Long distance relationships can be really hard, especially once you’re going to college. Here’s some advice on how to maintain your relationship and make it stronger than ever, even if you live hundreds of miles apart.

Remember to check up on them.

Even just little texts here and there will remind them that you’re still there even if you’re far away, and it lets them know that you care about them.

Writing letters is underrated.

I don’t know about you, but receiving a letter in the mail makes my whole week. Whether it’s a little note, a doodle or a long and passionate sonnet, it’s sure to make your partner feel happy and loved.

Video calls are awesome.

Skype and Google chats are really great to use, and FaceTime is cool too. Phone calls are good, but it can mean so much more to see your partner’s face on the other line. Plus, it can be fun to get all dolled up too, from the neck up.

Tell them about your day, then ask them about theirs.

It might sound a little unnecessary, but chances are, your partner thinks about you and wants to know what your day was like, and you probably want to know about their day too.

Have them meet your new college friends.

If they come to visit, invite them to meet your friends and maybe even go out with them. They’ll love to get to know the people you surround yourself with, and your friends have probably all been dying to meet them.

Show them around your campus.

If they visit your school, go ahead and show them around. Show them where your classes are, where you eat, where you work. It can be really helpful for them to see it all and that way, when you’re talking about things that happened in class or at lunch, they can picture it better.

Know each other’s schedule so you can find the best time to talk.

Between work and classes and meetings, it can be difficult to find a time when you’re both free to talk. When you know each other’s schedules, you can set up a time that won’t conflict, and you can devote all your time to your partner.

Watch movies and videos together.

Even if you’re a thousand miles away, it’s still possible to watch your favorite movies together using websites like Sync Video, Watch2Gether and Gaze. Just google these and follow the instructions to send them a link to join you, and you can watch a film or YouTube video in sync.

Even the little things make a difference.

It might sound silly, but even just texting them to complain about the eggs at breakfast could make their day. Who knows, maybe their burnt toast was rant-worthy too.

Remind them you love them.

I know, it sounds really cliché, but it’s important. Even the smallest reminders make a big difference. They’ll never get tired of hearing about how much you love them and care about them.