Would a short term long distance open relationship work? Also does a open...

...relationship have to include sex? I am going off to college and am still dating the man I love. I will only be 3 hours away and will be able to see him about once a month plus all my breaks and a 3 month summer. We have been wondering how to handle this and have been talking about a open relationship. He wants to be with me but I can't be here with him as much as I should be. I really want to make this work but I need advice. Also this would only be for about 9 months until he goes to college too. Would we be able to go back to normal after this or will he always be wanting an open relationship again after. He just wants to try and see other people before he's with me for good.