Cheap College Date Ideas: How To Have Fun On A Date

Are you looking for a way to make this week your best one yet?

Date night can be expensive, especially when you’re a student on a budget.

Going out to eat or see a movie can quickly add up, leaving you with little money left over for the rest of the month.

Solution: Cheap date ideas are the answer! We’ve compiled a list of fun and affordable activities that will make your date night special without breaking the bank. From free museum admission days to hiking trails, we’ve got you covered.

Table of Contents

This Post Is All About Cheap College Date Ideas

1. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

Volunteering at an animal shelter can be a rewarding date idea. You can get to know each other while helping out animals in need. It’s a great way to spend time together and help make a difference.

2. Cook Together

Cooking a meal together is one of the best ways to get closer and connect. It can be an easy way to spend time together, and it’s a fun way to learn more about each other.

3. Attend An Open Mic

Open mics are a relaxed environment where you can go and enjoy cheap drinks, pub food, entertainment, and community classes.

4. Go For A Picnic

It’s not always necessary to spend a lot of money on a picnic. A great picnic can be simple and easy, and it’s a fun way to get outside and enjoy the weather. All you need is a blanket, some food, and drinks.

5. Attend local sports events

College sporting events can be a lot of fun. Tickets are often very affordable and sometimes free.

6. Visit Local Markets

There are many options for cheap dates, and one of the best is to visit local markets. Farmers markets are free and a good place to find foods, drinks, and other items. They’re also a great place to find unique gifts.

7. Go Fishing

Teaching your date how to fish can be an inexpensive, fun way of spending a day. All you need is a fishing rod, some bait, and a body of water!

8. Go Hiking

Hiking is a great way to get to know your date. It’s also a fun and affordable way to spend time together outdoors. Be sure to pack essentials for hiking: water, snacks, sunscreen, hat or cap, rain jacket or umbrella, first aid kit and extra layer of clothing if necessary for weather conditions.

9. Shop At Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are a fun and original way to find cheap date ideas. A $10-$20 allowance is the perfect amount to spend on each other for a thrift store date.

10. Do A Puzzle

Jigsaw puzzles can make for a really fun and rewarding date idea. You can get a cheap puzzle at your local dollar store or go all out and get a 1,000-piece puzzle.

11. Visit A National Park

There are plenty of beautiful parks all over the country that offer free admission. Why not visit one on a cheap date? Pack a picnic lunch and some snacks, and spend the day enjoying nature. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a hike or explore the park’s trails.

12. Learn A New Language

There are many different ways to learn a new language. One option is to download a language learning app. These apps can be fun, and they’re also a good way to practice the new language daily.

13. Play Frisbee

One great and cheap college date idea is playing Frisbee. It’s a fun way to get some exercise and spend time with your significant other. Plus, if you have friends who also want to join in, it can easily turn into a “double date” scenario.

14. Hire A Bike

If you’re looking for a unique and cheap date idea, consider hiring a tandem bike. This is a great way to get out and explore your city or town while enjoying some quality time with your partner. You can find tandem bikes at most bike rental shops.

15. Have A Spa Night

One cheap and fun date idea is to have a spa night.

Set the mood with some candles and relaxing music.

Put on a face mask.

Take a hot bath or shower.

Use a body scrub or loofah.

Apply lotion.

Finish up with a hair treatment, such as deep conditioning or applying a hot oil treatment.

16. Attend Community Classes

There are many affordable community classes that offer great learning experiences. Groupon, for example, offers affordable meditation and yoga classes.

17. Go To Trivia Night

Going to trivia night is a fun and cheap way to spend time with your date. College bars and pubs often have trivia nights, which can be a fun activity to do together. You can test your knowledge of random facts, or just enjoy the competition.

18. Go Kayaking

Kayaking can be a fun and affordable date idea.

19. Go Ice Skating

Ice skating can be a great first date activity. Most colleges have ice rinks near campus and often offer specials on certain nights of the week.

