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The Do’s and Don’ts of Hooking Up in College

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Cara Chiaramonte Student Contributor, University of Florida
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Allison Banko Student Contributor, University of Florida
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UFL chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Say goodbye to the few boys you knew in high school and say hello to the plethora of men around you on campus. In college, you meet so many new guys and can pretty much date anyone — so why not get rid of the losers? I give to you, the Hook-Up List—a guide that every collegiate needs when deciding which guy to go after and which one she should stay away from.

 
The Do’s
 
The Study Partner
Studying for midterms could get old, fast, so why not take a break with the cute guy in your study group? It’ll give you both a break from the seemingly endless amount of reading you both didn’t do in class since you were too busy staring at each other and it will get all of that sexual tension out of the way. He’s got brains and a smile; there should be no question. Plus, if things go south, you won’t have to see him after the semester is over!
 
The Smart Jock
He has strength and academic skill. What more can a girl ask for? Although the normal assumption for most college athletes is negative in terms of academics and general honesty, there are those that defeat the odds and prove everyone wrong. These guys are the ones you want to get your hands on—they’re caring, smart, and dedicated. Most times, these guys will not make the first move but don’t let that discourage you. Go for it! He may be 99 percent muscle, but don’t let him think he can push you away that easy!
 
The Friend-of-a-Friend
Nine times out of 10 your friend and/or roommate is not going to set you up with a jerk, at least not on purpose. Most girl friends are all about knowing their “besties” better than their “besties” know themselves. With her permission, put this theory to the test by giving her best friend or acquaintance a shot—we wouldn’t want you accidentally hooking up with her crush if you’re not careful.
 
The Nice Guy
Remember that guy you kept making eye contact with in the library during finals week last semester? That’s a guy you should go far. He’s quiet and doesn’t make a move right away. If he were really shallow, he would’ve ditched studying and tried to catch a date right there. His priorities are straight so take the chance to get to know him and see if those nice eyes are as likable as his personality.
 
The Don’ts
 
The Drunk Frat Brother
There is always that ONE guy that gets so drunk that he can’t even count to five at one of the many frat parties going on each weekend. Instead of taking care of him, you should focus on having a good time yourself and find one of the cute designated drivers. Strike up conversation, but if you do decide to hook up with the drunkie knowing that he’s intoxicated, just remember that chances are he will most likely not only be sloppy, but he also won’t even remember your name in the morning. To put it simply, you deserve better.
 
The Cocky Athlete
As much as we all love the muscles and the fame, there are some athletes girls like you need to watch out for. Granted, college athletes are extremely busy and consumed by their sport. A typical assumption is that they don’t do well academically. However, if he is more into himself when you two are together, focuses all his attention on his sport and never on his friends and you, or just uses you for sexual activity than you need to kick him to the curb. If he really cares, he’ll make an effort whenever he can.
 
The Guy Next Door
Regardless of whether you live in a residence hall like Beaty or one like Broward where the floors are co-ed, hooking up with a guy living on your floor is not the best idea. Unless you two are 100% clear about your intentions, awkwardness will be hard to avoid and the rest of the semester will just be uncomfortable for both of you.
 
The Teaching/Residents Assistant
This should be a no brainer. I know, I know— he’s cute and he’s smart, but he’s also off-limits. Hooking up with your TA or RA may make you seem cool to your girl friends, but it will create some major problems for him. He could lose his job, and in the case of teaching assistants your grade and his credibility would be questioned.  

Cara oversees Her Campus Media's community department and serves as strategic lead for the expansion, development and management of all HCM communities, including the Her Campus Chapter Network, InfluenceHer Collective, College Fashionista, Spoon University, Campus Trendsetters, alumni and high school. She works closely with company leadership to develop new community-related sales offerings and the Integrated Marketing team to support all community-focused client marketing programs from end to end.

Cara has experience working with high-profile talent, such as Jessica Alba, Andrew Yang, Amber Tamblyn, Aja Naomi King, Troian Bellisario, Jessica Marie Garcia, Nico Tortorella, Nastia Liukin, Rebecca Minkoff, Cecile Richards and Samantha Power, as well as brands like Coca-Cola, L'Oréal Paris, The New York Times, HBO, Uber, H&M and more.

Having been a part of the HC family since 2011, Cara served as Campus Correspondent of the HC chapter at the University of Florida where she studied journalism, women’s studies and leadership. A New Yorker turned Floridian, Cara has a Friends quote for any situation. You can usually find her with her friends and family at the beach, a concert or live sports event or binge-watching Grey's Anatomy or Sons of Anarchy.

Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @thecararose.