Dating in college can be quite the adventure. You’re meeting attractive and interesting people around every corner, getting asked out and asking more people out than you ever would’ve in high school, all the while taking a full course load and running around with your friends. The following tips will help you to keep it all straight as you embark on the whirlwind that is college dating.

Explore your options without hurting people. Dating a few different people at once is fun and quite common in college. Just be sure that the people you’re dating are aware that the relationship isn’t exclusive.
Step2
Realize that when someone asks you out, this in no way means that the two of you are boyfriend and girlfriend, contrary to the rules of high school dating. Hanging out with someone for the night is just a way of testing out the waters and does not constitute a serious commitment.
Step3
Know the person you’re dating before you put yourself in a compromising situation. This goes for the ladies especially. Just because you met a really cute guy at a friend’s party doesn’t mean that he’s a nice guy who you should go home with.
Step4
Honor your friendships. If one of your best friends just went out with someone who is now going after you, talk to you friend before making a move. The general rule is that your friends’ recent dates or hook-ups are probably off limits to you for at least a little while.
Step5
Keep your priorities straight. While dating in college can definitely be a large part of your undergraduate experience, make sure to go to class, do your work and hang out with your friends as well.

You want to hang out with your new sweetie. Your parents want you to get good grades. It can be hard to do both, but it’s not impossible!

When your significant other (SO) has work, class, or wants to spend time with his/her friends, bust out your homework! You can be productive and keep yourself from missing him/her at the same time.

Have a study date. You can both work on your homework side-by-side, or else you can do your homework while your SO reads a book. Got an exam coming up? Your SO can quiz you. It’s a lot easier to remember what “anaerobic” means when your sweetie explains it than when your professor drones on about it.

If necessary, prioritize. Take a full day to concentrate on that portfolio you’ve been putting off all semester, and reward yourselves with dinner and a movie the night after you turn it in. Your sweetie will be there on Monday, but your chances for getting an A won’t be.