20. Make A S’mores Bar

If you have a gas stove, you can cook your s’mores over it. All you need is some chocolate, marshmallows, and Graham crackers. Just put the chocolate and marshmallows on the Graham crackers, and cook them over the open flame until they’re melted. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

21. Play Drinking Games While Watching TV

This is a great game to play when you’re bored. You can either use a deck of cards or download an app on your phone. Every time your favorite character says certain phrases, take a drink!

24. Visit Garage Sales

Garage sales are a great way to find cheap college date ideas. You can find all sorts of interesting items at garage sales, and you can see who can buy the most interesting item for the lowest price possible. Plus, it’s always fun to explore new areas around you.

25. Go Stargazing

One of the best free date ideas is to go stargazing. You don’t need any equipment, and you can find a great spot almost anywhere. If you have a truck, load it up with pillows and blankets and drive as far away from light pollution as possible to enjoy the night sky (but don’t forget about city lights).

26. Try Sledding At Night

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable date idea, consider sledding at night. All you need is a hill, some sleds, and a few friends.

Sledding at night can be just as much fun as sledding during the day. You’ll have the added bonus of enjoying the lights of the city or town below you.

Be sure to bundle up for this activity, as it can get cold when you’re speeding down a hill on a sled. And don’t forget to bring a flashlight so you can see where you’re going.

27. Play Laser Tag

Cheap college date ideas don’t have to suck. In fact, playing laser tag can be a great way to have some fun and get your heart rate up. Most laser tag arenas have games that can be played in pairs or with groups of friends.

28. Watch Some Terrible Movies

When you’re bored and don’t want to spend any money, watching some terrible movies is a great way to go. Find a movie marathon on Netflix or Hulu, and make sure to have plenty of junk food on hand.

You can even make it into a competition to see who can make it through the worst movie without falling asleep.

29. Go Berry Picking

Berry picking is a great way to spend time outside on a farm. It’s affordable, fun, and you can get some delicious snacks at the end!

Pack a lunch basket to enjoy once the berry picking has finished. You’ll have a great day out with your date for cheap!

30. Visit Garage Sales

31. Board game night

Break out the games from your childhood or borrow some from friends – it’s sure to be a night of laughs and memories.

32. Ice cream sundae party

Head to your local supermarket and get supplies to make sundaes together – then eat them in bed while watching your favorite sitcom.

32. Build a blanket fort and have a romantic movie night with wine & popcorn

33. Try a new food truck around the neighborhood

Date night doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are many fun and affordable date ideas that can be done right in your neighborhood. For example, try a new food truck. There are always new food trucks popping up around town, so you’re sure to find one that serves something you’ll love. Plus, eating out at a food truck is typically much cheaper than going to a restaurant.

34. Go on a random drive around town and see where you end up

Sometimes the best ideas come when you’re least expecting it. That’s why we suggest going on a random drive around town and seeing where you end up. Who knows, you might stumble upon a great cafe, restaurant, or park to check out! Plus, it’s always fun to explore new areas and find hidden gems that you never knew existed.

35. Write love letters to each other and read them out loud

Setting a goal for the week ahead is quite helpful. Sunday is a great day to set an intention and make it happen! It’s not about setting goals or ticking items off your to-do list; it’s more about setting an intention for the week ahead and having it guide your actions throughout Sunday (and beyond).

36. Find the best happy hours and go bar hopping

It can be expensive to go out on the town, especially if you want to enjoy a few cocktails. However, there are ways to have a great time without breaking the bank. One option is to find the best happy hours in your area and hit up as many bars as possible during that time frame. Not only will you get discounted drinks, but you’ll also get to explore new places!

37. Hit up a thrift store and pick out outfits for each other

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend time with your crush or boyfriend, hit up a thrift store and pick out outfits for each other! Not only will it be a fun activity, but you’ll also save money in the process.

