Everyone says dating in high school is one of the most confusing times of your life, but TBH, I think college isn’t much better. We’re constantly told as teenagers that once we go to college, the dating pool naturally grows and the people you’ll meet will be far more mature than your former crush from fourth period math. However, once you get to college there’s an added layer to the dating scene: potential partners that are just looking for “something casual.”
If you’re a hopeless romantic, the idea of hooking up most likely doesn’t appeal to you. Casually seeing someone hinges on being no-strings-attached, all the time. And while taking complete and total agency of your dating life is empowering, just hooking up with person after person may not be the best fit for you—and that’s totally okay! If you’re the type of person to daydream about a total cutie who held the door open for you or cry over Peter Kavinsky in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (no shame), you may need some extra guidance when it comes to exploring college hookup culture.
Whether you’re trying to break the pattern of being a serial monogamist or are simply trying to be more casual when it comes to dating and sex, there are a few ways you can seamlessly integrate yourself into college’s ever-present hookup scene. Here are the best ways to explore the fun opportunities that college dating can offer.
