Sorry about the lack of posts. With finals, apartment searching, the holidays and visits from boyfriends/friends we've all been crazy busy! If there is anything you'd like us to give our opinions on, need advice or just need to talk to someone please email us at theextramileblog@gmail.com. we love nd appreciate any and all emails.
much love,
theextramile team
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Tips for a successful first visit!
So even though my boyfriend and I have been long distance for about a year now (although he's been home for summer, spring, winter break, ect) I finally took my first trip to go visit him at school this weekend. The visit couldn't have gone any better, it was probably my favorite amount of time we've ever spent together in the whole entire 2 1/2 years that we've been together. I finally felt like all of the things we've had to go through and all of our hard work had finally paid off. I was finally able to see all of the places he described, match all of the names to faces and most importantly have some quality time and spend the day together.
Since I had such an easy going and positive experience I thought I'd share some tips with you guys on how to plan your first visit to see your boyfriend or girlfriend while they're at school.
1. Plan ahead!
Although this may seem like common sense, many people (myself included) aren't aware of half of the factors needed just to plan a date for a visit. School, work and family make it hard enough to pick a date that works just for you, but you also have to take into account your significant other's schedule, as well. Make sure to get confirmations on requests off for work, double check to make sure you don't have any big tests coming up or any other events you need to be at before you RSVP to a visit. Although things do come up, canceling is completely heartbreaking for the both of you. It's much better to suggest another time or date rather than really banking on something that might have even the slightest chance of not working out. Always make sure that things are 100% set before you set a date!
2. Be courteous!
Since many LDR visits require an overnight stay, so really plan ahead and save accordingly on where you'll be staying. I was fortunate enough to be able to stay in my boyfriend's dorm, he has great room mates who were nothing but welcoming and allowed me to stay the night. Always show how grateful you are for their generosity- buy them a pizza (because every college student loves pizza, right?), or make some baked goods! It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, just be sure to let them know that the gesture was appreciated.
3. Know the rules
It's very important that if you are staying in a dorm or even just visiting that you know the rules of the building. Are there strict visiting hours? Are you even allowed to stay over night? Is there paperwork or forms you need to sign or check in with? Will you need a parking pass? Be sure to have all of this done ahead of time or do it at the beginning of your visit so that you can be worry free for the rest of your stay!
4. Start saving
If you aren't so lucky in the room mate department, maybe plan your visit for a night where their room mates will be out of town or visiting another room. You have to remember that the dorm is their space and they have every right to be there. If staying still isn't an option, universities will almost always have lots of affordable hotels very close by. Start saving up way ahead of time, and maybe even ask your boyfriend or girlfriend to help pitch in or if there are any student discounts or rates that they can get with their student ID. Another way to cut down on costs is working out on who will pay for what. It may seem a bit silly or nit picky but you'll be surprised at how much money you could save, which, in the long run will help you towards your next visit! Maybe if you pay for the hotel, your boyfriend or girlfriend can buy the food and pick up the tab for any fun activities that you go do during your visit.
5. Go with the flow
Although my boyfriend planned a few things for us to do, I really liked the fact the we took our time and just did what he normally did during the day. It was nice to finally put names to faces, go for walks and see all of the places he describes at our own pace. It felt nice not to have a set schedule and worry about limiting our time doing one thing to get to another. Believe me, it's much easier to spend quality time with someone when you're not thinking about time and how much of it you have left. Although time will fly during your visit, it's best to have real and relaxing memories to hold onto vs. those of a jam-packed and stressful day.
I wish all of you guys luck in planning your visits and I hope you have as much fun as I did! As always, please don't hesitate to email or ask (going anonymous is an option with this link) with any questions you have, advice you need, or topics you'd like to see covered by us!
-Cait
Since I had such an easy going and positive experience I thought I'd share some tips with you guys on how to plan your first visit to see your boyfriend or girlfriend while they're at school.
1. Plan ahead!
Although this may seem like common sense, many people (myself included) aren't aware of half of the factors needed just to plan a date for a visit. School, work and family make it hard enough to pick a date that works just for you, but you also have to take into account your significant other's schedule, as well. Make sure to get confirmations on requests off for work, double check to make sure you don't have any big tests coming up or any other events you need to be at before you RSVP to a visit. Although things do come up, canceling is completely heartbreaking for the both of you. It's much better to suggest another time or date rather than really banking on something that might have even the slightest chance of not working out. Always make sure that things are 100% set before you set a date!
2. Be courteous!
Since many LDR visits require an overnight stay, so really plan ahead and save accordingly on where you'll be staying. I was fortunate enough to be able to stay in my boyfriend's dorm, he has great room mates who were nothing but welcoming and allowed me to stay the night. Always show how grateful you are for their generosity- buy them a pizza (because every college student loves pizza, right?), or make some baked goods! It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, just be sure to let them know that the gesture was appreciated.
3. Know the rules
It's very important that if you are staying in a dorm or even just visiting that you know the rules of the building. Are there strict visiting hours? Are you even allowed to stay over night? Is there paperwork or forms you need to sign or check in with? Will you need a parking pass? Be sure to have all of this done ahead of time or do it at the beginning of your visit so that you can be worry free for the rest of your stay!
4. Start saving
If you aren't so lucky in the room mate department, maybe plan your visit for a night where their room mates will be out of town or visiting another room. You have to remember that the dorm is their space and they have every right to be there. If staying still isn't an option, universities will almost always have lots of affordable hotels very close by. Start saving up way ahead of time, and maybe even ask your boyfriend or girlfriend to help pitch in or if there are any student discounts or rates that they can get with their student ID. Another way to cut down on costs is working out on who will pay for what. It may seem a bit silly or nit picky but you'll be surprised at how much money you could save, which, in the long run will help you towards your next visit! Maybe if you pay for the hotel, your boyfriend or girlfriend can buy the food and pick up the tab for any fun activities that you go do during your visit.
5. Go with the flow
Although my boyfriend planned a few things for us to do, I really liked the fact the we took our time and just did what he normally did during the day. It was nice to finally put names to faces, go for walks and see all of the places he describes at our own pace. It felt nice not to have a set schedule and worry about limiting our time doing one thing to get to another. Believe me, it's much easier to spend quality time with someone when you're not thinking about time and how much of it you have left. Although time will fly during your visit, it's best to have real and relaxing memories to hold onto vs. those of a jam-packed and stressful day.
I wish all of you guys luck in planning your visits and I hope you have as much fun as I did! As always, please don't hesitate to email or ask (going anonymous is an option with this link) with any questions you have, advice you need, or topics you'd like to see covered by us!
-Cait
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