Madeline Kuhns is a journalism senior and Mustang News opinion columnist. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
This article contains adult language and viewer discretion is advised.
As sentimental as I am about being a senior in college, I am also sentimental about my college dating life. I think I’ve scored some pretty exciting mom lore for my future kids. College has been more than a learning experience in my major — it’s also been a learning experience for my romantic endeavors.
If you’ve waited until the end of senior year to get on the saddle and try out your hot girl era, I’m in full support. The time is now! Senior year seems to bring out the wild animals in our class, like everyone is getting on their high haunches looking for a mate for the spring. Maybe this means being contacted by someone from your WOW group for a late-night link, revisiting times with your ex or making things official right before everything in your post-grad life becomes uncertain.
The clock is ticking: the last weeks of your last quarter surrounded by four-runner driving, mustached granola men, girls in house bands and the freak sexy engineer in your GE class is coming to an end.
Senior year should go out with a bang: it’s our last quarter with our best college friends and love interests. I’m glad I didn’t peak in high school, because I’d prefer to peak in college (though I do think I’m destined for greater beyond Cal Poly).
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your fear of missing out, do not fret. Real life is on the other side of what I would describe as the best four years of my life so far. Not to be dramatic, but as seniors, we need to do whatever the f*ck we want. I’ve made a bucket list to help you tick off some pinnacle college dating experiences. The top of your list should prioritize one thing: yourself.
- Kiss your crush from freshman year
Talk about a full circle moment! Now is your chance to send a cheeky text to that cutie you were always curious about since you stepped foot in the dorms. If you are nervous about getting rejected, just remember, you’ll be out of San Luis Obispo soon and you probably will never have to see them ever again (unless you want to…).
- Have a post-bars one-night stand
Seniors, let’s be real, we’re going out almost every Thursday. But how often do you actually go up to the person you’ve been playing eye-tag with all night? Get the ball rolling and “pull someone for a chat.” I think having a morning walk of shame is a core experience everyone should do at least once. What better place to do it than in your college town? After four years, you should be able to find the quickest route home.
- Get set up on a blind date (or set someone up on one)
This is a perfect opportunity to take pressure off using dating apps or finding people in the wild off yourself and give it to your closest friends. They know you best, so why wouldn’t they be able to find a good match for you? A blind date is a great way to explore people outside of your normal type. You never know, they may end up being your first love! (or not, and you just have a new friend of a friend).
- Go on a date at Scout Coffee, Front Porch or Vista Grande
I know you’ve been wanting to revisit some of the iconic and funny places you went to freshman year, so why not do it on a first date? Make it obvious you are on a date, because lots of people are looking. But don’t worry, you’ll likely be surrounded by freshmen who won’t know who you are.
- Watch the sunset at one of the Central Coast’s iconic beaches
You could watch the sunset with anyone, but San Luis Obispo’s beaches give us the easiest and best option for a romantic setting. Get a nice blanket, sink your feet into the sand, and cuddle up with someone special. Nothing beats staring off into the fading sun with your first love. This is also a great opportunity to slow down and sit with your emotions around graduation.
- Go stargazing at Perfumo Canyon
This is by far one of the best dates I’ve been on. A quick windy drive from San Luis Obispo offers time to talk about all the great moments you and your significant other have enjoyed during college. Or you can spiral into awkwardness if you have nothing to talk about. Either way, it’ll be a good story for your roommates!
- First base at the ‘P’
Nothing gives romance like a view of campus at sunset. I’m kidding, but it’s a funny place to have an intimate moment and maybe recreate some freshman year vibes. Climb up to arguably one of the most iconic Cal Poly destinations and get to mackin’!
- Hook up in an Architecture Graveyard structure
This date may be a little risque, but it’s probably more common than we think. Architecture Graveyard can actually be a very romantic (and secluded) place. I think this one gives you a great story to tell your grown kids about the wild things you did during your time at Cal Poly.
I mean, there’s even a roof over some of the structures! Bring some blankets, a speaker and set the outdoor mood. If people are walking when you’re trying to get frisky, just keep hiking up into the ginormous open space that belongs to Cal Poly. The more remote, the more romantic.
- Go to a concert at SLO Brew Rock or a movie at the Palm Theatre
Date night destinations can get repetitive with the limited restaurant choices downtown, so spice it up at the city’s awesome breweries and concert venues. As a freshman, I saw Thee Sacred Souls at SLO Brew and it was #CoupleCity. In addition, a DFMA (Dance Floor Makeout) is totally required during college in my opinion. SLO Brew Rock has plenty of space to lock lips under strobe lights.
If you’ve never taken advantage of the vintage and cheap options at the Palm Theatre, now is your time! If you never had an awkward movie theater makeout in the back row in middle school, now’s your chance!
- Try something you’ve never done before
I’ve mentioned this before, but college is the ideal time to experiment. In my humble opinion, nothing is a mistake or something to get down on yourself for, but instead an experience. Some of the coolest people I’ve met at Cal Poly have out-of-the-ordinary hobbies. Try ocean kayaking instead of surfing, sign yourself up for axe throwing (might help you in with the rugged lumberjacks from logging club) or go fruit picking with a date during the U-Pick hours on campus.
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