We all were sold the same story: It’s college, which means time to have fun. Going out, meeting new people and even dating might be something in the cards for you. And if you do, there is always that what if – what if I do, what if I don’t.
According to UF’s demographics data, there were more than 55,000 students at the university the Fall of 2022. And from those students, what is the probability you meet someone who is under your same romantic mindset? Well, thats where it gets complicated.
“The gainesville dating pool is the ninth circle of hell,” a user titled a reddit thread.
Whatever people are looking for during these four years or more, some have a hard time finding it.
So is it luck or destiny? Nobody knows. However, it is important to understand the two important factors playing in the college dating scene.
Factor number one: dating apps.
When you come into college, there is always the lingering idea of an existing hook up culture or a casual dating scene. This is where dating apps like Tinder or Bumble thrive.
“I wanna tell you you’re beautiful,” a Tinder user said in a post on Gatorchick’s instagram page. “But beauty is in the inside.”
“And I have not been inside you.”
When you swap left or right on dating apps, you acknowledge their presence under the reign of hookups.
Though they are prevalent, studies have found that not many college students use them or even like them.
“I’ve tried some dating apps but there’s no real substance there,” another user said in the same reddit thread.
“I’m sick and tired of having this illusion of choice,” another user said in the same thread.
Because there is not much you can say in your profile, so all that is left is for them is to judge based on looks. And behind a screen, things can escalate quickly and cause emotional damage.
“I’m not bad looking either but the amount of straight up mean comments i’ve gotten on tinder/bumble/hinge makes me feel bad about myself,” the original reddit user stated.
Factor two: going out.
Nasty floors, cheap drinks and casual dating are words that can describe the insides of a college bar. Because no matter how long you meet someone inside a college bar, they always want to get to know you more, without talking.
Around three years ago, one of my friends met a guy at Fat’s in midtown. They kissed, exchanged snapchats and then, we were was gone. At 3 in the morning, she received a text. He wanted to pick her up on his scooter so they could “hang out.”
Plot twist (but not really): she said no.
And though some may be bold behind the screen or even in person, they often aren’t in control of the situation, which leaves us on the other side waiting for themthem waiting for the other side to initiate contact.
“I just feel unattractive,” another friend said as she explained that guys do not approach her that often.
And when you take the first step, there is always that uncertainty of what the guy would think about or expect from you.
Where does this leave you?
Regardless of what you do or what you seek, dating is already complicated, especially if you are drawing from a pool of people still trying to figure out what they want in life.
In the years until your graduation, you might meet the person you will be marrying (if you want to get married obviously) or just someone who is going to serve a purpose for your enrichment. Nobody knows.
But the thing is, there is life outside of Gainesville.
And yeah, maybe people might still behave the same, or maybe not.
Wherever you are in life, do not force a relationship. Eventually, it will come to you without knowing it.
But if you want to continue your search in Gainesville, remember there is more than dating apps or going out. Join new clubs or seek out opportunities to meet new people. You might not find your true love, but you find your potential new best friends.
And that is a better mindset to go with.