laundry, wash their dishes, or deliver a paper to their professor for them. Nothing says, “I love you,” like folding someone else’s socks.

5. Invite them on group outings

While it’s important to have time to hang out with your friends solo, try inviting your partner to join you once in a while. Ask your friends to bring their significant others along as well! Your partner will feel included, and you’ll get to be surrounded by people you care about.

6. Make them something

Whether it’s a hand-delivered brownie in a mug or a poem sent across the country, making your partner a present shows just how much you care about them. A homemade gift shows that you’ve been thinking of them and that you are willing to go out of your way to make them smile.

7. Do your own thing

It may seem counter-intuitive, but spending some time apart can help your relationship remain strong. Keeping yourself in a good mental headspace, getting your errands done, and visiting with your family and friends will help to keep you happy and healthy. You’ll be able to devote more energy to your partner in the long run. Plus, you’ll always have something new to talk with them about when you reunite.

These are a few ways to remain engaged with your partner even in the midst of a busy semester, but it’s important to find the means to communicate and show affection that works for you. While your partner may be one of your top priorities, don’t forget to make yourself a priority as well. If you’re keeping up with the things that are important to you, you’ll be a more well-rounded person and a better partner for it.