God, dating in university is HARD! Especially with the colder months coming around and the innumerable couples giving us major FOMO this cuffing season, I really feel for my fellow single compatriots.
While we don’t quite have the flowchart for finding your soulmate yet (we’re working on it!), we DO have a list of places to avoid if you’re looking for your one true love.
This Valentine's Day, we've decided to ignore the UBCers in loving, committed relationships in favour of helping out our fellow bitter singles. As if Tinder isn't dry enough at UBC — you will doom your love life if you create a first impression at any of the following locations.
The Point
Where do I begin with this? The incessant flow of first years? The (overly) friendly staff? The ever-changing menu?
If you’re looking for a chill vibe for your first date, you must avoid The Point at all costs. Not only is it one of the only bougie places on campus that accepts first years’ flex dollars, but you’re more than likely to be stuck waiting in line until hell freezes over.
So unless you’re hoping to pay by UBC card, I’d dodge this one.
Browns
Okay, okay, you’re right. LOTS of people go to Browns for a date (if you’re a people watcher, you must’ve noticed the abundance of good-looking people at the Socialhouse). So this might be a slightly unpopular opinion, but hear me out.
Given its location right by the bus loop, the field, Focal and Fatih’s, Browns is EXACTLY the kind of place you’d run into someone you know. And if you’re the lowkey kind, you know these are not the vibes for a first date.
My advice? Go to the Browns on Alma. You’re less likely to see all of Greek life, their aunts, uncles, cats, dogs, friends, siblings — and maybe you’ll actually have a good time!
ALL of Buchanan
Study dates in Buchanan? That’s a big red flag, sweetie.
I was going to actually just say Buchanan D, but it’s not like A is any better, so here we are.
There’s nothing less romantic than the corridors of Buchanan D or, god forbid, the bathrooms (shudder). Rumour has it their soaps can be used to repel the coyotes, so if you’re looking to scare off your date, then go for it!
But if you are the thrill-seeking kinda couple, I’d suggest checking out our most haunted spots on campus for a freaky first date.
Wreck Beach
I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t want to be seen all hot and sweaty on a first date. And unless you’re a Kinesiology kid or varsity athlete, you’ll probably get pretty winded going up and down the 500 steps.
It’s also a lot of effort if there’s no guarantee you’ll even see this person again. Will they even want to see YOU again after they realize how sadly unathletic you (and most of us at UBC) are?
So skip the pretty sunset and go for the clichéd Rose Garden sunset instead — aren’t we all basic anyway?