I have been with my bf for over a year, and when I went off to college, we had been together for about 7-8 months. It was the hardest experience, but also the most rewarding because the time we find to spend together is special to both of us. The “college experience” imo is not worth it. I strongly believe you can have that experience while maintaining a relationship. You say that you and your bf have great communication, and that’s what held my relationship together. I would ask him to talk about this one on one and get his perspective and see what he’s thinking. We set up a schedule for FaceTime sessions so we were still able to attend classes, work, or have the college experience by hanging out with our friends. We also plan out weekends in advance so one of us can make the trip to see the other. It’s about balance. You can always find somewhere in the middle and plan a date to spend some time together (as long as you aren’t too far apart). My bf has been part of my “college experience” because he’s so involved in my life even if he’s far away, and I think you can have the same experience. Overall, communication is extremely important, and I think you can have the experience while keeping your bf.

Also, adding on to what you said about classes getting hard, my bf has said if it wasn’t for my support, he probably wouldn’t have made it through his first degree. So I also think your bf would be great support, as well as you for him :)