For many students, college is a big balancing act. On the one hand, you have your studies that will help you get a job in the future. On the other, you have your social life that will influence how you’ll go about dealing with other people when you’re living your adult years. It’s up to you to decide which side to prioritize, but right now, you can get a taste of both. You can even see it in the world of dating, where you can have a study session and a date at the same time. Get closer to success with these pointers:

Choose a Good Place

Study dates are pretty much like any other kinds of dates, except for the fact that, well, your goal is to learn rather than flirt. Because of that, you need to find a place where you can actually read, write, and type as well as get to know each other comfortably. It can be anywhere from an actual study center to a cozy pastry shop in Sterling Heights. If you still can’t decide on the venue, then this is your chance to let your partner shine in choosing a place for you.

Put Your Studies First

You’ve probably invited your partner on the premise that you’ll be studying together in a casual setting. What’s the best thing to do? Do it. At least your partner will know that you are serious about your academics and respect you for it. You can leave the “getting to know” part while you’re eating or taking some other break. Also, any decent guy or girl will know if you’re just using the date as a ploy to look for a potential significant other, and you’ll likely ruin your chance for a second time.

Take Regular Breaks

Studying is hard work, even if you’re in a casual setting and the two of you are helping each other out. That’s why you should keep yourselves from burning out and take regular breaks. Taking your breaks also leaves you some time for the date part of your study date, where you can talk about each other and your interests and see if you’re mutually into each other.

Be Natural

The best part about study dates, which you sometimes don’t get in regular one, is that you can pretty much be yourself. Remember that this is a casual occasion, so you don’t have to dress in anything fancy or spend time at a fine dining restaurant. You also don’t have to pretend that you’re dumb or that you know everything. Let your partner see the real you. If they like it, it’s your gain. If they don’t, it’s their loss.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Them out Again

You might find yourself liking your partner’s company, so you ask yourself, “Do I ask them out again?” If the whole affair has gone well, then the answer is a resounding yes. Even if there are no hints of romance yet, as long as you’ve been successful with your main goal which is to study, it’s totally okay to ask them for another date.

A study date is a great way to have fun with your academics and develop your social life. But it’s a time to get serious as well. Like with the rest of college life, the key to your success here is balance.