Unlocking the Secrets to a Thriving Long-Distance Relationship for Students

The formula for a successful long-distance relationship for students has been unveiled.

Mathematician Bobby Seagull analyzed data from a sample of 1,000 individuals aged 18-30 who were in long-distance relationships while attending university, calculating key factors that contribute to a successful long-distance romance.

It's a challenging time for student couples right now.

He considered the distance traveled to meet each other (m), the number of text messages exchanged (t), the frequency of calls (c), and the amount of time spent expressing love (l).

The weighted formula balances the effort put in by a couple (the numerator of the equation) against the challenges faced (the denominator of the equation).

The greater your Long-Distance Love index, the more likely your relationship is to thrive.

Sarah Rosier, customer experience director for National Express, which commissioned the formula, stated: “This autumn has seen high school sweethearts parting ways to attend different universities.

“Therefore, we aimed to discover the ideal formula to help them stay connected.

“Maintaining a long-distance relationship is challenging, especially when you are also juggling your studies and lifestyle.”

The formula follows research conducted on 1,000 adults aged 18-30 who are or have been in long-distance relationships while studying, revealing that they typically see their partners only three times a month.

On average, they travel 171.3 miles to meet each other.

This results in almost £170 in travel expenses each month as they move between locations to reunite with their loved ones.

However, 85 percent believe they would see their long-distance partner more often if travel options were more affordable.

The majority of these journeys are made by train (72 percent), while 30 percent choose to drive and 27 percent rely on a series of local buses.

Sarah added: “Our research indicates that the financial burden of a long-distance relationship can create tension.

“Frequent train travel can become quite costly, which is why taking a coach between cities is often a more economical choice.

“With numerous frequent coaches servicing destinations across the UK, it allows students to focus on their budget while maximizing their time with their long-distance partners.”

On a daily basis, the average respondent sends an impressive 68 messages and speaks on the phone four times.

They also tend to skip four and a half days of lectures or classes because they are visiting their long-distance partner.

However, the research conducted by OnePoll found that 72 percent reported their long-distance relationship has been successful, and they are still together.

Among those in long-distance relationships at university, the keys to success were identified as daily calls (69 percent), a consistent stream of texts (61 percent), and the understanding that the separation is not permanent (62 percent).

Top tips for maintaining happiness included staying positive (53 percent), supporting each other's aspirations (47 percent), and sharing daily updates (44 percent).

Bobby Seagull remarked: “It was a pleasure to collaborate with National Express to develop this formula to assist long-distance couples in staying together during their time at university.

“If they adhere to the numbers, there’s a significant chance they can make it work.”