As the lights in the lecture hall go down, there they are, three rows up, either writing notes or not caring about the class they are currently in. A campus crush can take over one’s thoughts in a matter of seconds, turning Monday morning classes into must-see events.
Coffee-fueled study sessions and meetings in congested hallways can lead to relationships that can spark way beyond graduation, making college campuses an oasis for budding romances. University settings practically alludes to and encourage attraction and relationships because of its close proximity, shared experiences and youthful energy.
The First Move

The awkward dances and note-passing of high school are over. Dating in college calls for a more sophisticated approach, but the butterflies remain unchanged. These tried-and-true techniques can help you deal with future campus crushes.
The simplest method is to begin with common experiences. Instead of a cringey pickup line, the object of one’s affection in psychology 101 might be more open to a conversation about cognitive dissonance.
For strategies to be effective, timing is essential. The ideal times to start a conversation are when potential love interests aren’t rushed or stressed, such as after class instead of right before an exam. During off-peak hours, campus coffee shops like Irvings offer a laid-back atmosphere for casual conversation.
The Digital Dance
Even though dating has changed as a result of social media, you should fight the impulse to like and follow every post immediately. Online interaction often creates a false sense of connection that dims in comparison to face-to-face conversation for building genuine connections.
VALLEY strongly suggests not DMing your campus crush, as it can often lead to embarrassment in future classes or worse, you find out they already have a partner.
Location, Location, Location

A simple conversation might become an unforgettable experience in the right circumstances. The HUB lawn on spring afternoons frequently offers a relaxed, organic setting for chit-chatting. Group study spaces in the library provide good reasons to sit close by and assess interest. Events on campus, such as Movin’ On provide built-in conversation topics and shared experiences.
Reading the Signs

Before making a move, you should wait for signs of reciprocal interest. When you walk into a room, a campus crush might light up upon entering the room, start sitting closer in classes or even try to start the conversation first.
Respect and consent are still crucial. If you are pursuing a crush and they seem uneasy or indifferent, you should politely back off. There are still a lot of untapped connections on campus.
The Final Word
Meeting intriguing, diverse people who share your life stage and curiosity is made possible by college. Even while crushes can feel overwhelming, they should be treated with respect and confidence.
Have you found your campus crush this semester? Let @VALLEYmag know on X!
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