Campus Courtship: The Pros and Cons of Dating in College

I wish it was this simple.

So many older people have told me that the best years of their lives were spent in college. I have to agree that some of my more, ahem, “memorable” moments have occurred in my time here, but I think people forget one very key part about college: it’s really weird. Not just “I woke up and don’t know whose bed this is” weird. Weird as in trying to balance the ease of the teen years with the responsibility of adulthood. This struggle is painfully obvious in the dating world. So here they are, lovely readers, “The Pros and Cons of Dating in College”!

PROS:

Cool People

Whether you want someone to discuss Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s use of symbolism whilst sipping coffee (give me a call sometime!) or someone to help you perfect your keg-stand, chances are you will find that person. The student population is a collective of some of the most interesting, unique people. It’s just a matter of finding the right one.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go

Depending on where you go to school, the surrounding area of campus is likely perfect for a hot date. Take my own Eugene, Oregon, for example. Artsy cinemas, riverside trails and cheap restaurants are within minutes of campus. If you live in a college town, you know what I’m talking about. It’s like the city planners designed them just with students and their significant others in mind.  

Sexy, Sexy Sex

Seriously, it’s everywhere. It always amazes me how the high school definition of “hooking up” is quickly replaced by the college version. Condoms are handed out like free candy on campus. It’s too much. However, sometimes too much really is TOO MUCH, which leads us to…

CONS

Sex

It gets old really fast. So, uh, how about we go out and see a movie or something instead…?

Technology

The rise of cell phones and social networking has already put a new face on dating. Add college into the mix and you get a potentially ugly situation. New couples today are pressured to make things “Facebook official.” There is really nothing more awkward to suggest after a breakup than whether your Facebook relationship status should be changed. Just don’t.

The Infamous MRS Degree

It scares me to hear girls my age talking about marriage. Yes, marriage! At 19!  I hope I speak for the majority of people when I say that I want to have fun in college, but I ultimately want to earn a degree and become a well-rounded individual. Don’t even think about putting a ring on it, not for another 10-ish years or so.