10 Cheap First Date Ideas
By Jake Butler in Going Out
University is a great place to meet new people and for some, to meet a partner. Dates are an exciting part of university whether you are already in a relationship or you are just getting to know people. You never know where it could lead!
However, being a student, there is a slight possibility that you won’t be able to afford to take your date to The Ritz for dinner. We don’t want to cheapen romance too much, but here are our top 10 ideas (in no particular order) to save the pennies whilst still making a great impression on your first date. Of course there’s many other ideas for budding Romeos and Juliets, so please share your own in the comments below!
1. Eating out
Look for deals online, especially deals for students as many places will offer 50% off your food bill. Drinks are typically where the money drains, so if you’re after wine, go straight for one of the cheapest bottles. Otherwise just keep an eye on the prices!
Be sure to check the menu for any offers and set meals that could save you lots of money. Be wary of ‘all you can eat’ deals as you will be determined to get your money’s worth and risk walking out of a restaurant bulging at the seams. Not an attractive look to your date.
A final tip is to not go for a full blown meal. Maybe just visit a restaurant for a spot of brunch or even just a simple coffee. It’s just as good an opportunity to get to know each other than dinner.
2. Bowling
Not an obvious choice for ‘cheap dates’, but you can get some fantastic deals as a student on bowling. Great fun for a first date or perhaps a double date with friends.
3. Walking
Perhaps a bit too obvious? But understated nonetheless! This is (of course) a very cheap option for you penny savers and is classically very romantic (weather permitting!). Walking through the park swinging hands can be a great chance to talk and get some fresh air away from uni work. For those of you a little keener on walking or fitness, maybe plan a hike or a bike ride.
4. Picnic
Another romantic yet cheap date. Show off your sandwich making skills and your taste in cheap bottle cider! Probably best left for the summer though..
5. Cinema
Students will be well aware of ‘Orange Wednesdays’ but there other student offers out there for other weekdays. You can print off a 2-4-1 voucher for Cineworld from StudentBeans.com without needing to find and beg to someone on Orange.
Definately take your own goodies to eat during the film, just hide them well in your bag and don’t take anything too noisy to eat.
6. Free events
Keep an eye out for events going on in your local area. Community stuff is great, think about charity festivals or even a school fete. They are usually cheap if not free to attend and a great fun day out.
7. Free galleries and museums
We’re lucky enough in the UK to enjoy free admission to national museums and galleries. These places conjure up conversation and open your eyes to the wider world.
8. Markets and Car Boot sales
There’s likely to be a car boot sale on near you at weekends. They are great fun and of course you can pick up a novelty bargain or two. There is also the opportunity to buy your date a cheap (but meaningful..) present!
9. Staying in
Why go out at all? One of my personal favourites is staying in together. Though this is probably better for longer term relationships. Be romantic and cook your date a meal, it can be a much nicer gesture than spending £40 on a posh restaurant. It shows effort and you can buy a cheap-ish bottle of wine to set the night off..
10. Be creative
If all else fails be creative. Look to what you or your date like to do outside of university. You both might be into running or watching sport. How about karate or dance lessons, or maybe skiing or rock climbing sessions which will appeal to you thrill seekers out there. These are things that you’ll both remember for a long time!
Just keep a lookout for student deals, many which you’ll come across through your student union and sites like this.
Extra tips to help Cupid!
Now that you are full of ideas and equipped to impress your date ‘on the cheap(!)’, there are a few things to remember. Although these ideas are cheap and cheerful it is best to mix them up.
Going for a walk or watching an old DVD for every date gets repetitive and boring. Spread things out, keep variety. Some couples (including the Beckams!) have a ‘date’ night which is a great idea.
I find it a good idea to not go all out on one night, for example a meal out and then clubbing. Split these two things up and turn them into two separate dates. Maybe eat in and then go to the cinema or eat out and watch a DVD.
So there you have it. Time to go out and get dating, without breaking the bank! Good luck! Remember to share your own ideas below..
Last updated 13th December, 2011
Polly
16. Nov, 2010
There is no way I would go to a car boot sale for a date!
Jake
18. Nov, 2010
Haha neither would I Polly but I’m sure some people would. Maybe it’s a better idea for longer relationships! It can get you talking about future things for your house or buy each other gifts.
Smarty
01. Dec, 2011
A date to a boot fair with Kit would not turn out cheap… some good ideas though!