Would You Date a ‘Sugar Daddy’ to Pay Off Your Student Loan?

A quarter of a million UK students are using an app that hooks them up with ‘sugar daddies’- rich men that shower them with gifts in exchange for dates, companionship, and sometimes, sex.

Many students have signed up to the dating app, Seeking Arrangement, in a bid to pay their way through university and minimise the amount of student debt they graduate with. Others receive clothes and cars in exchange for their time, attention, and affection.

Makers of the app say they believe the increasing cost of university fees and student accommodation has encouraged young women to sign up. It’s as if becoming a ‘sugar baby’ is their only option!

While I wouldn’t judge a student for signing up to the app to make a quick buck and fund their education, I can’t help but feel that the whole concept of ‘sugar daddies’ is somewhat outdated and sexist. Although the pay gap (and glass ceiling) is still very much real, there’s no denying that in career-terms, women have never had it so good. So, while women certainly don’t have to climb the career ladder if they don’t want to, it seems a bit backwards for so many lasses to turn to sugar daddies for money.

Being a sugar baby may seem like a great get-rich-quick scheme but it isn’t the only option. If you think about it, it’s also not sustainable. You’re putting all your time and effort into an arrangement that is unlikely to last. Besides, what happens if you meet a guy you actually like - are they likely to be happy about the sugar daddy situation? There are so many ways you can make money as a student that don’t require ‘selling yourself’ and, unlike being a sugar baby, many of these other money-making side hustles will actually look good on your CV and help to further your career.

I’m reminded of a recent quote from Mark Zuckerberg. When a Facebook user wrote to him to say she was encouraging her daughters to date nerds because they could one day become the next Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder pointed out that rather than looking for nerds to date, women should become nerds themselves. ‘Be the nerd you wish to see in the world!’

So, rather than dating rich people to get what you want in life, why not work towards becoming a rich person yourself? You’ll be able to build a fulfilling career, strengthen your finances, pay off your student debt, and earn the right to brag about how you made it to the top off your own back.