Let’s face it. Finding that special someone is tough. But when you do find Mr. Right, (or at least Mr. Totally-Dateable-Right-Now) a new set of challenges come up. Those pesky little thing called dates aren’t always easy for college students. While the old fallback of dinner and a movie may sound ideal, it isn’t exactly a feasible option for collegiettes™ without a car. Never fear, transportation-less lovebirds. Her Campus is here with a list of the most romantic places on college campuses across the country. Even if your campus didn’t make the list, at least now you can vicariously enjoy in the romance of your fellow collegiettes™ across the country. (Does your campus have a super romantic spot that isn’t on here? Email the writer a picture!)
Syracuse University
This central New York school is full of easily accessible date-worthy locales. Ranjana Venkatesh, a Syracuse student, says that she and her boyfriend’s first date was basically a tour of these romantic spots. “We wandered around the cemetery on a spring day, then laid on the grass by the amphitheater,” she says. “Then we went to Recess coffee shop and had Middle Eastern food at King David’s. It’s super romantic because the lighting is soft and they leave you alone to enjoy your meal,” she says. In warmer months, the amphitheater is home to Shakespeare in the park performances. Just a short walk away from this stone seating is Thornden Park, which features a rose garden and lily pond.
Wesleyan University
Car-less daters won’t find much of a roadblock here. For starters, an on-campus movie theater shows films four times a week. “I know a couple whose first date was to a classic black and white film,” says student Lindsay Abrams. A date and finishing a class assignment? Now that’s being productive. According to Lindsay, it’s easy to scope out couples dining at Thai Gardens, a restaurant within walking distance. Looking for a little low-key romance? Foss Hill is your go-to destination. Share a blanket with that special someone by day and stargaze by night. “When I first started dating my boyfriend, we would meet up for casual study breaks on Foss Hill,” says Lindsay. “On our one-month anniversary, we went there at night and watched a meteor shower.” Couples take note: At Wesleyan, a hook-up amongst the books is more than a scene fit for the movies. “I don’t know if you’d call this romantic, but I hear the library stacks see a lot of amore,” adds Lindsay.
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Drexel University
“On Drexel’s campus, you have to look for the undiscovered gems,” says student Francesca Martelli, who prefers to keep some of her favorite findings a secret. A quick walk to the University of Pennsylvania’s campus brings students to a corner pizza place with small tables and authentic Italian food (cue the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti kiss scene). If you’re looking to venture a bit further, hop on a trolley for a short ride to Rittenhouse Square. There, you’ll find even more food options, especially during Philadelphia’s restaurant week. Looking to stay hyper-local? Millenium Hall, one of Drexel’s Dorms, has a penthouse 20 floors up, where all residents can catch a romantic view.
Florida State University
Here, couples don’t need to step off campus to have the perfect date night. An on-campus movie theater is not only close, but also completely free. Not ready for the night to end? Head over to the diner and chat over a plate of french fries. Ready to get into that competitive spirit? Knock down some pins at Crenshaw Lanes, then head to Landis Green, where you can share a smooch by the water fountain. Student Debbie Baldwin and her boyfriend are proof that these locales are romance-sparkers. “The bowling alley and the movie theater are where my current boyfriend and I began hanging out before dating,” she says.
Drew University
At this New Jersey college, it’s all about simplicity. Student Natalie DeAngelo often spots couples wandering through the arboretum, which has a path running through it, perfect for hand-in-hand strolls. Pack a picnic and dine with nature under the trees. Not the outdoorsy type? There’s nothing like the undeniable charm of an old movie theatre. Head down the street, grab a tub of popcorn, and rest your head on his shoulder as you bond over some classic entertainment. . After the film, the 21-plus crowd can take their pick from several upscale bars nearby. Younger lovebirds can switch alcohol with appetizers. There are plenty of restaurants in the area, too.
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Loyola Maryland
Dating in this college town means letting out your adventurous side. Culture reigns supreme here, according to student Jessica Aumack. “There’s a hipster community within walking distance that has great little restaurants and a wine bar,” she says. Jessica’s favorite food spots include Cafe Hon, Holy Frijoles, and Golden West Cafe. “It’s kind of eclectic, but great, especially for people watching,” she says. The romance continues at Charles Village, which is a bit of a longer walk, but has some great restaurants. If it’s true that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then plenty of guys’ hearts are being won at Loyola.
East Stroudsburg University
When her boyfriend is in town, student Amanda Bateman loves hanging around the Cheeky Monkey, a coffeehouse near campus that has slam poetry every Thursday night. Local artists stop by from time to time, too. Main Street is full of boutiques and is also home to Shermin Theater, where music-obsessed couples can get their fix. Ke$ha performed there a couple of weeks ago and Hanson is on the set list for November. For the adventurous set, there are plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls.
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Boston University
“I went to BU and one of the places my boyfriend and I used to hang out, bike, and kissed for the first time was on the Charles River esplanade,” says Her Campus writer Divya Bahl. In warmer weather, take to the water and rent a canoe. After you’ve worked up an appetite from all that rowing, venture back to land for a picnic with a view.
American University
“DC is pretty unique since you don’t need a car to go anywhere in the city,” says student Stephanie Tietz. But even if you’re not in the mood for public transportation, you can still find romance nearby. Stephanie’s top picks for restaurants include Chef Geoff’s, Angelico’s, and Guapo’s. Rock Creek Park is a mere two to three miles away, so couples can pedal up an appetite and have a picnic in the woods. Ready to hop on the metro? The Smithsonian is a short ride away. Some lovebirds are known to take a bus down to the waterfront for a picnic, too.
Whether you’re just starting up a new relationship or you’re looking to try something new with your long-term love, college campuses across the country are full of date-worthy spots. Have some of your own college gems to share? Let us know so we can share the love with even more campus couples.
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