Healthy relationships at university

Relationships are meant to make you feel happy. Learn how to cultivate healthy relationships at university and how to recognise problematic patterns.

For many students, university life offers a lot of new experiences, including new relationships.

You will meet new romantic partners, new course mates, flatmates or new friends — as well as experiencing extended time away from old friends, partners or family members. You might also be living abroad for the first time or discovering your identity or sexuality.

Relationships can be complicated. Understanding the foundations of a healthy relationship will help you establish positive connections and ensure you feel comfortable, safe and well supported.

Remember, relationships aren’t meant to make you feel bad. You have the right to be respected, be comfortable and be happy in any relationship.

Creative students on Bristol harbourside, taking a photo of themselves

What makes a good relationship?

The building blocks for a healthy relationship include:

Respect
Consent
Trust
Communication
Active listening

Some warning signs of an unhealthy relationship include:

Lack of respect
Jealousy and mistrust
Lack of communication
Control
Hostility
Dependence
Intimidation or unreasonable demands

Help and advice with relationships

Motion blurred pictures of students walking along a corridor.

External resources

LoveRespect - LoveRespect is a women’s aid website that helps you to recognise the signs of an unhealthy relationship before they escalate.
Pegasus - men’s mental and emotional wellbeing advice.
NHS Domestic Violence support - NHS domestic violence support page.
Government domestic abuse help - government advice for domestic abuse.
YoungMinds - tips for dating and building healthy relationships.