Bruin ‘mating rituals’ flourish on campus
Students share tips on favorite local ‘hunting spots’
By Princeton Kim
Determination and luck make all the difference in dating,
according to many UCLA students.
"It’s easy to meet people if you’re outgoing and you want to
meet them," said Adam Brockman, a third-year political science
student.
Many students said they believe the environment provided by
class, parties, the workplace and bars makes meeting people less
awkward.
"As far as classes are concerned, you can feel comfortable
sitting next to someone you don’t know because class is sort of
neutral ground," said Matt Coulson, a second-year undeclared
student.
Campus hangouts such as Kerckhoff Coffeehouse, Bruin Walk and
the Wooden Center are reportedly hot hunting spots.
"I work at Kerckhoff and that’s a really cool place for other
students to meet people," said Sarah McPherson, a first-year
English student.
In addition, "A good place to meet people is along Bruin Walk.
That’s where I usually meet a lot of people," said Karina Lizama, a
third-year psychology student.
However, aside from the right place, the right time also
matters. Some students had differing views as to when the right
time is for socializing, but others had a clear perspective.
"The best time to meet someone is the first week of classes.
Everyone shows up and nobody knows anyone. So you can just go up to
anyone and sit next to them," said Coulson. "Another thing that is
important to know is that spring quarter is always better than
winter quarter if you want to meet people."
In relation, some students mentioned that the ease in meeting a
lot of people does not always guarantee meeting the right person.
The right person, reported students, is usually why most people go
on dates.
"It’s easy to meet a lot of people, but it’s hard to meet the
right person," added Coulson.
Some students had a solution to this dilemma of finding that
special someone. They suggested utilizing areas of campus where
people with your particular interests might interact.
"The clubs and organizations on campus make it easier to meet
people with the same interests as yourself. For example, the greek
system allows you to meet men and women with the personality you
possess," stated Brockman.
Yet some students still encountered problems with the lack of
opportunity to meet someone with the same interests.
"It’s really hard to find (gay, lesbian, or bisexual) people to
get involved with here on campus because there aren’t a lot of out
people at UCLA," said Isabel Kugler, a fourth-year anthropology
student.
In frustration, some students abandoned dating on campus as a
whole. They have opted to find their romances elsewhere.
"The places I meet people aren’t on campus. I usually meet
people in clubs in Hollywood because the people at UCLA just aren’t
my type," McPherson said.