38. Cook a super fancy recipe you’ve never tried before

What could be more special than cooking a super fancy recipe you’ve never tried before with your date? You’ll both learn something new and have a delicious meal to enjoy together. Plus, it’s always impressive to know how to cook an elegant dish! Here are a few recipes to consider:

Saffron Risotto with Shrimp and Asparagus

Porcini Risotto with Truffles

Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Sauce

Champagne Risotto with Crab and Asparagus

Lobster Thermidor

Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet Sauvignon

37. Find the best happy hours and go bar hopping

38. Look through each other’s old yearbooks and photos

Looking through old yearbooks and photos is a great way to get to know each other better. It’s also a fun way to reminisce about the past. Not only will you learn about each other, but you’ll also have a lot of laughs along the way. Plus, it’s a great bonding experience!

39. Make a bonfire at the beach and stargaze

After a day of fun in the sun, gather some driftwood and make a bonfire on the beach. Stargaze while enjoying the warmth of the fire. If you get chilly, snuggle up with your crush or bf under a warm blanket.

40. Write out your future goals together

When it comes to planning a date, why not try something different this time and write out your future goals together? Not only will you have some fun activities to do, but you’ll also get a better sense of what the two of you want for yourselves in the future.

41. Visit a museum

Museums can be a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, and they’re often free or discounted for students. Plus, in the colder months of the year, there’s nothing like a warm museum to take the edge off the chill! Why not each pick a museum you think the other person would enjoy or learn from?

42. Have an awesome arcade night

Who doesn’t love spending an afternoon or evening at the arcade? It’s always a blast to play your favorite games and try out new ones. Plus, arcades are a great place to go when it’s raining or too hot or cold outside.

1. Challenge your friends to see who can get the highest score on Galaga or Pac-Man.

2. Play air hockey or table tennis against each other.

3. See who can win the most tickets and then trade them in for prizes.

4. Play games that require teamwork, such as Mario Party or Super Smash Bros.

5. Challenge each other to a round of Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero.

44. Listen to an audiobook while snuggling.

Audible is a great way to enjoy books together as a couple.

45. Make a time capsule and bury it somewhere

Making a time capsule is a lot of fun! You can put anything you want in it, as long as it fits. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Write down your thoughts and feelings about your significant other.

Create a list of things you love about them.

Bake cookies together and include the recipe.

Put some pictures in there, or even better- make a photo album!

46. Have a movie night

Pick a movie, order some pizza, and get cozy on the couch.

47. Pull up to a “drive-in” movie

Drive-in movies are a fun, affordable date idea. You can either bring your own snacks and blankets or buy them at the theater.

48. Binge watch as many episodes of a TV show as you can

Watching TV can be a great way to relax and bond with your partner. Why not try binge-watching an entire series together? This is a great way to catch up on any shows you may have missed, and it’s also a lot of fun. Plus, there are plenty of shows that are perfect for binge-watching. If you’re looking for some ideas, here are a few suggestions:

“The Office”

“Breaking Bad”

“Game of Thrones”

“The Walking Dead”

“House of Cards”

49. Connect with your inner child and play hide and seek

Playing hide and seek is a great way to connect with your inner child. It’s also a fun activity for couples of all ages! The game can be intense, making it exciting and memorable. Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise. So grab your partner and head outside for some fun!It’s not only for Saturday nights that you should be looking sexy. Sunday is another opportunity to get sex-ay!

50. Build sand castles at the beach

If you’re looking for unique date ideas, why not try building sand castles at the beach? It’s a fun activity that both of you can enjoy and it doesn’t require any special skills. Plus, the scenery is always beautiful at the beach.

51. Collect shells at the beach

Going to the gym on your first date is a good idea. It’s a great way to break the ice, and you can get a good workout in at the same time!

Going to the gym does not always mean that you’ll be working out together, but it can be done for many other recreational activities such as tennis, racquetball and rock climbing. Spending time with each other physically is one of the most fun dates you could have!

52. Hit the gym and work out together

Going to the gym on your first date is a good idea. It’s a great way to break the ice, and you can get a good workout in at the same time!

53. Re-watch your favorite childhood movies

Netflix and chill is a unique idea to share childhood movies. A movie date night is an excuse to watch the classics that you loved as a kid, without having to leave the comfort of your home.

