This one is for the ladies...but fellas, listen closely. College, namely undergrad, is all about experience. To put it in mathematical terms, only 30% is academic; the other 70% is experience. Think about it. On average, students are in the classroom 12-16 hours per week. What’s left to do with all of that extra time? (Lots of room for self-discovery, hint hint).

A central theme to collegiate career is learning everything there is to know about love, romance and all of those awful gray areas in between. The problem is that most girls don’t approach romantic situations wisely.

Somewhere between orientation and graduation, a lesson is lost; no one reminds the eager pupil to guard herself above all others. Sticking to three basic principles will salvage all dignity and ensure a pain-free dating experience:

1.) Time is of the essence. Don’t waste it on losers.

College is four very short years. It shouldn’t be wasted on guys who are sub-par. Granted, a little bad experience goes quite a long way in terms of developing an expertise at reading people. But that experience only goes so far. Repeat offenses are never okay.

Hypothetically, if he cheats once, it will happen again, regardless of how much groveling he does or promises he makes, bad habits die hard. A lot of times, girls enable this awful behavior by “forgiving” the guy time and time again. Eventually, he’s going to assume he isn’t doing anything wrong, and then it’s no one’s fault but your own.

2.) You’re not a slut, so don’t act like one.

Ultimately, this rule boils down to respect. The girl who truly respects herself first will gain all the respect she wants from everyone around her. Again, experiences make the person, but within moderation.

Katie, a senior at Florida State University, recounts her revelry of freshman and sophomore years commenting, “When I first got to college, it was a free for all. I didn’t care who or when I was having sex, just that I was having sex.”

Think of it in terms of progression. If it seems like a good idea right this minute, is it still going to seem that great in four more years? Better still, would it be appropriate guidance to give someone else?

3.) You’re a smart girl. So start acting like it.

Face it, you made it in to college for a reason. You aren’t dumb, so start making good choices. Live for yourself first and foremost; no guy requires 24-hour attention. Exercise those sexy standards and morals.

Here’s a little secret: guys actually love it when a girl has her own life and her own mind first. Develop opinions, find interests and hobbies and most of all, be true to yourself. At the end of the term, that’s what will matter most.