College Relationships: 9 Tips for Dating in College

Nervous about dating in college or need some advice for navigating college relationships? Well, you’re in luck.

Many students get into relationships in college but it’s not always healthy.

While we are older and more mature than we were in high school, we still have a lot to learn when it comes to dating in college.

If you’re lucky, you’ll end up with an amazing boyfriend/girlfriend. But for most of us, it’s always a struggle.

If you’re thinking about getting into a relationship in college or confused about the one you’re in, here are some college dating tips to help.

Tips for Dating in College:

1. If you’re not sure, it’s not worth it

We’ve all been in ‘situationships’ where we weren’t exactly sure what we stand with someone. If this is your situation, then you need to start thinking about letting that person go.

If someone really cares about you then you’ll never have to question it.

Would you rather have someone treat you like an option or a priority?

Never sell yourself short for people who don’t see your worth!

Related: 41 College Dorm Room Must-Haves for Freshman Year

2. Know what you want (or at least what you don’t want)

You know how you go to the grocery store without a list and you end up spending a lot of time in there, buying a lot of stuff, and still managing to forget important items?

That’s essentially what it’s like when you date without a purpose. You also get hurt in the process.

Have an idea of what you want in a relationship and what qualities you want your boyfriend/girlfriend to have.

That way you can be pickier (it’s not always a bad thing) when you’re dating, but happier when you settle down.

3. Set your standards high

This one is so so soooo important!

Don’t let anyone tell you or make you feel like you shouldn’t be treated like all that and a bag of chips! (and I’m not talking about the chips with 90% air!)

Be confident in who you are, what you want, and what you know you deserve. Don’t settle for someone who treats you like you’re just okay.

& here’s something you should always remember:

Just because a guy/girl respects you, doesn’t mean you owe them anything.

You deserve to be respected. You deserve honesty and loyalty.

Don’t think just because you get that that you should settle down with that person. Because you already deserve it, they’re essentially doing the bare minimum – so no, they shouldn’t necessarily get a pat on the back for that. It’s okay to want more.

Related: Warning Signs of a Toxic Relationship: 4 Types of Toxic Relationships that are Holding You Back

4. Don’t compare your dating life

You may have friends who seem to be in healthy relationships or having more luck dating than you.

Remember this:

All that glitters is not gold.

You don’t know what goes on behind closed doors so you shouldn’t envy what other people have.

Be patient and wait for the best possible mate. Don’t rush into anything because you feel left out.

5. Don’t neglect your friends

When you start dating someone, it can be easy to get all wrapped up in them. But this should never be at the expense of your friendships.

Your friends were with you before your relationship so you shouldn’t kick them to the curb when you find someone.

Hopefully, your relationship will work out, but in the event it doesn’t you’re going to need your friends to get over the breakup.

The worst thing you can do is push them to the side and have to repair your friendship right after a failed relationship.

Related: 3 Types of People You NEED to Have in Your Life

6. Don’t feel pressured

If there are certain things you aren’t comfortable with doing just yet (or at all), don’t feel pressured to do it.

If you’re dating someone who makes you feel pressured then you should talk to them and make sure they understand.

Someone who truly cares about you would never put you in such an uncomfortable position.

This could be either having sex, going out, and doing other things that you just aren’t comfortable with.

Don’t compromise yourself for anyone.

Related: 10 Things Incoming Freshmen Should Do in The Summer Before College

7. Be yourself

Would you rather be with someone that makes you feel safe and comfortable with who you truly are, or would to prefer to have to wear a mask around that person all the time?

We didn’t think so.

Don’t change yourself or pretend to like things that you don’t to impress anyone.

Your life will be so much easier if you just be yourself, as cliche as it sounds.

That way you’ll naturally attract someone who likes the same things as you and forms genuine college relationships.

Related: 70 Genius College Halloween Costume Ideas for Girls

8. Don’t be clingy, give them some space

This one goes both ways. It’s understandable to want to spend a lot of time with someone if you’re in a relationship with them or really like their company. But you should always remember to give each other some space.

Space for what, you ask?

Well, it’s important to spend time with your friends, and be productive doing other things without each other.

A little time between you two will also make you want to see each other more, versus look forward to a break.

We’re not saying you have to delegate time apart, per se, just don’t think you have to spend every moment of every day with that person. One day apart will not weaken your relationship, we promise.

Related: 13 Essential Items Every College Student Needs to Get Through the Semester

9. Don’t worry about what people think

It’s very common for people to voice their (unwanted) opinions of who others are dating/have a crush on, etc.

People may say things about what they would/wouldn’t put up with based on your situation or project their experiences onto you.

Ignore it.

You know your college relationships with that person better than anyone else. Don’t let someone who has only heard about one part (if anything at all) about your relationship tell you what decisions you should make.

Also – ignore people when they comment on someone you like because it doesn’t fit their standards.

It’s not about them, it’s about you.