30 Valentine’s Dates For Under $30 For Broke College Students

February is filled with all things hearts, cupid, and love but, as a college student sometimes I feel like cupid shot an arrow through my wallet. Although I love to shop more than most things, as a young, broke, college student things can get so expensive especially at holidays. Everyone wants to have romantic Valentine’s day dates but sometimes as a college student they aren’t always in our budget. Luckily for you I have compiled a list of 30 picture perfect Valentine’s Day dates under $30 for you and your special someone. 

1. Dinner-  A classic date idea, whether going out to eat or making something together at home, a dinner date never goes out of style. A perfect way to unplug, talk, and romanticize the little moments you can share together. 

2. Movies – You can never go wrong with snuggling up and watching a movie. Sneak some snacks in, share some popcorn, and cozy up under a blanket. Together you’ll have the coziest night. 

3. Pottery Painting- Last year my boyfriend and I went to a pottery painting place for Valentine’s Day and it was such a fun date. Whether you’re artistic or not it’s perfect for all levels and you’ll walk away with a keepsake for you to remember your date forever. 

4. Zoo and Aquariums- Zoos and aquariums can be such a fun date idea, looking at your favorite animals, and wondering which ones your partner is most like. Oftentimes zoos and aquariums have student discounts which are perfect for college students looking for something fun to do. 

5. Ice Skating – I think of ice skating as such a rom com date. Holding hands skating around and falling into each other’s arms. Even if you’re bad at it (just like me) the laughs make all the memories. 

6. Get outdoors, go on a picnic, or play in the snow – Whether you live in warm and sunny places or where there’s freezing cold snow you can always find a fun way to romanticize nature. My best friend who lives in Los Angeles will probably be spending her day on a picture perfect picnic while I’m here in New Jersey making snow angels with my love. 

7. Make Build-A-Bears- Before coming to college my boyfriend and I made Build-A-Bears and it is the perfect way to feel like he’s with me when we aren’t together. We each made one of ourselves and dressed them up in clothes we would actually wear. My favorite part is the adorable voice memos we put inside. 

8. Dave and buster/arcade – One of my favorite date ideas is going to Dave and Busters or an arcade. This is a perfect date for couples who are competitive with each other. Hopefully you’re lucky enough to win a prize and walk away with a cute keepsake from your night. 

9. Sky zone – For couples with lots of energy this is a great date. Bouncing around, playing dodge ball, and just being active is such a fun way to spend your day. This will bring out your inner kid and have you both filled with so much laughter. 

10. Build Legos- Another one of my favorite date nights is Lego night. Lego makes 3-in-1 Lego kits which are perfect if you are looking for a set on a budget but also giving you lots of options on what to build. I love having competitions with my boyfriend to see who can build the better Lego set. 

11. Take a cooking class or make a recipe at home – Everyone knows a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. It’s always fun to make and try a new recipe. There’s always cooking classes available or recipes you can find online for you to try. Bring out your inner chef and get to tasting. 

12. Have a game night – Who doesn’t love a good game night. Whether you’re playing bored games, cards, or a video game, this is the perfect way to get competitive with your loved ones. Add snacks and a little bit of trash talk to add some extra fun and heat. 

13. Mini golf – There are so many affordable mini golf locations all over. This is a casual but fun date, that’s laid back but still competitive. Let’s just hope you get a hole in one. 

14. DIY spa night – For a more relaxing night who doesn’t like a spa night. Take out some face masks and let yourself calm down. Take out some lotion or oil and give each other some much needed massages which are sure to add some spice and romance to your Valentine’s Day night. 

15. Wine and paint night at the house – Instead of paying to go to a wine and paint night do one at your house. Buy your favorite bottle of wine and grab some art supplies. You can trace out a drawing onto a canvas and then paint them out. My favorite part of the night is the little drunk kisses after our artwork is complete. 

16. Learn to dance – Whether you go to a dance class, learn something off the internet, or just acting goofy with your partner who doesn’t like to dance. I love to dance with my boyfriend and let loose to some music so you will definitely catch me busting a move this Valentine’s Day. 

17. Go stargazing – Maybe this is for the moonchild girl or couple but this is one of my favorite date nights. Grab some blankets and some hot chocolate and head outside and snuggle up. Looking into the beautiful sky and having those late night deep conversations, it’s peaceful and perfect. 

18. Go to karaoke – Whether you’re totally off key or an amazing singer, karaoke is all about fun and making memories. If you need a few drinks or not this is a perfect way to have such a fun date and let loose. 

19. Going to a museum- Walking around museums can be such a beautiful and educational experience. You can spend countless hours walking around and learning things together you would’ve never known. Most museums offer student discounts which is even better for college students looking for something affordable. 

20. Learn each other’s hobbies – This is such a cute way for you and your partner to get to know each other better. He could teach you to play his game and you can teach him to bedazzle something. The possibilities are endless but teaching the person you love something you love to do is an amazing way to get closer with each other. 

21. Go rollerskating – For a little throwback date, lace up your skates and get on the rink. Whether you fall or not you are sure to have a good time. This is such a nostalgic date, bonus points if they play some classic 80’s music. 

22. Have a baking competition – Turn your kitchen into your favorite Food Network show and have a baking competition. You could decorate cupcakes or make some cookies. Compete on making your favorite sweet treat. You’re guaranteed to win a good prize aka a delicious treat at the end of the night. 

23. Go karting – Add some adrenaline to your Valentine’s Day and get zooming on the race track. Fast and the Furious has nothing on you and your partner as you get driving around the track. This will be an unforgettable Valentine’s Day race. 

24. Go on a hike – A perfect way to reconnect with nature. The refreshing feeling of getting some wind on your face instead of sitting inside will feel amazing. You’re guaranteed some personal, uninterrupted time together, ending with a beautiful view. 

25. Go to a flower farm where you can build your own bouquet – This may be more of a niche idea but, I went to a farm where you can pick flowers and make your own bouquet and it was one of the best dates I have ever been on. You enter the farm which goes on for hundreds if not thousands of acres where there are millions of flowers planted. For under $20 you can build a ginormous bouquet that will last for weeks. 

26. Go to an escape room – A fun way to work together is doing an escape room. Try your best to beat the clock with as little clues as possible. I’ve never been to an escape room I didn’t like so this is sure to be a great date. 

27. Go to a chocolate making workshop – I have found so many businesses and bakeries that do chocolate making classes around Valentine’s Day. This is a great way to support small local businesses and indulge in your sweet tooth. I don’t know a more Valentine’s Day date than this one. 

28. Drive in movie – Although there are few of these left in New Jersey they have them all over the country. A drive in movie is a classic, nostalgic, and darling date idea. Snuggle up in the comfort of your car, enjoy some snacks, and grab a blanket for a truly magical night. 

29. Barnes and Noble date – For a lowkey, cozy, and book worm date head to Barnes and Noble. You can pick out books for each other, fill in some of the puzzle books they have, or just sipping some coffee you are sure to have a simple but cozy night. 

30. Puzzle night – Pick out a puzzle, turn on some music and get to putting pieces together. This is calming yet intimate and a great romantic night you can spend with each other. Whether you build something that’s 200 pieces or 1000 you are in for a challenge but such a fun time.