When I was preparing to go to college, many people would laugh and exclaim something like, “You’re going to love dating in college!” or “Dating college guys is the best!”

As I began my first semester, I learned that dating in college was indeed very different from dating in high school.

Through both dating in high school and in college, I have found six dating do’s and don’ts that can have serious impact on whether or not I want a second date.

Don’t ask someone on a date over text. It is tacky and impersonal. If long distances or busy schedules make finding time to ask in person almost impossible, it is appropriate to call and ask.

Taking the time to call or ask someone out in person is classy and shows that you truly care about the person and going on a date with them.

When you go to pick up your date, don’t text them from the car or honk your horn. Walk up to the door to pick them up. Growing up, my parents often wanted to meet the boy who was taking me on a date, even if we were just friends. If your date lives at home, perhaps their parents have the same preference.

Going up to the door to get your date often dissipates some of the initial awkwardness. I found that the walk to the car was an awesome ice-breaking opportunity so that the car-ride was far from uncomfortable.

Gentlemen, get the doors for your dates. Whether you are getting into the car or walking into a building, opening doors is one of the classiest things you can do.

Ladies, it may feel awkward or unnatural to let your date open doors. Let him! And enjoy every second of it.

During your date, don’t text or check notifications from your phone. When I was on dates with someone who was constantly checking their phone or replying to texts, it made me feel like I was boring my date and that he didn’t even care to be out with me.

Put your phone away and save it for emergencies. Keeping cell phone use to a minimum on your date can really set a tone and determine how the rest of the night will go.

Dates don’t always have to be fancy. Although fancy dates can be fun every once and a while, especially if you are steady dating, first dates that are overly extravagant can be awkward.

One date I went on consisted of mini-golf, a picnic and a walk in the park. To this day, that date stands out as one of the best. The easy atmosphere of the date helped me get to know the boy I was with and we made some amazing memories together. Dates can be simple and extraordinary at the same time.

After your date, don’t make your date walk to the door alone. That classic porch scene doesn’t have to be awkward or anything romantic. Just walk your date to the door, thank them for going out with you and hug them if it feels right.

Dates can be simple and so can the front door scene, don’t put too much thought into it.

Be sure to keep these tips in mind and you are well on your way to having an amazing night. Whether it ultimately works out between the two of you, or you decide a second date isn’t necessary, you can be sure that the date was a night that no one is going to regret.