"Is it okay for university students to use dating apps?" "Are they actually worth it?" If you're wondering about these questions, you're not alone! Actually, about 1 in 4 university students in Japan are now using dating apps!
I was hesitant at first too, but once I tried them, they were surprisingly fun. But just signing up isn't enough - there are specific tricks that work for Gen Z.
Today, I'm sharing all the dating app strategies that actually worked for me as a current university student. With these tips, you might just find your perfect match! ♡
Why Are Dating Apps Popular Among University Students?
Need for Connections Beyond Clubs and Part-time Jobs
University life can be surprisingly limited when it comes to meeting new people, right? Clubs, seminars, part-time jobs... when you see the same people every day, fresh encounters become rare.
Especially for us Gen Z who experienced the pandemic, online classes reduced our chances to meet people on campus. That's why dating apps have become the new frontier for meeting people.
Many of my friends started using apps saying they were "tired of club drama." While campus relationships can get gossipy, apps let you meet new people without the social pressure!
Efficiently Find Your Ideal Match
Classes, part-time work, assignments... university students are surprisingly busy! No time or money for group dates or singles parties. That's where dating apps become your best friend.
You can quickly check during commute time or between classes, and profiles give you instant information about potential matches. Finding people with similar hobbies and values is uniquely easy with apps.
Building Dating Experience
Honestly, many of us want to gain dating experience before entering the workforce. I was one of them too (lol).
Dating apps let you meet various types of people, expanding your romantic horizons. If things don't work out, there's always next time - it's the perfect environment for improving your dating skills.
Tip #1: Profile Photos - "Not Too Filtered" Is Key
Natural Light Photos Win
I get the urge to use heavily filtered SNOW or BeautyPlus photos! But so many people fail because of the real-life gap.
My recommendation? Natural light photos. Taking pictures by windows or outside makes your skin look great without filters. Photos with natural smiles taken by friends got the best responses!
Show Your Hobbies in Sub Photos
Use a clear face photo as your main, then showcase hobbies in sub photos. If you love cafés, show latte art; if you're sporty, action shots work great.
I use travel photos to show my adventurous side. These often become conversation starters - "Where was this taken?" leads to natural conversations.
Group Photos Are a No-Go
Some people use group photos, but this is absolutely NG! It confuses people about who you are, and if your friend is cuter, it backfires.
Plus, posting friends' faces without permission is bad manners. Prepare 3-5 solo photos for best results!
Tip #2: Profile Text - Sprinkle "Relatable Points"
Write Specific Hobbies
"Hobby: Watching movies" is too generic to be memorable. Try "Recently rewatched 'Your Name' and cried my eyes out" - specificity is key!
In my case, writing "Obsessed with K-dramas, currently on my 3rd rewatch of 'Crash Landing on You'" got tons of likes from fellow drama fans. Common topics make messages flow easier.
Casually Showcase University Life
Don't just write "3rd year at X University"! Try "Studying marketing in my seminar" or "Working on the school festival committee" - be specific about your university life.
Fellow students will relate, and working adults will see you as a "responsible student." But don't overemphasize your university name - it can seem pretentious!
Absolutely No Negative Words
Never write things like "I'm shy" or "Not much dating experience"! Even if you mean to be humble, it makes you seem unconfident.
Instead, rephrase positively: "People say I'm easy to talk to" or "Excited about new connections." First impressions really matter!
Tip #3: Messages - Always "End with a Question"
First Message Is Crucial
After matching, your first message is super important! Just "Hi" or "Nice to meet you" gets lost in the crowd.
I always start with "I was drawn to [specific thing] in your profile!" This shows you actually read their profile and creates a special feeling.
Find Common Ground for Topics
Find commonalities in their profile and make them conversation topics. "I love that too! Any recent recommendations?" Ending with questions increases response rates!
Conversations flow easier with shared interests, and dates are easier to suggest. I once went to a concert date with someone who shared my music taste! ♪
Avoid Long Messages, Keep It Snappy
Gen Z hates long texts! Honestly, when I get screen-filling messages, I'm put off...
