Whether you’re in need of a fling, a boyfriend or just a hook-up buddy, finding what you’re looking for is no walk in the park. Sure, it’s easy to meet the creepers or the “will take anything with a heartbeat” type of guys when you’re out, but it’s not as easy to meet guys you like and will be able to keep around. Luckily, College Magazine came up with a few places where you can mingle.
1. The Gym
He’s hard-working, committed and he has a hot body? Count us in! The easiest way to meet a guy at the gym is to ask him about his workout or his meal plan. Better yet, ask for tips to get the conversation going. Then, give him some of your own ideas. Guys love when a girl works out often, especially since we look so good doing it. The gym will have you two working out and then hanging out together in no time.
2. A Bookstore
Your best chance at finding a romantic guy is in a bookstore. Most readers are poetic and sensitive, so meeting a guy here will definitely lead to stimulating conversation. Once you spot a cute guy, smile and ask him about the book he’s looking for and the conversation can take off from there. Find a novel or author you are both passionate about, and you’ll form a bond within minutes.
3. Class
Although most of us dread going to class, especially at 8:30 a.m., we can look forward to seeing that babe who sits across the classroom (we know you gaze from afar). Since the two of you already share something in common—that dreaded morning class—you already have something to talk about. Sit next to the guy you’re interested in, ask a question about class and then exchange numbers in case you “miss any other assignments.” Then, make plans to study and the two of you may have more to do besides study.
4. Comedy Night
Guys with a sense of humor are incredibly attractive. Whether you pick someone who does stand-up or someone who hangs low in the audience, you’re bound to share a few laughs together. Make a silly but cute joke with a pick up line like, “If you were a vegetable, you’d be a cute-cumber,” or “Your dad must be a baker because you’ve got some nice buns!” Dating a guy who enjoys comedy this much will no doubt lead to many fun nights for the two of you. You might even get abs from all the laughs.
5. Bar
Bars are social place where you’re expected to mingle. There are quite a few obnoxious guys there as well, but you just have to pick out the diamonds from the duds. When you spot a cutie, go up to his group with your friends and ask to join them – it’s that simple. Take a shot before if you have to. Then, sit back and get to know him and by the end of the night, you’ll have met some interesting people and maybe even a cute guy of interest.
6. Art Walk
Looking for a creative type? You can be his French lady and he can paint you (wink wink). All jokes aside, artistic guys have always been hot. They’re so mysterious. It makes the chase all the more fun. You see a fine dude staring at a painting but maybe you don’t know much on it. Go up to him and ask him about it. While he tells you about it, smile and be present in the conversation so he knows you’re interested. Find your own meaning for the work of art. Then, paint the night with your poetic words and fancy him away so he can paint his “new muse.”
7. House Parties
House parties can be dangerous (Project X style), but you get to meet friends of friends and more often than not, this is your type of guy. You know he’s cool because your friends love him. Now, you’re in the perfect setting: a fun drinking environment where you can let loose and dance but still get to know each other. Just make sure that by the end of the night, you’re not the girl in the bathroom hugging the toilet instead of your guy of interest.
There are plenty of places to meet people but it all depends on you and what you’re looking for. Whether it’s emotional guys or humorous ones, there’s always a way to introduce yourself and get to know them. The trick is to find something in common to talk about. If not, at the very least, find something they’re passionate about and ask them to tell you about it. You’ll get yourself a date with a cutie in no time.
The Best Places to Meet Girls in College …and What to Say
Written by Rich Abdill, junior, journalism, University of Maryland
Ah, women—the one problem shared by majors in all colleges. How to meet them? How to make an impression? The trick, my friends, is to think outside the box. She’s probably smarter than you, so you’ll have to throw a real curveball to surprise her. Find her somewhere she won’t be expecting her Romeo to come beckoning and make your move.
Gym
You know she’s active and (at least trying to be) fit. If you can’t keep your eyes off that jogging shoe-ponytail combo, jump on the treadmill next to hers.
The icebreaker line: Where you headed?
Study Lounge
You know you’ve found a smart one, so don’t be “That Guy” walking into the dorm lounge asking if she needs help with her organic chemistry—she knows you think the carbon cycle is some kind of futuristic moped. Instead, sit down next to her and completely ignore her. Do this every time you see her studying. After a few weeks, she won’t be able to help but talk to you. Then you’re in.
The icebreaker line: Complete and baffling silence.
Dining Hall
The dining hall is the place to meet the widest variety of women—everybody eats and almost everybody eats a little fruit. So buy two apples with your meal and sit down across from the lady who’s caught your eye. When she’s not looking, put one of them on her tray.
The icebreaker line: Yell, “HEY! WE MATCH!” excitedly.
Health Center
Her guard is down. Take the opportunity to brighten her day. Vomiting and fevers go away, but your scintillating conversation next to the gurney will stick with her like a chronic case of the cuddles.
The icebreaker line: You lovesick too?
*Updated April 15, 2015 by Rich Abdill to include “Help a Brother Out: The Best Places to Meet Girls in College.”
