Online dating just got less creepy for students.
University of Miami business graduate Jonathan Rosen has created University Date Finder, a student and alumni dating website featuring UF along with other universities nationwide.
The service is free and available only to students ages 18 through 32 with a .edu e-mail address.
Rosen thinks students who don’t have much time for a social life, are new to a city, or are unsure of meeting people on general dating websites like Match.com and eHarmony will benefit from his site.
“You don’t have to worry about meeting some creepy 60-year-old,” Rosen said.
Members will be able to search for partners like other dating services but will able to filter matches by majors, colleges and other student-related categories.
Additionally, users can send flirts to each other, similar to pokes on Facebook.
He is considering adding instant messaging as a feature.
Rosen hopes it becomes popular in big cities and college towns.
The website already features major national universities, including Harvard and UC Berkley.
“UF is kind of a test for a college town,” said Rosen. “I think UF has potential because of its alumni network.”
After getting the idea for the website six months ago, Rosen got help and legal advice from The Launch Pad, a UM entrepreneurial resource for students.
UM graduate Gigi Alex, who gave Rosen feedback when told about the website, felt it was a good idea.
“It’s going to be free,” said Alex. “That coupled with the idea of only meeting college students will be great.”
University Date Finder launches today and can be found at universitydatefinder.com.
