When people say the ‘Cambridge’ name will get you places, escort agencies are probably not what they had in mind. Nevertheless, an increasing number of students are singing up to an upbeat ‘Take Me To Dinner’ website to boost their finances. Students choose where they’ll go, when, and with whom. In addition to being extremely lucrative, it provides an incredible opportunity to experience a lifestyle most of us could not otherwise afford. I’ve had friends taken to the Opera, the Ballet, treated to top restaurants, and get paid anything from £5 to £200, for a few hours of their, clearly scintillating, conversation.

Seemingly, most people using the site are seeking a power trip by flashing cash at impoverished students, or the buzz of younger company. The separate Oxbridge/Ivy League section, suggests that many get a kick from dating a member of the student ‘elite’. Ok, so you might have tolerate being thrilled by your dates’ detailed knowledge of the bread importation industry, that’s actually true, but surely this is a small price to pay?

They think they’re paying for more than dinner

Ambiguities within the site itself, however, could make it a more ‘costly’ experience. There is exceptionally little mention of money exchanged and a casual shelving of the fact that many clients are ‘happily married’. Set rules seem totally absent. Instead, a system of virtual interactions, something akin to poking on Facebook, offers ‘strip teases’, encouraging people to go as far as they like. One Cambridge student reportedly asked for £20 extra to invest in some underwear. As a result, clients often have very different expectations of their ‘date’.

Bring up the issue of ‘Take Me To Dinner’ and it seems to polarise student opinion. People either think it’s a fantastic idea, or they’re appalled at the immorality. If you spend an enjoyable evening with someone who pays for your delicious dinner, is it right to ask for money? On the other hand, if that person knew they had to buy your time, is it different to any other kind of service provision? Perhaps we are all too quick to judge. I wouldn’t get involved myself, partly because of the moral issue, but more because I think it takes guts I’m not sure I have.

Many students expect to be able to play off their ‘Oxbridge’ degree. We hope employers will see it as synonymous with bright, articulate, passionate things that most people say about themselves on their ‘Take Me To Dinner’ profiles. We are all, imminently going to prostitute ourselves to the working world. So if dating services are willing to pay us for the ‘Cambridge’ name, should we condemn those of us that would be willing to let them?