Are College Kids Looking For Love?

Carolina del Busto, 21, has been in a relationship for more than a year and a half. However, the junior from Boston College believes if she weren’t taken, she would not be looking for love.

“I'd be focused too much on my studies, getting all my work done, interning, being involved on campus and stuff like that,” she said. “Basically, I’d be too busy to look.”

Del Busto is not alone. With homework assignments, internships and extra curricular activities, college students have enough on their plates. Many don’t see a need to add a love search to the mix.

 

 “Love, in the grand scheme of things, would hold me back,” said Northwestern University sophomore Beth Colón. “I never came into college with the idea that it would be the place to find someone to settle down with.”

 

While some might be too busy to look, others are too tired or emotionally drained to keep trying. University of Central Florida sophomore Michael Juachon said he does not want anything serious.

 

“I just got out of a relationship and I'm not looking forward to jumping into another one so soon,” he said.

Even though love quests aren’t a top collegiate priority, plenty of students know what they like in a significant other. Colón said she wants a partner who she can commit to, but who will give her space to do other things too.

 

“I grew [up] used to certain liberties and I wouldn't want a boyfriend to hinder them,” the 19-year-old said.

Fordham University junior Andre Seidenthal said he looks for someone who brings out the best in him.

 

“Someone who cares about me the same or more than they care about themselves,” he said.

 

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, why are some undergrads so turned off by the idea of love? Juachon said it’s because commitment is something a lot of people don't want to deal with in college.

 

“Most people are looking for a one night stand or someone that they can be friends with benefits with,” he said.

 

Del Busto said people who have never been in love find it hard to understand that there are plenty of dimensions to it.

 

“I’m definitely in love now, and it’s definitely different than what I could have ever expected,” she said. “It’s a roller coaster, but it’s one I don’t want to get off of.”

 

Seidenthal, who just celebrated a three-year anniversary with his girlfriend, has figured out what all the fuss is about.

 

“Love is finding your best friend whom you also get to have sex with,” he said.

 

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