Well, long distance relationships are hard, and while a lot of people can't handle them, I have a lot of friends at college who ARE making it work.
Sooooooo, I guess some things to think about, to keep the relationship interesting so you guys don't fall apart, are....
-definitely talk on the phone a lot. a girl likes to hear from her boyfriend!
-be understanding if she IS busy with school and can't give you all of her time (and visa versa!)
-plan at least one trip to go see her. i know its an 18 hour drive, but maybe you can catch the amtrak or something--just bring a lot of books for the long drive
it really shows you care and want to see her, and it might encourage her to do the same!
-send her things in the mail! I remember getting the sweetest package from this guy friend of mine (had things off and on, but it just never clicked at the right time), and it made my week.
Well, good luck!!
-Amanda