College Knowledge

Dating on a Dime: Tips for College Romance

You did it! You escaped your parents and now you’re away at college hanging out with the most beautiful girl you’ve ever seen. You pull into the cinema at the mall wondering how your hair looks and whether or not she’ll want to hold hands. As you make your way to the ticket booth with your potential wife, you direct her to the exit at the back of the theater. You flash your brightest smile as you tell her you can only afford one ticket and will have to sneak her in. Obviously, popcorn and drinks will be out of the question, but you promise to share some Spaghetti-O’s and Easy Mac with her as soon as you arrive back on campus. You buy your ticket and approach the exit, but when you open the door your heart explodes into a thousand pieces as you find your date has vanished without a trace. Ouch! College dating can be tough. For those noble few who actually want to form a meaningful relationship, it can be hard to show your date you care with only a college budget at your disposal. Luckily, there are also a few advantages when it comes to college dating. With proper planning you can get away with dates that are free or inexpensive while at the same time duping your potential mate into thinking you’re actually a good person. The cool thing about college students is that they generally want to learn and are open to new experiences. This means that tons of date ideas that might have been taboo in high school are now great options. Seek out local museums and art halls. These places offer a lot to explore and will give you time to actually talk to your date. If your date turns out to be a dud, the conversations might be a little painful, but at least many museums are free! Planetariums are another cool place to visit. If you’re adventurous, go ahead and synonymize a journey through outer space with the concept of dating you; maybe your date will go for it (good luck). If the weather is nice, look for parks in your area. Activities like hiking, picnicking, and canoeing are fun and inexpensive. If you’re up to it and want to impress, try volunteering or community service. There are likely a number of meaningful contributions you can make in your area. Volunteering doesn’t cost a thing and the kicker is you often get a free lunch! Don’t forget to make use of your college ID. If you do a little research, you’ll find a number of places that offer discounts for poor college students like yourself. If you’re confined to campus due to a lack of transportation or you just want to stay close to home, you still have a variety of options. Be mindful of campus events and activities that can provide a great opportunity for a date. Would your date enjoy attending an athletic event? Men trying to kill each other over bragging rights can be quite romantic and colleges almost always discount their tickets for students. Does your school put on concerts in the music hall? Does the drama department put on plays? Always keep an eye on what the arts department is up to, it’s usually something! Also, be aware of any visits from notable figures. Colleges often host events for authors, political candidates, and other intriguing speakers. Don’t be the only couple on campus that miss Carrot Top’s brilliant performance. If you want to keep things low key, check if your campus has an inexpensive theater or restaurant. Also, look for scenic areas on campus where your date might enjoy a walk and a picnic. Another option is to host an event of your own, such as a poker night or a dinner party with friends. Most colleges are active in planning events for their students; you just need to take advantage of what they offer instead of taking advantage of your date if you want to make the relationship last! www.collegeknowitall.com