Safe Smart College Dating
For college students, the dating game has changed. Apps and websites have made it easy to chat or meet up with people both on and off campus. With just a swipe, you can be out and about with someone new. There have been enough horror stories to give both college dating and online dating bad raps, but that doesn’t mean you need to be overly cautious of everyone. Here are a few simple things you can do to stay safe.
Before the date
Find your Date’s Social Media– Don’t worry, it doesn’t make you a “stalker” to do a few Google searches. If you have never met or don’t know much about the person, this is a must-do. Social media can be a great tool to avoid being Catfished.
Ask Around– If your date goes to your school, find out if any of your friends know the person. You want to make sure your date’s reputation matches up with what you know so far.
Charge Your Phone– In case the night doesn’t go as perfectly as planned, have your phone ready. This way you can easily text friends or request a ride home.
During the Date
Drive Yourself or Uber- Getting into a car with someone you barely know is never a good idea. Be in control of your own ride. If you don’t have a car, splurge on an Uber or Lyft.
Meet in Public– Even though staying in may seem like the cheaper option, don’t put yourself in that situation before getting to know someone. Let your date know that it doesn’t matter if the place is fancy, but that you’d feel more comfortable going out.
Send Friends a Pin– Make sure that someone knows where you are going. New iPhone features make it easy. You can send a single pin with your location, or make your location available all night to certain people.
After the Date
Check In– Let friends know that you made it home safely, so they won’t be worried. You can follow that by sharing all of the date details.
Communicate– If you’re no longer interested in seeing this person again, let him/her know. No matter how much time or money was spent on the date, you do not owe anyone anything. It is up to you to decide what happens next.
Remember, college dating should be fun. If you ever feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to get out of the situation or seek help immediately. With a little planning and preparation, safe, smart dating is possible.
Check out Tinder Safety Tips for more information.
HealthyU™, powered by ACI Specialty Benefits, is a resource for students and faculty members of ACI’s wide range of student assistance program clients. The blog features everything from study tips and time management, to finding important items on a budget and the latest education-based apps and utilities. Want more college tips? Contact ACI Specialty Benefits at (800) 932-0034 or info@acispecialtybenefits.com.
Anna Goforth, Student Ambassador and College Blogger for ACI Specialty Benefits, is a Journalism and Public Relations student at Point Loma Nazarene University. Anna writes for ACI’s HealthyU™ blog while keeping up with college life. After moving from Alabama to California for college, Anna spent a semester abroad in London where she traveled throughout Europe.