Advice: Staying classy

Q: It seems like the only place to meet guys in College Park is at one of the five bars downtown on Route 1. Don't get me wrong — I like flirting with random guys at the bars as much as the next girl — but there's got to be a better way to meet guys who I could actually potentially date. Where should I be going?

A: I think this is a pretty rampant issue for both girls and guys, and not just in College Park. Bars are inherently loud, crowded and full of drunk people. When everyone's getting sloppy and just trying to have a good time, it's difficult to get a guy to stand in the corner with you and let you yell in his ear about why you decided to switch your major to philosophy or elementary education. What's less difficult is getting a guy to stand in the corner with you and suck face ... or whatever else. And yes, this is obviously fun and one of the very many valuable learning experiences that comes with college — such as going to class, for instance. But just like going to class, this behavior can get a little old, and I totally understand your desire to meet guys in a different, maybe less stale-beer-encrusted type of environment.

The first suggestion I have for you might seem obvious, but it's a pretty untapped source of eligible young men. Meeting guys in class can seem intimidating and awkward, but you'd be surprised how many people are looking for entertainment during a boring lecture. One of my professors told me she sees at least one budding romance start up in her class every semester. And I'm sure you've seen it, too: You assume the kids who are always giggling have been dating since high school, but they really just met on the first day of class. Better believe it, folks. Class. Next time, just sit next to that stud and smoothly pass him an empty tic-tac-toe board —  guaranteed to get you at least a smile and a game, possibly even a good lay.

I'm sure other people have recommended you try to meet guys at the gym, and on the surface, that seems like a good idea. Plenty of ripped and athletic guys frequent the Eppley Recreation Center or Ritchie Coliseum, but what you're overlooking is that this plan involves actual exercise. I realize some people are probably on board with that sort of thing, but I am most certainly not. I instead recommend more leisurely activities like drinking coffee. I happen to know for a cold, hard fact that guys go to Starbucks with the intention of picking up cute and studious girls. Just look approachable and wear stretchy pants, and you'll fit right into the scene.

My final — and best — suggestion is online dating. I know it sounds stupid and sketchy, but it's actually really fun. If you don't have high expectations for expedience and seriousness, it can be a good way of figuring out for yourself what kind of guy you're looking for. Also, who doesn't like putting pictures of themselves on the Internet? Find me and friend me, bitches.

Esti Frischling is a senior English major. She can be reached at esti at umdbk.com.