When you’re living on a student’s budget, dating can stretch your finances to the breaking point. You want to go out and do things with your date, but not nearly everything you both want to do is free.
Since it’s almost impossible to go on cost free dates, low cost ones are the next best thing. Here are nine suggestions.
Miniature golf
This is an old favorite and a perfect one. Not only is it inexpensive but it’s something that the two of you can do together. Even if you don’t like golf – or aren’t particularly good at it – miniature golf is the “bunny hill” version of the sport. You can’t help but look like a star. And if you still goof up, you and your date will have a few laughs to share along the way.
Movie matinees
Free concerts and movies
Universities and local towns often hold free concerts or free movies as an attempt to promote community spirit. They don’t happen all the time, but if you have one happening over the coming weekend, this can be the perfect inexpensive outing, especially on a warm summer night.
Ice skating
Hey, this is Canada and ice-skating is a natural here! You can do this either indoors or outdoors, and not only is it a lot of fun but it’s also excellent for exercise. One thing is for sure, you’ll never be bored ice-skating.
And of course it will be a lot less expensive if you own your own skates. If you left them at home with your family, make it a point to bring them back to school with you. You never know when you might need them for a date!
Go hiking on a nature trail
Hiking on a nature trail is a winner on two fronts. First, it will usually cost you nothing to enter the nature trail (OK, sometimes there’s a parking fee, but it’s usually minimal). Second, it’s an activity – as in physical activity. That means you will be out doing something which is a great way to bond.
Have a wine and cheese picnic while watching the sun set
A picnic can be a bit cliché, but having a picnic while watching the sunset adds a whole new dimension to the outing. Bring some wine and cheese and plan on savoring the evening.
Have a water balloon fight at the park, then go warm up over dessert at a coffee house that has a raging fireplace
Naturally this is an activity that you will only want to do during warmer weather. But if it’s that time of year, a water balloon fight can be the perfect date. Not only is it a lot of fun, but it’s also the perfect icebreaker. It’s also a free activity, or at least no more expensive then a package of balloons.
And after you are done getting wet and cold, you can head over to a coffee house that has a nice warm fire.
Do any of the above, then head out for coffee and dessert – instead of dinner
Unless you are heading out for pizza or for fast food, dinner can be expensive. So instead of going out for dinner, go out for dessert at the end of your date. Not only is dessert a lot less expensive than dinner, but it’s also a good opportunity to engage in some quiet conversation at the end of the evening.
Go Dutch!
This may not work on all dates, but it’s a way to cut the cost of your dates in half. That will give you two choices. Either you can save money by splitting the cost of the date, or you can pool your money and go on higher priced dates.
Do you have suggestions for other low- or no-cost dates?
(Image by cbenjasuwan @ Free Digital Photos)
When I was a student, I used to go to art gallery showings. It is free and they usually serve wine and some appetizers.
What about in places that’s warm all year?
Wine, cheese, and a picnic, sounds like the perfect date to me!
Sign up for Northern Light alerts and head out when the probability is high! I managed to catch some Valentine`s day last year.
You can sign up for Northern Light alerts? Cool!
My husband and I have gone to a couple free movies on our campus this year. We love attending free or subsidized university events.