Cambridge may boast an impressive academic reputation but its dating scene is a whole different story. You’d think that in a city brimming with some of the most (allegedly) intellectually stimulating and passionate people, romance would be the easiest subject to master. And yet, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

I will say, my last few months of second year really threw a spanner in the works of this reputation. All of a sudden, everyone was in a relationship of some sort. Call it Easter term stress or the sunny weather, but something was in the air. However, with both of these now out of the picture, I suspect a new spark for romance could be needed. And no, this inspiration is not going to be found in the depths of your Hinge likes or in the middle of the sticky Revs dancefloor, that I can promise you.

“Could it be any easier?”

So, whether you’re making your first venture onto the Cambridge dating scene, or you’ve been stuck in it for what feels like forever (and have thus given up all hope in the aforementioned tactics), it may be that this spark of inspiration is exactly what you need. Here, Varsity extends a helping hand by offering a simple matchmaking service and organising a blind date to test this potential new connection – could it be any easier?

I now make my plea to the sceptics – those less inclined to trust everything I’ve said so far, those doubtful of our Varsity matchmakers, those certain that no person for them could exist in the confines of Cambridge – and ask you this: what do you have to lose?

Of course, I understand your inevitable scepticism, and I’m not going to pretend that my own foray into the Blind Date world ended in some great romance, or even some mediocre romance, but I still argue it was worthwhile. I signed up for a Varsity Blind Date not because it promised a match made in heaven, but because a group of friends and I thought it would be fun. We resolved that, if it wielded results in the end, that’d only be a bonus. The process was simple: fill in a form with some information about yourself and wait to hear back about your match. I’d be lying if I said we all approached this form with the same level of seriousness, but I think some of us had more hope than others.

“Varsity matchmakers understand personality compatibility”

I’m not proud to admit that, when I heard back, it crossed my mind to back out. I suddenly felt less entertained by the idea than I had when we made it as a group. Still, I’m glad I didn’t abandon my date. I had prayed the whole way to The Maypole (forever grateful, by the way, to the matchmakers for not picking the pub right next to my college), that I wouldn’t be the first there – and so was thankful when I saw a guy matching my date’s description walk up just before me. He made a good first impression by offering to buy me a drink (I’m not saying it’s necessary but it’s always a nice offer), and we started chatting.

If there’s one thing that I learned from going on a Blind Date myself, and talking to others who did the same, it’s that Varsity matchmakers understand personality compatibility. From what I heard, conversation flowed easily on every date, and I think we were all pleasantly surprised at how natural something so potentially awkward could end up feeling. I think the key is to lean into it. Yes, it’s odd that you both filled out a Google form to be here. Yes, there’s pressure in knowing that a couple strangers seem to think you’d work well together. And yes, it’s definitely uncomfortable that your friend from college is two tables over and wondering what’s going on. But embrace it. Point these things out. Introduce your date when a friend appears with one of her own. It’s all part of the experience.

So, though my date and I never spoke again, I am still a firm believer in the blind date concept. It clearly has the potential to match like-minded people, and it’s not far-fetched to imagine these pairings turning into a real relationship. And even if that isn’t the fate of your date – trust me – it makes for an interesting evening.