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Cheap Dates for Cash-Strapped Students

© Amy Cunningham, Editor

Cheap Dates for Cash-Strapped Students When you're dining on Kraft mac-n-cheese and Ramen noodles, there's hardly money in your budget for five star restaurants and tickets to the theater. Lack of funds doesn't have to mean lack of romance though. In fact, half of the fun is getting creative! If you open your eyes and mind, there are plethora of cheap, but romantic dates out there for you to discover!

1. The Great Outdoors.
   Get a breath of fresh air and a dose of free romance with Mother Nature. There are limitless activities outdoors
   
   Plan a picnic for two at your local park, at a nearby lake, or any other scenic outdoors location. Pack a few sandwiches, snacks, and drinks in your backpack and you have an instant romantic date for two.
   
   Take a walk together! Walk around town hand-in-hand window shopping or through a park at sunset. Take a hike on nearby trails or explore areas that you've never been to before.
   
   Become kids again! Spend the afternoon at a playground, pushing each other on the swings, goofing off on the teeter-totter, and sliding down the slides. If you're feeling particularly active, play a game of tag for two!
   
   Cool off in the water together. Spend the day lounging at the beach or lake or go for a moonlight swim together.
   
   The great outdoors gets more romantic as the day wears on. Try sunset strolls, moonlit walks, or star-gazing in the park.
   
   
2. Local Shops
   Take a date to your local bookstore or coffee shop. It's a great place to sit and talk and it's cheap (think coffee and unlimited refills!). While there, check out their event schedule. Many book and coffee shops host book signings, lectures, poetry readings, and live music. Often these events are completely free to customers.
   
   
3. Campus Scene
   Pick up your school paper and check out the campus scene. Most colleges and universities offer a wide variety of free activities for students ranging from lectures, to sports games, to readings, to movies, and so on. Check your school paper, web site, bulletin boards, and more for upcoming free events.
   
   
4. City Scene
   Pick up your local newspaper or city guide or check a website like CitySearch that lists upcoming entertainment and events. You're sure to find a trove of free events such as concerts in the park, local festivals, and more. Many of these events are completely free, while others may have a small fee.