54. Do some people watching at a coffee shop

If you’re looking for a unique date idea, why not try people watching at a coffee shop? It’s a great way to get to know your date better while enjoying some coffee.

55. Create a beautiful house for your ideal life at IKEA.

IKEA is a great place to go on a date! You can both decorate your dream house together and have a lot of fun. Plus, it’s affordable and you can get some great ideas for your home

56. Stroll through your college campus on the weekend

One of the best and most affordable dates you can go on is a stroll through your college campus. Most campuses are open to the public on weekends, so take advantage of this and explore!

You can find unique places to walk and talk, and it’s a great way to see your school in a new light. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out campus events happening that weekend for something different to do together.

57. Find a carnival and have a blast

There’s something about carnivals that just makes people happy. Maybe it’s the bright colors, the cheerful music, or the excitement in the air. Whatever it is, carnivals are a blast! And they’re perfect for a date night.

There are all sorts of fun activities to do at a carnival. You can go on rides, eat delicious food, play games, and more. Plus, there’s usually something for everyone – whether you’re into thrill rides or want to take it easy.

58. Draw each other and see who does better

Why not try something different and have a little fun with your date? Frame the final product and gift it to your date. No matter how ugly it turns out, you’ll still get a sweet memory.

59. Play video games and make it a competition

Video games are a great way to bond over time. They can be fun for everyone and provide a little competition.

60. Play truth or dare

Candles are lit and the lights are turned off when couples play truth or dare. It is a great way to get to know your partner better and have some fun at the same time.

61. Go donate blood together

There are so many fun things to do together as a couple, and donating blood is a great way to start. It’s a cute first date idea and you can save lives together. What could be better than that?

date ideas for college students in winter

62. Explore a corn maze

There are many different things you and your date can do to get out of the house and explore.

63. Take a meditation or yoga class together

Meditation and yoga classes are affordable and can be taken with a partner. They provide a great way to relax and connect with each other. In addition, these classes offer health benefits that can improve both your mental and physical well-being.

64. Schedule workouts

Why not plan your workouts in advance, too? You schedule meetings, appointments, and arrangements ahead of time so why not your workout routines? Sunday is a great day to schedule a workout plan and stick to it! Sunday activities should include embracing your health and wellness, so don’t be afraid to set time aside for fitness.

65. Pretend to be a tourist in your own city

There are many ways to have a cheap date. One option is to pretend you are a tourist in your own city. This can be done by exploring the food places that are in your city, going on walks, and checking out local tourist spots

Local tourism websites are a good way to find hangout ideas and they often have discounts for things like entrance fees or food.

66. Attend a poetry slam

Poetry slams are great for a first date because it takes the pressure off of you to talk to each other the whole time. You can watch the poets perform and then discuss your favorite poems after the slam. This can help break the ice and lay ground rules for future dates.

67.Watch the sunset

Watching the sunset is a great way to end the day. You can take your date to watch the sunset or sunrise together. It’s a romantic and peaceful activity that you can enjoy while spending time with your loved one.

68. Volunteer together

There are many opportunities for you and your date to volunteer together. A food bank is an excellent way for you and your date to volunteer together.

69. See a live music show

There are many live music shows happening all the time in every city. Checking online is a great way to see who is performing and where.

70. Try a dessert place you’ve been dying to visit

There are so many dessert places to explore in your city – why not try one you’ve been dying to visit?

71. Hit up a basketball court for some one-on-one

Are you looking for some fun date ideas that will get you both into a competitive spirit? Why not try playing one-on-one basketball?

72. Visit your local botanical garden

If you’re looking for a fun and free way to spend time with your date, consider visiting your local botanical garden! Many gardens have areas where you can picnic, and it’s a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. Plus, if you go during off-peak hours, you’ll likely have the garden all to yourself.

73. Camp out in your backyard

If you’re looking for some adventure, camping out in your backyard can be a great idea. You don’t have to go very far, and it’s always fun to do something different with your date.