Can You Be in a Committed Relationship During Law School?

You can be in a committed relationship during law school if that is what you want. The next question, however, should then be should you.

Law school is hard, and sometimes it feels like you cannot do anything else but school itself. Then, when you add a romantic relationship on top of that, it can either make life easier or harder for you (or the same!).

My short answer is simple: yes. Every situation is different, but you CAN be in a committed relationship during law school.

If you want it bad enough, you can have it. If you have been in a committed relationship, and you have decided to go to law school, you do not need to sacrifice that relationship for your goals. However, both of you must be on the same page! It will take work from BOTH partners to make things work, but if you put in the effort, you can keep the love going.

As someone who fell into a relationship before law school, I can tell you that if you find the right person, do NOT let them go! My boyfriend and I have a long-distance relationship right now, but I would not trade it for anything. It is difficult. It is also definitely worth it.

Life does NOT stop during law school.

I envisioned law school to be full of newly graduated college students and lots of late-night coffee. I was wrong! When I started law school, I learned more about living a healthy, happy life than ever before. Many law students are already married with children. Some students treated law school like a job. Many students maintained robust social lives outside of class. Law school looks different for everyone, so you cannot base your expectations off of TV alone. So many of my classmates have vastly different lives than me and still make it work.

You can enjoy life during law school. You can have a life outside of law school. I’m still figuring that one out. In fact, everyone needs something outside of law school to keep you going.

Every relationship looks different.

Some people come into law school already married. Some people have been dating for over 5 years. Some people have long-distance relationships. Some people move in together during law school. Some people find their person during law school. Some people get MARRIED during law school (though, that would stress me out!). Do NOT compare your life to someone else’s or the expectations you see on the internet. Every relationship is different, so you need to look at your own unique situation to decide whether it will work for you. Sometimes, law school helps reveal that a relationship isn’t meant to last. But, sometimes it can help strengthen your relationships, romantic or otherwise.

It WILL be difficult, but it is worth it!

If you choose to continue a committed relationship during law school, it will take a lot of communication. You must be on the same page and willing to put in the effort. Law school is difficult for everyone is some way, whether they like to admit it or not. You will be dedicating lots of time to studying. The other partner needs to be considerate of that reality. Things like date nights and other scheduling might need to be communicated more than in the past. Again, every situation is different, so you must assess accordingly!

My boyfriend and I call on the phone constantly, and we know each other’s schedules. He comes to visit once a month (which still doesn’t feel like enough), and I go home during the breaks. We make it work!

Being in a relationship during law school has been hard. It is hard to spend less time with the person you love, especially when it is long-distance. Law school can also feel especially lonely. However, you will find that that extra effort is worth it. Your happiness is worth it.

You don’t HAVE to be in a relationship or date during law school if you do not want to.

Look, if you’re with someone now and law school is showing you it is not meant to be, you don’t have to make it work if you don’t want to. If you’re single, you don’t have to date. You can live your life however you want during law school because life does not stop.

No matter what, you deserve to be happy during law school.

Law school will be challenging, both personally and professionally. There is no doubt about that. The only way you will get through law school in one piece is by keeping a healthy mind and body. If that includes a romantic partner, then there you go! You can be in a committed relationship during law school if you want to make it work!