It was their senior year of high school when Josh Mewhinney and Barbara Mooneyham decided to be in a relationship. They met in advanced art class, and Mooneyham says that she was taken away by Mewhinney’s long hair.

Four years have passed, and they are still together while living here at Ashland University. Although Mooneyham decided to major in fine arts, Mewhinney chose a different path by majoring in physics.

They are one of the couples on campus who choose to be in a committed relationship.

Mewhinney and Mooneyham agree that it is nice to have a significant other who lives on campus. This way, there is always someone there for support.

“I don’t think there’s any difficulties,” said Mooneyham when asked about college dating.

Since both individuals live on campus, the couple is able to do things together.

Mooneyham says the only downside is that there is no time for dates.

Both of their majors demand a lot of extra work outside of the classroom. Since both of their schedules are so demanding, they try to spend time together on the weekends while hanging out and eating pizza.

Other kinds of dating situations are people who choose to take on the long-distance relationship.

Meredith Beutel, a junior, says that it was hard for her at first. She was used to spending a lot of time with her significant other and the adjustment was difficult.

“Once we figured out each other’s routines, then we were able to make our schedules compatible,” said Beutel.

Alum Megan Gonzalez, was also in a long-distance relationship while on campus.

She said that as long as you are willing to make it work, then it’s worth it.

The least committed option of dating is to remain single. Alum Scott Ackerman said that the single life is more rewarding since there are no worries.

He also said that it depends on what you are looking for in a relationship. Some people don’t know what they want, and so they spend this time figuring out what to look for.

There is one big difference between high school and college dating.

“It’s more serious,” said Ackerman.

This is the time when people are settling down. Relationships are more serious because the next big step could be marriage.

It is said that 14 percent of people meet their future husband or wife in college.

When it comes down to it, college is about more than just the books.

Mewhinney says that people should just remember to be themselves when looking for a significant other.

“Respect yourself if you want to be respected,” said Mewhinney.

Since dating at the college level is more serious, it is better to be yourself than to be someone you are not.

“Don’t ever look for it. Let it come to you,” junior Olivia Morris said.

Giving a last piece of advice, she added that as long as you have patience, someone special will surely come around.