Are you a college student looking for some date ideas? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. As a recent college graduate with a girlfriend, I’ve planned my fair share of dates.
If you’re a college student on a budget, it can seem impossible to find date ideas that aren’t super expensive. However, as someone who went on plenty of dates throughout college, I know first hand that there are plenty of cheap date ideas.
With that being said, here are the 20 best date ideas for college students.
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20 Date Ideas For College Students
1. Bike Ride Adventure
Going on a bike ride adventure is a great way to have a fun date. If you live in a city, you can most likely find some bikes that are available to rent.
The great thing about going on a bike adventure is that you can go at your own pace, it’s affordable and you can visit new places. If you’re a couple who enjoys exercising, this is the perfect date idea.
2. Movie Night
Although it’s basic, planning a movie night never get old. You can either go to the movie theater or you can do the date at your place.
In my opinion, having a movie date from the comfort of my own home is much better. This way, you can eat your own snacks, choose the movie and it doesn’t really cost any money.
Whether if you’re watching a romantic comedy, horror movie or a thriller, a movie date is a good time.
3. Visit a Museum
If you’re looking for a laid back date, try visiting a museum. In most cities, there are plenty of free museums that are available to the public.
This is a great way to learn about history, art and science. If you’re a couple who’s into learning new things, visiting local museums will be very enjoyable.
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4. Watch the Sunrise
Watching the sunrise is a romantic date idea that is completely free. Staying up talking all night and waiting for the sunrise is a good way to become closer with your date.
If you’ve never watched the sunrise, then you have to. The view will be beautiful and after the sun comes up, you can rest with your date.
5. Attend a Concert
Attending a concert is a fun date idea and a good way to see talented musicians. Obviously, it’s cool to see a big time artist. However, I know first hand that it can be very expensive.
If you’re in college, there are plenty of underground concerts or concerts hosted by your college. If you’re on a tight budget, look out for local shows as they can be a very good time.
6. Game Night
Whether if it’s board games or video games, planning a game night is a great way to spend quality time with your date. There are plenty of games that can be really fun together during game night.
If you’re looking for board games, check out:
- Risk
- Connect 4
- Cards
- Blokus
Another fun game you can play during game night is Triviaverse. This is a trivia game which can be found on the popular streaming service Netflix.
7. Attend a Sporting Event
Attending sporting events is a great time for everyone. If you have a local sports team, try attending one of their games.
Most colleges have football teams and the games can be very exciting. Generally, students get a discount on tickets which can make the date super affordable.
If you’re looking for a fun activity, try this date idea out!
8. Ice Skating
An ice skating day is a fun and adventurous date. If you know how to ice skate, then you will love going on an ice skating date.
There is something relaxing and romantic about ice skating. For an ice skating rink, check out your local ice rink to see if they have any ice time available.
Ice skating dates are super affordable and so much fun.
Related: What to Wear on a First Date for Teenage Guys
9. Picnic Date
A picnic date is a unique date idea that has become very popular on TikTok. Planning a picnic is super easy and it’s a cute date idea.
Before the picnic, you can go to the store and pick up some snacks and drinks. If it’s a nice day outside, your picnic date will be the perfect way to spend time with your loved one.
Instead of spending a ton of money on a fancy dinner, lay a blanket out on the grass and have a picnic.
10. Watch Fireworks
If you’re looking for cheap college date ideas, try watching fireworks. If there’s a holiday or special event, typically there will be community firework shows.
Attending a firework show is a nice date and a fun activity that both of you will enjoy.
11. Go Apple Picking
If it’s the right time of the year, visiting the apple orchard is a nice date idea. This is an annual date that my girlfriend and I do every single year.
Apple picking is a great activity and it’s a good opportunity to take some very nice pictures.
12. Sledding Date
If you live in a colder climate, then you have to try a sledding date. You can find sleds for super cheap and it is such a fun activity.
If you have any local hills in your area, then you have to try going on a sledding date!
13. Visit a Trampoline Park
Trampoline parks are a great place to have fun and to exercise. If you haven’t been to a trampoline park, then you have to try one out.
Going to a trampoline park is a great way to relieve that college stress and have tons of fun. Whether if it’s a regular date or a group date, going to a trampoline park will be tons of fun.
14. Cook Together
If you’re looking for a great date idea, trying cooking together. Whether if it’s making dinner or baking desert, cooking together is a fun date idea.
Making a meal together is a great opportunity to eat delicious food, while having fun.
15. Ice Cream / Coffee Date
An ice cream date or coffee date is an amazing first date idea. The great thing about going on ice cream or coffee dates, is that you will get to know your date and it does not cost a lot of money.
Going out for coffee or ice cream is not super time consuming so if you hit it off, you can always do something afterwards.
16. Spa Night
Having a spa night is a fun and enjoyable date idea. You can do little things like face masks and massages which can be a relaxing experience.
A spa night is super easy to plan and it’s a fun evening date idea.
17. Visit Your Local Aquarium
If you’re looking for a date idea that will get you out of your dorm room, try visiting your local aquarium. Going to an aquarium for the first time is a really cool experience that everyone has to try.
An aquarium date is the perfect time and it’s super different from the average date. Typically, aquariums will have student discounts to make it more affordable for college students.
Related: 20 Gen Z Date Ideas (Cheap, Fun, Creative)
18. Video Game Date
A video game date is a cheap and fun activity. All you need is a video game console and a tv.
On the most part, college guys tend to have video game consoles. Playing a video games encourages a little friendly competition and it can be very fun.
There are some really fun video games like NBA, Fifa, Fall Guys and Minecraft. These are all great games, which are perfect for date night.
19. Go For a Hike
If you’re dating someone who is athletic and adventurous, try hiking. Hiking is one of the most fun date idea and it is super rewarding.
During the hike, you can have a great conversation and you get to experience a beautiful view once you reach the peak of the mountain.
20. Dinner Date
A dinner date is a classic date idea. I would recommend doing a dinner date for your second date as it will cost money and it does require committing a bit of time.
Going on a dinner date doesn’t mean that you have to go out to an expensive steakhouse. There are plenty of restaurants that are reasonably priced and still very tasty.
If you’re already in a relationship, going on a dinner date is always a nice gesture and a good time.
Honourable Mentions:
- Scavenger hunt
- Visit a national park
- Thrift store date
- Attend a comedy show
- Visit a local animal shelter
- Pumpkin patch date
- Blanket fort date
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Final Thoughts on Date Ideas For College Students
As a college student, finding some date ideas that don’t break the bank can be a real challenge. Luckily, with a bit or research and planning, dates can be inexpensive.
If you’re in a relationship, trying these date ideas will be a really fun time and good chance to try new things.
If you’re single and just looking for some first date ideas, there are plenty of good suggestions on this list. College is a great place to go on dates and getting experience dating others.
In this post, I shared the best date ideas for college students.
What’s your favorite date idea? Please let me know in the comments below.