Is dating in college a good idea? For some, dating in college is the best decision they have ever made. While others regret every moment they spent “dating” someone. The term can have multiple meanings but, the two mainstream terms of dating would be casual dating or in a relationship. Casual dating are attachments you pursue for fun, not for commitment. Then relationship dating is when individuals in a committed relationship tend to be monogamous. In other words, you do not “date” other people.
College is a place filled with new adventures, friendships, opportunities, and so much more. Before coming to college many students had the idea that college would be like the 2000s movies we all learned to love. The perfect boy would come in out of nowhere and swoop the pretty girl up off her feet and they lived happily ever after. However, for many, that was not the case. Some students have never experienced any sort of dating prior to college and that is the million-dollar catch right there.
Oftentimes when it comes to a first relationship there is always one person who becomes a bit more involved than the other. This leads to distraction, unnecessary stress, or changes your overall college experience in a negative light. On the flip side, many students have experienced dating prior to college. They head into college with a perspective of what dating is really like. Even though one may already have a perspective on what dating in college looks like this can still lead to a negative college dating experience.
A poll of ten college students at the University of Alabama was conducted on whether or not dating in college is a good idea. The poll was split right down the middle. What was interesting to see was that the ones who thought dating in college was a bad idea had no prior dating experience. Three out of the five mentioned how they or their significant other was entirely too much involved in a relationship. In the process of dating in college, they lost valued friendships, grades, and half of their college experience. Just because someone seems perfect be sure to remember that everyone is not always who they portray themselves to be.
“Oh, it is not fun dating in college. I really wish I had spent more time with my friends doing spontaneous things rather than sitting in a room with someone who was just on their phone. I wish I was able to do more,” said Kennedy Chase, a senior at the University of Alabama.
One thing about college is that the friends you make can follow you for the rest of your life. Take it from people who have graduated and are in the real world. One thing they will always speak about when it comes to college is the friendships they made. However, the friendships you make could also be the person you are dating.
“My boyfriend is my best friend. I am so happy to have met him. We really do enjoy each other’s company. Definitely one of the best decisions I have made so far in college. We support each other a lot,” said Jamie Jones, a junior at the University of Alabama.
There are a few important things to remember when it comes to dating in college. Date who you want to regardless of what others have to say. People can be friends without having to date. It can be hard dating, especially when being a minority at a PWI. The most important thing to remember when it comes to dating in college is to remember you are in college. While it is okay to have fun, do not let twelve years of school, countless tests, scholarships, and loan applications go to waste over someone else. This goes for anyone who is madly in love or just casually hanging out. Always remember that college is the place to find the you that you want to be.
It is clear that dating in college can go one of two ways. You can either love it or hate it. Whether one loved dating in college or hated it, you learn a life lesson either way. It really is true that people are in your life for a lesson or a blessing. As a college student, make your decision about dating carefully.
