With school starting up in only a couple of weeks, one of the hardest transitions from summer to school life is moving back to campus and saying goodbye to the relationships we've developed at home. Sure, your parents will always be there for you. You'll see your good friends when you get back in your residence hall. But what about the summer fling that you want to make sure is the real thing? Here's some things to keep in mind:

You're constantly changing as people.

If you're going to different schools, your environments will be different. As young adults, we are always changing in our ideals, our personalities, and our motivations. If your significant other branches out and seems to change some, it's a healthy thing for them to be doing, as long as it doesn't interfere with your relationship. He or she is learning new things and socializing with new people. Encourage your significant other to get out of his or her comfort zone and try new things. Be accepting of his or her new friend group. Also, don’t be afraid to do something you want to do, just because you might not have done it while you were seeing your S.O. every day. When people change, it doesn’t mean the end of a relationship -- it means that as a couple you are growing as people, and your love for the other person should also grow.

You have to trust them to make the right decisions.

You see that your girlfriend's new best guy friend is a little bit too clingy -- what's the deal? It's easy to not like someone because of their relationship with your S.O., but the problem isn't with your girlfriend -- it's with the third party for not respecting your relationship. If you see that your S.O. went to the bar when you check Facebook but they didn't text you back, don't worry about it, they're just busy. You have to trust your significant other to give you the right amount of attention and not be unfaithful. If you are constantly worrying about your S.O. doing something that you wouldn't appreciate, think about where the worry comes from; is it you just being over-analytical? Or is it them never telling you the truth about where they go? People get busy and people have friends. Jumping to conclusions or being overly attached will make the relationship suffer.

Open communication is key to keeping the relationship strong.

Know what's going on in your S.O.'s life. The whole, "My day was fine, how about yours?" conversation can get dull after a week of being apart. How are their classes? Why do they hate their professors? What's the most beautiful spot on their campus? Also, make sure you are able to communicate with your boyfriend or girlfriend about how the relationship is making you feel. Are you feeling distant because of the miles away? Or is there no communication? Your significant other cannot rely on your body language or your subliminal hints because words are all you have to relay your thoughts. Don't bottle your problems up until you see them again -- talk it out.

Let them know you think of them in small but personal ways.

Tag your boyfriend in the meme that made you laugh. Send your girlfriend a letter when she has her choir concert coming up. FaceTime them on your walk back to the residence hall and show them what your campus looks like. Make a poster that they can hang on their dorm wall. Seeing little things that remind you of the person who loves you is a great feeling when you're feeling distant. You don't have to text, call, or Skype every day; it's impossible to when you're a busy student. Just make sure your S.O. knows that you haven't forgotten about them and that they matter to you when you get the opportunity to tell them.

I wish every long distance couple the best of luck as the busy school year begins. Though it may be difficult balancing time, homework, jobs, friends and a significant other remind yourself of what really matters -- the ability to learn and grow. Allow yourself to be an individual while you're at school and to learn new things. Encourage your S.O. to do the same. If you support each other actively during your college years, you can keep your relationship strong as ever.