Dating apps have become the standard way for university students to meet people! But many struggle with "not getting matches" or "conversations dying out."
Today, I'm sharing the complete strategy guide from my experience and my friends' who actually found boyfriends through dating apps! After reading this, you might find your ideal match too ♡
Why Are Dating Apps Popular Among University Students?
Wanting Meetings Beyond Circles and Classes
University seems full of opportunities, but actually you're **limited to certain communities**. Same circle, same department people only, no fresh encounters... many people feel this way.
With dating apps, you can meet people from other universities and working adults! It broadens your horizons and gives chances to meet different types of people. My friend says "I'm dating someone I never would've met in normal life."
Efficiently Finding Ideal Partners
In busy university life, being able to **efficiently search for encounters** is the appeal of dating apps!
Quick swipes during class breaks or work breaks. Since you can see hobbies and values in profiles, you can judge compatibility before meeting. It's the perfect tool for Gen Z who don't want to waste time.
Wanting to Gain Dating Experience
Honestly, **dating skills only come from experience**! Dating apps are perfect for meeting various people, dating, and gaining romantic experience.
Even if you fail, there's always next time, and interacting with different types improves communication skills. Some even say it's practice for job interview skills (lol).
The Art of Profile Creation
Photo Selection is 90%! How to Take Appealing Photos
Dating apps are **all about first impressions**! So photo selection is super important.
For your main photo, a smiling photo with a clear face is best. Natural smiles taken by friends are better than selfies. For sub photos, include full body shots and photos enjoying hobbies.
**NG Photos**:
- Over-edited SNOW filters
- Only back shots where face isn't visible
- Group photos with friends (can't tell who you are)
- Old photos (seems like catfishing)
Writing Bio to Stand Out
Bios should be **specific but not too long**!
Instead of "I like movies," write "Recently moved by '○○'! Please recommend movies" - content that starts conversations. Summarizing hobbies, weekend activities, and ideal dates in 3-4 lines is perfect.
**Recommended Template**:
"○○ University, Year ○ student!
My hobbies are ○○, and I often spend weekends ○○.
Recently into ○○, would be happy to meet someone to enjoy it with!
Let's start with coffee and chat ☕"
Points to Leverage Your Student Status
**Express being a student positively**!
Show goal-oriented attitude like "Studying ○○, want to become ○○ in the future." Appealing active sides through circle activities, part-time work, or volunteering is also effective.
"Can meet weekday afternoons as a student" is attractive to working adults. Flexible time is a student privilege, so use it well!
Techniques to Increase Match Rate
Best Timing to Send Likes
Actually, **the time you send likes** affects match rates!
Weekdays 9-11 PM and weekend afternoons are prime time. Sending when everyone opens the app increases chances of immediate notice. Morning commute time (7-9 AM) also gets surprisingly good responses.
Properly Reading Profiles
Are you swiping randomly? It's important to **read profiles properly and like people with common points**!
Hobbies, favorite music, places to visit... if there's even one common point, post-match conversations flow easier. Go for quality over "spray and pray."
Using Boosts and Super Likes
Paid features can be **effective when used strategically**!
Use super likes for people you're especially interested in. Boost features work well Friday nights or Sunday nights for maximum visibility. Once or twice monthly is effective enough, so use them at crucial moments.
Tips for Messaging
Capturing Hearts with First Messages
After matching, **the first message is super important**!
Don't just say "Nice to meet you," include something about their profile. Like "I also love ○○ from your profile!" or "Your ○○ photo is lovely, where is it?" - make it easy for them to reply.
Creating Topics to Continue Conversations
Struggling with continuing conversations? **Use questions skillfully**!
Respond to their answers with empathy + related questions. Don't end with "Oh" or "I see." Share about yourself while asking about them - this balance is important. When stuck for topics, asking about weekend plans or recent news works.
Timing to Ask for Dates
After about **1 week to 10 days of messaging**, it's OK to ask for a date!
Just messaging too long gets boring before meeting. Invite naturally like "I want to hear more about ○○, want to meet and talk?" Daytime cafes are safe for first dates.
Secrets for Successful First Dates
Points for Choosing Locations
Choose **places where both feel safe** for first dates!
Recommended:
- Stylish cafes (easy to talk)
- Aquariums or zoos (never run out of conversation)
- Movies + meal (relieves tension)
Places to avoid:
- Karaoke (closed rooms cause wariness)
- Expensive restaurants (too tense)
- Homes (absolutely not!)
Techniques for Lively Conversation
Nervous about what to talk about? **Prepare topics beforehand**!
Dig deeper into their hobbies, talk about university life, future dreams, recent interests. If afraid of silence, being honest about "I'm nervous" works too. They might feel the same.
Behavior for Future Connections
To leave good impressions on first dates, **consideration for your partner** is important!
Don't constantly check your phone, properly listen to them, honestly express "It was fun" and "Want to meet again." Always send a thank you message after. Something like "Thanks for today! Want to hear more about ○○" that connects to next time is best.
Safety Precautions
Managing Personal Information
Safety first! **Handle personal information carefully**.
Start with just first names, university names only to department level, share details after getting closer. Don't share addresses or nearest stations until trustworthy. It's safer not to immediately share social media accounts.
Identifying Suspicious People
Watch out for these people:
- Want to exchange LINE immediately
- Forcefully decide meeting places
- Only one profile photo
- Vague about age or occupation
- Talk about money
**If something feels off, block without hesitation**! Safety is most important, no need to force meetings.
Importance of Consulting Friends
About using dating apps, **tell trusted friends**!
For first dates, tell friends the place and time. It's important to stay contactable in case something happens. Having friends check profiles together is also recommended.
Recommended Dating Apps for University Students
Features of Each App
Know **standard app features** and choose what suits you!
- **Pairs**: Large membership, many seeking serious relationships
- **with**: Compatibility diagnosis through psychology tests, recommended for personality-focused people
- **Tapple**: Connect through hobbies, for casual meetings
- **Tinder**: Can meet international people, frank atmosphere
Using multiple is OK but management is hard, so narrowing to 2-3 is recommended.
Differences Between Free and Paid
Basically **free for women, paid for men** in most apps.
You can match for free, but messaging often requires payment. If seriously looking for encounters, even one month of payment is worth trying. Some apps have student discounts, so check them out!
Conclusion: Find Wonderful Encounters Through Dating Apps
Dating apps can be tools for wonderful encounters depending on how you use them! What's important is **taking action while cherishing your authentic self**.
Don't fear failure, meet various people, gain experience. You might not find your ideal partner immediately, but enjoy the process. Wonderful encounters surely await!
Because you're a university student now, be light on your feet and challenge new encounters. Use dating apps well and have a fulfilling romantic life ♡
While being careful about safety, find fun encounters! Share your success stories with "#UniversityStudentDatingApps"!
