Dating in college is fun and unique. No curfews. No one telling you what to do or where to be. No bills to pay. No children to take care of. No full-time jobs. Ultimate freedom. The whole world is available to explore.
Yet, most couples choose Netflix and movies and food for dates. Out of all the possibilities, you chose to stare at a screen for hours? When you could be out exploring new places, having fun, challenging yourself, making memories. Granted, money can be an issue when dating in college because, let’s face it, we are all broke.
Who Should Pay?
When surveyed, men said they feel they are expected to pay for the date.
The polled women said they expect men to pay for the date-the exception: most women felt a responsibility to pay if they asked the man out.
Nick Raborn of Humboldt University recently surveyed many college-age men and women for a report on Gender and Dating Expectations. He found that there is a not-so-subtle double standard regarding the issue of who should pay for a date.
Dating on a Budget
Being a ‘cheap date‘ isn’t a bad thing in college, but being ‘cheap on a date has often been the kiss of death. But, of course, dating isn’t cheap-particularly on a college budget. Fortunately, a great night out doesn’t require a lot of money. All that’s needed is good company and a fun activity.
Super-Saver Dating Tips
When you’re trying to save some money on your date, the key is not to make it too obvious. So here are a few ideas that will allow you to watch your pocketbook without looking like a tightwad:
Explore Nature
Submerging your toes in the warm sand on a beautiful day can be romantic and uplifting–not to mention free. But, of course, if you enjoy more intensive excursions, you can always skip the beach and go on a hike. Just don’t forget the sunblock. Blotches of toasted skin can ruin a date fast.
Have a Themed Dinner and a Movie
Renting movies is almost always cheaper than going to a theatre. Watching a movie at home also eliminates the possibility of some rude person ruining your date. If you want to go all out, you can make dinner and base the whole night on a theme. Get a movie set in Italy or starring Italian characters, and make some spaghetti or lasagna. Or, if you are both Harry Potter fans or Monty Python fans, pick up a flick and make some British-inspired snacks.
Play a Sport
Are you both athletic? Maybe both of you can decide on a sport to play together. If not, you can always ask your date to teach you how to play something they are good at. If you go on a sports date, try not to be obnoxious when you win or upset when you lose; you may not get a second date with that attitude. Always keep your competitive nature under control.
Go to a Museum
Are both of you into art? How about architecture? How about history? You may want to take your date to a museum in your area. Some museums offer student discounts, while other museums have days when admission is free.
If you do have to pay for admission, it is usually affordable. Some museums also offer concerts, so you may be able to check out some exciting art and hear some great music. In addition, museum dates allow for learning new things together or teaching one another.
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