I recently committed to Bryn Mawr College! I’m really excited, but I’m starting to worry about the dating scene there (for straight girls, that is). I know that dating is by no means the most important thing about college, but I’d still like to meet guys there. I’m newly single since my high school boyfriend broke up with me last week, and I want to be able to put myself back out there once I’ve moved on.
So how does a straight woman meet men at women’s colleges (specifically Bryn Mawr)? Are Bi-Co/Tri-Co relationships actually a thing? Or would I be able to meet guys who go to schools nearby? I’m not really into parties or hookups, but I’d like to go on casual dates, and maybe have a long-term relationship in the future (if I meet the right person).
Anassa kata on your decision, @suzybishop! Choosing Bryn Mawr was one of the best decisions of my life and I wish you all the best in the fall.
As for dating, I dated someone for 3 of my 4 years as a BMC student. You can meet people within the Tri-Co, but don’t forget that Philadelphia has a lot (!) of colleges. My partner went to a university in the city, for example. This was nice because we weren’t constantly around one another, but it provided each of us a break from our respective campuses, while opening us up to other social circles. My only advice would be to spend the first few weeks focusing on course selection, adjusting to college, and bonding with your hallmates/peers at BMC. When you feel acclimated, start exploring other campuses and Philadelphia. I knew plenty of people who dated casually and others who were in very committed relationships. It really just depends on what you’re looking for. Luckily, our consortium and access to Philadelphia makes mingling with a broad spectrum of college students relatively easy.
You meet them much the same way most women beyond high school meet men - in other kinds of social situations. Casual parties, gatherings, bars, the library, the bookstore, a restaurant, religious groups, social events, professional groups, online, etc.
This website probably isn’t the best place to talk about dating. The reason this site is called “college confidential” is because the people who go on here went, or are either planning to go, to college. People who go to college, particularly those who graduate college, are academically ambitious, and people who are academically ambitious tend to be too nerdy to know much about social things like dating. In general, the more academically-oriented someone is, the more introverted they tend to be. I’m not saying this is the case with everybody, but it is a common trend. People who are serious enough to pursue education beyond high school are probably going to be too serious for things like dating. Also, people who are in college are probably going to be too busy for dating anyway. It isn’t like high school, where you can not work hard and graduate anyway.