This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Oxy chapter.
It’s three weeks until Valentine’s Day; do you know what you’re doing? Maybe you’ve got a serious boyfriend and have a big date planned, maybe you and your girlfriends are doing a girl’s night in, maybe you think Valentine’s Day is a overcommercialized holiday popularized by giant corporations who are just trying to make a profit off of love. Or, maybe you’re one of a large group on our college campus who is single and interested in seeing what’s out there. Valentine’s Day could be your shot—here are ten places to meet a new person on campus!
1. New classes. New semester means new classes, and chances are there are at least a few new faces in the crowd. Walk out of class when they do and ask what they think of the professor, or if you’re really feeling bold introduce yourself and ask them if you’re in the same major. Nudge them before class begins and ask to borrow a pencil, and then when you return it slip in a friendly introduction!
2. The Green Bean. Because it’s one of the best spots to socialize, study, eat, or relax on campus, it’s always busy. With people coming in and out all the time, chances are pretty good you’ll spot somebody new and interesting. If it’s busy, ask a cute stranger if you can share their table, or if it’s slow you could try flirting with the baristas.
3. In line at the Marketplace. While it’s not the sexiest place on this list, those lines get long and your phone can only hold your attention for so long. Ask a similarly-bored stranger nearby how they hack the Marketplace (tossing salad bar veggies into stir fry or pasta is my favorite) or ask them if they’ve tried the new specialty salad.
4. Join a new club. This one’s a no-brainer—you’ll already have something in common to talk about! Ask a fellow club member if they’d be interested in a Bollywood movie screening, or if they’d want to join you and maybe some friends for a Greek food cooking night.
5. Library. Even so early in the semester, you’re bound to find serious Oxy students setting up camp at tables in the library. Even the most studious need study breaks—ask to borrow a textbook or offer somebody the use of your powerstrip, and work it into a conversation.
6. Hall spread. The promise of free food and antics from your RAs draws out lots of residents, and it’s a good excuse to leave your room and see who’s around. Get to know each other while participating in RA programs!
7. Sporting events. High energy, emotions running wild, and lots of shouting and cheering make for a fun, rowdy environment where physical barriers get lowered and inhibitions are lost. Ask a fellow attendee who they’re cheering for and see if there’s a post-game party.
8. On campus events. Similar to joining a club, attending a screening, lecture, meeting, or play puts you in a room full of people with an interest similar to yours. Maybe you’re both crazy about the professor giving the lecture, or it’s a career informational meeting and you’re both interested in potential careers in that field. Why don’t you ask him or her to get coffee to talk more?
9. New neighbors. With a new semester also comes new neighbors, including transfers, students returning from study abroad, and even current students moving around to new buildings. Keep your door open and see who walks by, or introduce yourself to the cutie next door the next time you head down to use the printer.
10. Gym. Gym attendance increases a lot in January and February with people sticking to their resolutions. Ask a cute gym-goer to teach you how to use a machine, or ask them to spot you with weights. A subtle check out in the giant mirrors doesn’t hurt either!
All of my tips for meeting somebody new and finding a date depend on being open minded and putting yourself out there. When talking to somebody you’ve just met you have very little to lose, so get out there and be confident! If you have suggestions for other good places to meet a date leave it in the comments—good luck finding those dates!
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