As college ends, one of the most difficult aspects of the transition into post-grad life is the change in your social life. Typically, young people develop close friendships during the college years and the thought of leaving them behind can be a tough one to bear.

This is especially hard for romantic relationships. When it comes time to don the robes and tassels, many college couples ask themselves — can we make this work?

My boyfriend and I had been dating for about 4 months when I graduated, and we had dated a semester before I studied abroad as well. We cared for each other deeply, and decided to try long-distance over the summer after my graduation.

The summer was tough. I had an internship in northern Massachusetts while he lived at his family home in North Carolina. We spent a total of 10 days together over a four-month period.

My boyfriend was a year behind me in school, so that fall he went back to my alma mater while I lived and worked in Chicago. We were long distance for about one year.

During that time, I learned a lot of the ins and outs of maintaining a long distance relationship. It takes hard work, but with these tips, you and your college sweetheart may be able to go the distance.