Dating Made Easy: Tips to Optimize the College Dating World

By Victoria Robertson on March 24, 2017

Dating is perhaps one of the most stressful experiences life has to offer, and we should know, we’re in college.

But the truth is, dating doesn’t need to be nearly as hard as we make it. With the abundance of mobile apps, social gatherings, classes, and other social outings, it’s not impossible to meet somebody, so long as you’re open to a few changes.

If you’re anything like me, change is difficult for you. You have a routine, you like things the way they are, and you’re perfectly happy on your own.

However, you actually aren’t alone.

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About 107 million Americans are single. To put that into perspective, that’s 43 percent, or a little less than half of Americans that are single.

It may seem hard to meet somebody, but it’s completely a mental state.

So, to help you out in your dating life, here are six tips to becoming a “better dater.”

1. Be Optimistic

Basically, it’s very easy to get down on yourself when you aren’t dating anyone. It’s completely a state of mind — you all of a sudden notice other couples on campus, you feel like you’re alone and that everyone worthwhile is taken.

Again, it’s very easy to fall into this trap, but you shouldn’t because it’s not true. Look at the reported statistics above!

Plus, any time that you’re spending alone should be time you’re using to get to know yourself, to understand what you want in a significant other, and to better yourself so that when they come around, you’re ready.

2. Have a Plan

As nice as it is to think that love is this spontaneous thing that’s going to happen to us when we’re least expecting it, this is also not completely realistic. In other words, you’re going to want to have some form of plan in terms of how you’re moving forward in your dating life.

Most business moguls will tell you a three-pronged plan works in any facet, and dating is no exception.

For those that are actively dating, you should be utilizing online dating, getting out as much as you can in your social life, and allowing your friends and family to set you up. Basically, relying solely on your “sitting outside the campus library until someone comes out and notices you” tactic isn’t the best way to find somebody worthwhile.

By closing yourself off to options, you’re closing yourself off to potential dates.

So the more you expand your horizons, the more likely you are to find someone.

3. Never Say No

Okay, that’s not completely true. But saying yes is a good practice to be in.

If you’re invited to a party and you’re going back and forth on whether or not to attend, just say yes. If you were invited out to dinner but would rather stay in and watch Netflix, say yes anyway.

Step outside of your comfort zone, try something new, and be open to the possibilities. Taking advantage of opportunity is going to be a huge contributing factor in whether or not you have a successful dating life.

4. Don’t Overdo the Online Dating

In other words, don’t be that person that’s on every site out there. Pick one or two sites and stick to them.

Check in on them once a day, but don’t obsessively wait for notifications. Be patient and don’t be afraid to reach out on your own as well. Relationships are a two-way street, so you might as well start out that way.

5. Pick the Right Photos

Unfortunately, online dating is largely based on looks, because that’s really all you have to go on to begin with. So you’re going to want pictures that reflect the real you.

Don’t overdo it, use only five to six pictures (maximum), and be sure that they are a mixture of head and body shots.

Be sure to make your best photo your first photo (as this is what people will see first), so be sure this is the most reflective of who you are. If it isn’t, you’re going to end up with somebody that isn’t the right fit.

6. The Profile

Again, be sure that your online profile is reflective of you. Use fun facts about yourself, provide a brief background about yourself, share your likes, share your dislikes and be sure that spelling and grammar are in check.

In other words, don’t act like this is a 10-page paper, but be sure that you aren’t keeping it too short either. You want the person to get a better feel for who you are, and if your profile doesn’t reflect that, you may miss out on a great match.

Essentially, dating isn’t easy. However, with the right mindset and an open and positive attitude, this could all change.

So happy dating and happy spring!

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