Once you are comfortable with your new home, city and surroundings at university, it’s not uncommon to feel like you are ready to start searching for that special someone. It may seem daunting, especially when not familiar with your new setting, but dating shouldn’t be scary or intimidating. It is natural, normal, and a lot of fun! So here is how you can enjoy a happy and healthy dating life at university.
Don’t force meeting someone; it will occur naturally!
In cities where there is a university, students are often everywhere you look. You can almost always identify them just by glancing at them. So a potential partner will not be in short supply. You will have the pleasure of potentially living with someone you like, or even sitting next to them in one of your lectures. Nights out are also an effective way to meet and speak to someone, Dutch courage and that! To summarise, don’t stress about not meeting a potential partner. You will be surrounded by so many people, also looking to date someone.
Download a dating app…but beware of the Catfish
A credited dating app is a great way to get yourself out there if you are struggling to speak to people in person. But it does have its quirks. If you do decide to go for online dating, make sure you are able to spot a fake account from a real one. Set your dating radar as a relatively small one, so that you will get mostly students. Do not give out personal contact details, like a phone number or your address. Always ask for more pictures if you are suspicious, or their social media accounts so you can confirm they are real. If they don’t have any social media or any other pictures, it’s time to un-match, and try again. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Avoid awkward situations; meet in public first!
Sometimes, it can be really easy to eagerly invite someone over to your student home or accommodation when you are first meeting them. But it’s never the best idea. If you have only spoken online, never do this. Even if you have already met, like on a night out, opt for a public meet-up before dropping the ‘come over’. It eases tensions and prevents any unwanted advances if you are in a coffee shop or a bowling alley, surrounded by other people. Plus, if you have changed your mind or don’t want to pursue this person any longer, the getaway is much easier. You aren’t in a position where you have to ask them to leave, or try to leave yourself.
If you ever feel uncomfortable on a date, or feel you want to bail, ask a friend to ring you or meet you near where you are. You should always be up front with your date. But sometimes you can sense whether or not they will take it well.
Watch your drink
I hate writing this, as no one should have to prevent themselves from getting spiked. However, there are some horrible and dangerous people out there, and it is important to take precautions.
Late night dates or drinking dates are very popular, so these are most likely what you will go on. But beware of being spiked. Unless you have known this person a very long time, you will not know their true intentions, so never leave them alone with your drink. If you are suspicious that they have spiked you, or are feeling uneasy about the date, you can discreetly speak to any member of staff or someone behind the bar, who can assist you in leaving or aid you in any way they can. Look for posters which say ‘ask for ____ at the bar if you are on a bad date’. They are often found in the bathrooms.
Take sexual health seriously
Get familiar with the closest sexual health clinic to you. If you are nervous about going by yourself, ask a friend or a flat mate. Testing is super quick and easy, and so is getting more contraception. No matter what gender you identify as, it is always a good idea to stash up on condoms. It is often seen as more attractive and looked upon favourably when someone is equipped with contraception. Sexual health nurses are always friendly, reassuring, calming and professional, so no matter where you go, they will always provide a fantastic and of course discreet service. Sometimes, drop-in appointments can fill up quickly, so book in advance, or have a look at what time drop in’s start, and try to get there at least 10 minutes before to avoid being turned away, particularly if you live far away.
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