Coed Campus Changes Dating Scene
By Russ Bailey
Friday, November 18, 2005
With Wells College opening its campus to men for the first time in 137 years, the dating scene has a new dimension. There is now the possibility of on campus coed relationships. Until this point, a woman seeking a boyfriend would either have to try to maintain a long distance relationship, or try to locate a young man at Cornell or other surrounding universities.
Courtney Hill from Hollister, Calif., is a freshman at Wells and is currently in a distance relationship with a man from RIT.
“I wouldn't want to date someone on campus, it would be too distracting,” Hollister said.
Courtney started looking at Wells before the choice had been made to go coed. Many women chose an all-female school to avoid distractions. Courtney believes that “Distance makes the heart grow fonder.”
Dating is designed as a training ground for marriage. It helps young men and women learn how to interact with the opposite sex. Courtney feels that “dating is when two people are inquiring and learning about each other.” Dating allows couples to find out what they want in a spouse, and what they don't. Plus, “it just makes you feel good.”
Although only a small number of men are at Wells this year, one per every 20 women, it has greatly changed life on campus for the female students. Where before, women may have been less concerned about their appearance while on campus, now they are much more conscious of the male eye.
On campus dating is very different from off-campus relationships, in that from day one couples see each other 24 hours a day. This is especially true of a campus as small as Wells. In fact, students cannot afford to have a bad relationship, because they still will continue to see the other constantly.
With a campus as small as Wells, what is there for young couples to do? Actually, the school constantly sponsors activities. Everything from outdoor movies to casino nights. This weekend, the school is having its annual semi-formal dance. All of these activities are great ways for couples to learn about each other.
Besides school sponsored activities, there are several creative things for couples to do on their own. The school has its own dock, creating a perfect viewing area for sunsets. Just down the road about one mile is Long Point State Park which is a great place to see Cayuga Lake and have fun throwing a frisbee. For a formal dinner out, within walking distance of the school is the Aurora Inn. Equally close to the campus is The Fargo. It is the best place in Aurora to grab a hamburger. For ice cream, coffee and cake, Dorie's can't be beat.
There is still obviously a shortage of possible men for on-campus dating. Currently, women interested in dating are still seeking relationships with students from other schools. Many men at Wells are currently in relationships. As more male students enroll in the years to come, dating within the Wells community will become a much more common sight.
Russ Bailey is a freshman at Wells College
