College is all about new experiences, especially when you might be in an unfamiliar town, making new friends, and figuring out what you want your future to look like. Many college students also find themselves entering the dating scene and forming romantic relationships with their fellow students.
While college dating can be exciting, it’s essential to consider that it may also be dangerous in some situations. The next time you arrange a date with a potential new love interest, consider the following safety tips.
Check Out Social Media Profiles
Nearly everyone in this digital age has an online presence. When you’re meeting someone new for the first time, use their phone number to find their social media accounts and vet potential dates before agreeing to meet with them in real life.
The more information you can learn about someone on social media, the more confidence you can have in your decision to connect with someone new.
Meet in a Public Place
If you’ve been speaking to someone on a dating app and plan to meet them for the first time, arrange to go somewhere public. A well-lit coffee shop, a bustling park, or a well-known restaurant may all be excellent options for your safety and peace of mind. While over half of surveyed Americans experience successful dates from apps, there’s still value in making you feel as safe as possible, even if you already trust the person you plan to meet.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
It might be a natural move to consume alcohol before or during a date to calm your nerves, but meeting someone sober leaves all your senses intact to make excellent judgment calls about your experience. You’re more likely to be yourself, make decisions that put your safety first, and allow your potential love interest to learn more about you without alcohol affecting your behaviors.
Take Your Own Transport
While many people experience great success on a first date, not everyone does. If you have to rely on your date to take you home, you might end up in an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation.
Arrange your own transport to your date location and plan how you’ll get home. This might include driving your own car, taking a bus or train at a specific time, or calling a friend to pick you up at the end of the date.
Be Vigilant
Having fun is a core part of dating, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your vigilance. Don’t let your guard down immediately, especially when you’re just getting to know someone.
Aside from telling a trusted party where you are and who you’re with, don’t leave your drink unattended, and look out for warning signs that a date isn’t going as planned. For example, if they don’t take no for an answer regarding a decision you make, that might be a sign that it’s time to end the date.
Dating as a college student can be fun, especially as you can meet people from all walks of life. However, it’s just as important to be safe as it is to have a good time. Take note of these safety tips above, and enjoy peace of mind as you head off on your next fun night out.