by Kaelynd Brouillette ’29 on February 12, 2026
Opinion - Campus
I vividly remember being on campus for First Day in Friartown, listening to Dean Sears give an introduction speech. He spoke to us about how Providence College, in general, is a place of love, where many find their forever person. That moment stuck with me more than expected, and it put an expectation into my mind that the same thing would happen to me. I was hopeful, but realistic, and open to the idea of a relationship. It turns out that Dean Sears was not wrong. Not only did I meet my boyfriend here, but I have come to know quite a few people who found their significant others at PC. I had the realization that this experience is far from rare, and, in fact, it is very likely that one finds their future spouse, or has some sort of romantic relationship, during their time at college.
According to The Knot, about 15 percent of people find their husband or wife in college. This makes sense, as the structure of a college campus creates an environment where you are forced to meet and talk to new people. Factors such as physical proximity, shared routines and classes, and constant interaction act as catalysts for relationships to bud, leading to many long-term relationships and marriages beginning in college or early adulthood. This is especially true at PC. With tight-knit social circles, a small campus, and familiar faces anywhere, it is almost difficult to imagine that you are not going to meet someone with whom you could see a future. At a school like PC, these structural factors are reinforced by something deeper, as research suggests that students at religious institutions are even more likely to form relationships that lead to marriage.
PC is a Catholic institution, meaning that many who choose to attend this school share the same moral framework, with an emphasis on community and values. According to the Institute for Family Studies, almost all 25 of the colleges with the highest marriage rates among fellow students were religious institutions, and in general, those at religious institutions are more likely to find their partner in college. This idea definitely shows up on our campus, as there are so many serious relationships here, as well as people dating with intention, even if it is casually at first. Although PC does not feel rigid or traditional, Catholic values can still shape relationships, as we see on our campus.
Every story has a flip side, too. It is not a complete reality to say that everyone here is looking for a long-term relationship at all times, and it is important to acknowledge that PC has an abundant and established so-called hookup culture, which I believe goes hand-in-hand with going-out culture. With parties and going out every weekend, hookup culture is bound to spread rapidly and take full effect on campus. But, hookup culture can exist alongside long-term relationships, sometimes involving the same people at different times through their four years at college. It can also lead to confusion between casual and serious intentions. There is almost an underlying pressure to participate in hookup culture, even if it does not align with your personal values, which can build a sense of fear of missing out or feeling like you’re not doing college right. Nonetheless, for some, hookups are freeing, but for others, they can feel isolating or emotionally draining. Overall, PC’s dating culture isn’t one thing; it’s more layered and contradictory.
I now view Dean Sears’ words with more nuance than before, as I have experienced dating culture here for myself. Love at PC is not guaranteed, but connection definitely is. No matter who you are, you will find your people here and find space for experimentation and commitment to exist and help us reflect on who we are. What makes love on this campus unique is not its certainty, but its environment—one that encourages connection while allowing students to define relationships on their own terms.