Relationships can be hard to maintain as a full-time student, especially during a global pandemic. As someone in a long-term relationship, myself, I’ve noticed how hard the shift is from being able to spend an abundance of time together in the summer and over breaks to both being in school full-time and balancing work. The most important thing is not letting your quality time slip into basic coexistence. Make sure to dedicate time to each other.
The best advice I’ve ever received is to follow the 2/2/2 rule: Go out on a date every two weeks, go on a dedicated weekend trip every two months, and aim to go on a full vacation every two years. At first, this can sound jarring, but there are definitely ways to make these dedicated amounts of time accessible to young couples.
The First 2
The first 2 in the 2/2/2 rule is going on a date every two weeks. This should be the easiest one to modify for your lifestyle. There is a multitude of free or low-budget things to do in Toronto that are both fun and romantic. Some of my favourites include:
- A packed picnic at High Park
- A view of the sunset at Riverdale Park
- Vintage shopping in Parkdale
- If you are both under 25, a free trip to the AGO
Or even just a night-in together with takeout and some Netflix. The real key is that you and your partner are attentive to each other and feel prioritized.
The Second 2
The second 2 is my personal favourite because it involves a little bit of planning and a possible road trip. You can still keep this cheap, of course! My partner and I have been going on weekend trips since we were high school students. So if we can do it, you can, too. Some ideas include:
- A beach trip: I love Port Dover for the perfect quiet getaway
- A camping trip: Algonquin Park is only a few hours away from Toronto by car
- A small town: Niagara-on-the-Lake is a destination close to my heart, another one close to the city is the beautiful Unionville Mainstreet in Markham
Any of these options can work for a day or two and can be made even cheaper by staying at a local campsite or scanning Airbnb for the best deals.
The Third 2
Admittedly, to me, this ‘2’ is the most daunting. A vacation, in any sense, can be challenging to budget for as a student. Personally, I would instead budget more for a “bigger” trip rather than spend less on a mediocre experience. My biggest tips are to spend your two years to the fullest and save, save, save. I know this is easier said than done, but even $50 a month can go toward your lodging or airfare. Another tip would be to make this trip meaningful and find a special location that interests both of you. My partner and I love Portland, Oregon. We both have spoken about visiting for years, and the trip would involve some of our shared hobbies like hiking, camping and market-hopping. This third ‘2’ is the chance to really create a special memory for the both of you. Some tips to keep the trip accessible include:
- Make a road trip out of it! If my family can carpool to Florida, you can make this work.
- Make food at home: While on your trip, aim to make mostly home-cooked meals rather than going out to eat every night. I find this cuts down costs.
- Stay in a hostel: More tourist-friendly places offer these cheap lodging alternatives that cut down a huge chunk of your budget!
Again, all of these 2’s are up for interpretation. Make of them what is best for you! I hope these tips are as helpful for you as they are for me. Dedicated time is key!