Ideal length is 3-5 lines. Limit yourself to one question so they can easily reply. Like LINE chats, keeping a good tempo is crucial.
Tip #4: Dates - Start with Daytime "Safe Spots"
First Dates: Café or Lunch Is Safe
For first meetings, absolutely choose daytime! Night meetings can seem suspicious and make everyone anxious.
Coffee or lunch dates are standard. They last 1-2 hours, so even if you don't click, it won't be awkward. I always choose chain stores near stations - familiar places feel safer and are easy to leave!
Share Your Location with Friends
Safety measures are absolutely necessary! Always tell friends your date details (their name, meeting place, time).
I use location-sharing apps with friends. Having a "text me if something's wrong" agreement lets you enjoy dates with peace of mind. This safety awareness is standard for Gen Z!
Suggest Student-Friendly Date Plans
No need for fancy restaurants! Student-appropriate dates actually make better impressions.
"Want to try that new bubble tea place?" or "Let's check out vintage shops near campus" - authentic date plans are best. They're budget-friendly and let you be yourself, making conversations flow naturally.
Tip #5: How to Spot "Players"
Profile Red Flags to Check
Unfortunately, dating apps do have players. But you can spot them with careful observation!
Watch out for profiles full of muscle pics, luxury cars, or brand goods. People with shallow bios constantly saying "let's just meet" are danger signs.
Message Warning Signs
"Can we meet today?" "Let's talk at my place" - people pushing to meet immediately are NG! Normal people want to build rapport through messages first.
Be wary of those suggesting late-night dates or trying to get you to drink. I always insist on "daytime café dates" and only meet those who agree without complaint.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, trust that feeling! You don't need to force meetings, and blocking is totally OK.
I once dealt with a super persistent person... When someone keeps messaging despite rejection, instant block. Protecting yourself is crucial!
Tip #6: Multi-Dating Is Normal
Why You Shouldn't Focus on One Person
In dating apps, messaging multiple people simultaneously is normal. Focusing on one person means bigger disappointment if it doesn't work out, plus no comparison points for judgment.
I usually message 3-5 people at once. From those, I find who I really connect with. This isn't cheating - everyone does it, so no guilt necessary!
Switch When You Find Someone Special
However, when you find someone you really like, it's important to switch gears. Around the third date, if you think "this person's great," naturally fade out other conversations.
When things get serious, deleting the app is proper etiquette. Confirming your partner does the same shows their seriousness too.
Efficient Time Management
Messaging takes more time than you'd think. That's why efficient time use is crucial.
I use commute time for messaging. Quick replies on the train, then focus on assignments at home. Balancing university life with dating apps requires serious time management!
Tip #7: Don't Over-Expect - Mindset Matters
Not Every Meeting Becomes Romance
Using dating apps, you might wonder "Why no contact after meeting?" But that's normal.
Sometimes after meeting, you think "nice as a friend, but..." and they might feel the same. Not every encounter becoming romance isn't failure.
View It as Experience Points
I see dating app encounters as "chances to level up romance skills." Talking with various people improves communication abilities and clarifies preferences.
Even if things don't work out, thinking "I learned something" positively means better encounters await!
Don't Forget to Have Fun
Most importantly, enjoy it! Using apps under pressure won't create good encounters.
The excitement of meeting new people, butterflies from messages, first date nerves... enjoy it all. That relaxed attitude will surely attract wonderful encounters! ♡
Conclusion: Dating Apps Depend on How You Use Them
Dating apps can be tools for wonderful encounters when used right. As university students, now's the perfect time to actively try them.
Staying safe while being yourself and having fun will surely lead to meeting your ideal person. I've actually had lovely relationships through apps!
Finally, the most important thing is "valuing yourself." Without forcing things, at your own pace, find wonderful encounters. Gen Z romance should be freer and more fun!
Wishing you amazing encounters... ♡ I'm rooting for your app-found romance!
