Wang Yuanyuan

    About half of university students in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen are in a romantic relationship, according to a survey conducted among 1,200 university students.

    Nearly half of the students admitted to having been in relationships in high school and only 3 percent would wait until after graduating before getting into a relationship, said the survey, which was carried out by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

    About 6.8 percent of the students surveyed agreed that middle school was too early to have a romantic partner.

    Most thought that personality, character, common interests, education and family background were more important than money. Many said they would never go out with a person who they did not consider likeable.

    About 13.1 percent thought men should pay on dates, while 25.1 percent thought the female partner should pay her own way.

    Only 14.4 percent admitted to having lost their virginity and 24.1 percent said they wanted to but were afraid to try. About 61.7 percent of the students said they had never tried.

    The research also found that many university students hoped to get married as early as possible. At Shanghai Jiaotong University, four girls even posted advertisements on their online campus forum, hoping to find their husband before graduation.

    “This might be due to social pressure. These students are looking for financial security,” said Shu Liumin, a psychologist at Shenzhen Kangning Hospital.

    Meanwhile, many girls were afraid of not being able to get married before turning 30.

    “A lot of bad things are said about those who are not married by the time they’re 30. Many young women are afraid of becoming the target for such things,” said Shu.

    Shu suggested university students, particularly girls, should not worry about marriage too much.

    “Woman should not seek security and insurance only from marriage. Real security has to come from yourself. For university students, the most important thing is to learn skills, enjoy your youth and experience life. When the right time comes, you will find your own happiness,” said Shu.