The 10 Best Colleges for Dating in 2022
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Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
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Undergrads often focus on making friends in college. But did you know that 28% of married college grads met in college? Whether you're looking for a lifelong partner or something more casual, college is a great place to date.
Our list includes the 10 best colleges for dating. To increase your odds, we only included schools with a total student population of at least 45,000 and an undergraduate population of at least 30,000.
1. Texas A&M University — College Station, TX
When it comes to dating, Texas A&M gives you great odds. With over 73,000 students, you're almost guaranteed to find a compatible match.
Once you've found that special someone, consider heading over to the Century Tree, an oak known for its romantic track record. According to Aggie lore, a couple who walks underneath the Century Tree will eventually get married. And if you propose under the tree, your marriage is guaranteed to last.
2. University of Central Florida — Orlando, FL
It's Florida's largest university — and a great place to date. With year-round warm weather and a large student population, UCF ranks as one of the best colleges for dating.
If you're looking for unique dating ideas at UCF, why not check out some manatees? Head over to Blue Spring State Park, where the St. Johns River will give you and your date an only-in-Florida experience.
3. The Ohio State University — Columbus, OH
Ohio State has a student population of over 61,000, meaning there's dating opportunities for students of all preferences.
Buckeyes also have lots of great on-campus dating options, including the Ohio State Ice Rink, a picnic at the wetlands, or a stroll around Mirror Lake. And if it doesn't work out, there's tens of thousands of other Buckeyes to meet.
4. Arizona State University — Tempe, AZ
- Total Student Population: 54,000+
- Undergraduate Population: N/A
Love is definitely in the air at ASU — you can even take a psychology class on romance! Sun Devils can find a lot of romantic spots on campus. The Palm Walk offers a scenic setting for dates, while more adventurous couples can hike up "A" Mountain.
When dating as a Sun Devil, don't forget that ASU is more than the Tempe campus. Check out the downtown campus, the Polytechnic campus, and the west campus to expand your dating horizons.
5. University of Minnesota Twin Cities — Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota is known for friendly people, and UMN is no exception. With a student population of over 52,000, UMN gives students many dating opportunities. And the scenic campus offers a lot of affordable, yet romantic options for your first date.
Head over to East River Flats Park for a picnic with views of the river, walk across the Stone Arch Bridge, or visit Northrop Auditorium for a show.
6. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, IL
What's it like dating at U of I? As one student says, "You can always find someone because campus and classes are so large." With a large student population, students have plenty of options.
When it comes to romantic spots, U of I offers a lot of choices. From the lush arboretum with its Japanese gardens to the Ice Arena, you can choose from among many great date ideas. The Daily Illini even provides a dating guide for students.
7. University of Texas at Austin — Austin, TX
UT Austin has nearly 52,000 students, and dating on campus is about to get a lot easier thanks to a new dating app.
In 2021, a UT student launched an app called IceBreak Dating. Not only does the app help Longhorns connect, but it also provides coupons for Austin's top date spots when you're ready to meet in person. The bustling city of Austin also offers lots of great places to take a date.
8. University of Washington — Seattle, WA
A scenic campus in a thriving city makes for the perfect college dating combo. And over 48,000 students means good odds of finding someone at UW.
When you're planning that perfect first day, check out the cherry blossoms at the quad or stroll by Drumheller Fountain for views of Mount Rainier. More adventurous couples can rent canoes at the waterfront activities center or venture over to The Ave for a romantic meal.
9. Pennsylvania State University — State College, PA
At Penn State, a double date might be the perfect setting to find a new relationship. That's the theory behind Fourplay, a new app from two Penn State alums that connects singles for double dates.
Once you've found a date, check out the Berkey Creamery for a sweet ice cream treat or take a stroll through the arboretum. With around 46,000 undergrads, Penn State is a great place to date.
10. University of Houston — Houston, TX
UH has around 47,000 students, which means a lot of chances to meet someone special. The student center, campus organizations, and dorms are all great places to connect outside class.
If you're planning a romantic date, check out The Cougar for on-campus date ideas like grabbing a pastry at The Nook Cafe, strolling through the Blaffer Art Museum, and picnicking by the Cullen Fountains.
Feature Image: GeorgeRudy / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
