Bored of the same old stereotypical dates with your SO or for a first date? As great as a movie and dinner is, sometimes it can leave the mood feeling flat – something that is not ideal within romantic relationships. So, I thought I could give you some alternatives this summer to spice up the romance! If you’re feeling adventurous or simply fancy doing something different take a look below…
Pizza & Wine Night
So this is potentially one of my favourite things to with my SO. It’s nothing fancy and doesn’t have to be takeaway pizzas (focusing on the student budget there). But a cheap bottle of wine and a supermarket pizza can feel really romantic and something different from your standard night out. If you have the place to yourselves, you could even decorate the table, maybe add in a candle and relax from the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, you could make pizzas at home which adds a great element to the date night. Although hazard warning if they add pineapple onto the pizza…
Beach Walk
We are really lucky to have so many beautiful beach locations on the doorstep in Exeter. So, rather than sitting in and doing nothing, grab your partner and stroll along the beach. This provides a romantic setting, but you can mix in having fish and chips for dinner or even splashing around in the freezing sea… if you’re feeling brave. This little journey can also feel like your own little getaway, away from friends, university work and the chaos of student life. It’s a great opportunity to have some one-on-one time and really connect with your significant other.
Make Your Own Cocktails
We all love a trip to the pub or bar, we are students, it is what we do! BUT if you’re like me and the price tag drives you away why not make your own? Using online recipes, you and your partner can make cheap(er) cocktails and enjoy the experience of making them together. If not both of you, one of you will have some alcohol lying around so use what’s left over from pre’s to have a great date nice for half the price! You can each take turns making one for the other and surprising them, or making the same. I would argue that buying some mini umbrellas for the drinks is an essential though…
Escape Room
Exeter has one of these covered away near Fore street. Although it might be better to do as a double date or with a wider group of friends, this idea is definitely out of the box. Test both you and your partner’s limits, knowledge and skill in a more active setting. Rather than having a night out, try this as a daytime date. They are always great fun and often the University holds them near open days or through the ‘Give It A Go’ guild page, so always keep a look out!
Charity Shop Shopping
Now this one is great! We all love searching for new items, clothes and goodies to place within the university bedroom. Personally, I am a sucker for charity shop books, I make a beeline to them as soon as I step through the door. When you do this together, you can help each other look for things, presents for other people or potentially games and DVDs for another date night. Exeter has a wide variety of charity shops so you should definitely take advantage of them! This can be a daytime date which again combines spending quality time together but also fulfilling your shopping needs. You never know what hidden gems you might find!
Make Your Own Crafts
For those of us who love making things, this would an ideal first date! It’s something fun and creative to do whilst offering conversation for those first date nerves. Equally, for those in long term relationships they can be a symbol of something you have made together. You can always joke about the inevitable lack of artistic talent from one or both of you, and you have a keepsake to take with you to remind you of the day. This is something quite personal and something you can both get stuck into! You could paint mugs, make tote bags, paint plates, or even make decorations for your bedroom.