Most college students don’t have a lot of money. When it comes to dating- no matter who’s paying- we often have to deal with financial limitations. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go on cool outings and have tons of fun.
Here are some inexpensive date ideas that don’t involve eating at McDonald’s. All are DC/Metropolitan area based. Enjoy and add your own twists!
1. Have a study date.
Obviously, this date is extremely casual and low-key. I’d even dare to call it wholesome. And it’s SO college. You’re spending no money at all, especially if you are borrowing books from the library. Free books, that is fantastic! Aside from all of the initial nerdiness of this date, you kill two birds with one stone. You spend time together and accomplish academic goals at the same time. Just make sure you actually get work completed! Your dazzling smile might be a distraction for him. Oh well, you tried.
Local Spots: Reinsch Library (of course), Folger Shakespeare Library (D.C.), Central Library (Arlington, very close to Marymount), or try your place or his. A Panara, Cosi, or any outdoor locations with wifi are great, as well.
2. Go to a museum.
I’m a bit biased because I love this kind of stuff, but here’s why it’s awesome: Especially in a new relationship, you are still exploring the nature of the other person, and vice versa. That’s exactly what you do at a museum. It’s an exploration. You also learn tons of cool information at the same time you’re with him, and your brain will really start working. From a psychological perspective, he’ll actually start associating his own feelings about exploration and adventure with you. Very interesting! The majority of museums in DC are free or inexpensive, and you are (broke) in college, constantly attempting to enrich yourself intellectually. Do it!
Local Spots: Freer Gallery of Art (D.C, Smithsonian), National Gallery of Art (D.C.), Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site (D.C.), Art Museum of the Americas (D.C.), and more.
3. Take a hike, literally.
A couple who works out together stays together. Why not check out an outdoor location? Most guys won’t turn down an opportunity to work out with a girl, especially if she can keep up with him. The benefits of outdoor activities not only include health improvements, but most often, a beautiful view, fresh air, and an escape from school and work. Stroll arm in arm together and just be cute. Or, start running because that releases more endorphins and creates an overall positive experience. This could be the highlight of your weekend -and his, as well! Awaken your adventurous side and step outside!
Local Spots: Great Falls Park, The Billy Goat Trail (Part of Great Falls), Scott’s Run Nature Preserve (Mclean), C & O Canal (Georgetown), Rock Creek Park (D.C.), and more.
4. Go to a coffee shop.
Coffee and good conversation are a fabulous match made in heaven. Coffee shops are a great location for a date, not only because of the atmosphere, but for the lack of toll on your wallet. You can keep your bank account floating above water. Hooray! This is one of the reasons people go to Starbucks every day. The world also loves coffee and you are a part of the world. So, I’ll just assume that you love it, too, Miss Collegiette. Keep the topics light, fun, and enjoyable. Don’t drink too much coffee! Moderation, please.
Local Spots: Northside Social (Clarendon), The Java Shack (Clarendon), Caffe Amouri (Vienna), Chinatown Coffee Company (D.C.), St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (Alexandria), and more.
5. People watch.
Go to a public place and take a look around you. See who is there. This may sound slightly creepy, but here me out. You see someone walk down the street or wherever you are, and you and your guy make humorous assumptions as to what this person is like. Do they come from a good family, have pets, like their job, hate life, etc. It’s fun. You also learn a lot about the guy you are with, based on what he thinks of random strangers. There are many interesting characters in the DC/metropolitan area, some fashionable, some professional, and others eccentric. So, test the waters in this uncharted territory. I’ll bet you’ve never been on a date like this before. Very inexpensive, too! Just be inconspicuous.
Local Spots: Foggy Bottom (D.C), Georgetown (D.C.), Clarendon (Arlington), Church Street (Vienna), Reston Town Center (Reston), Fairfax Corner (Fairfax), National Harbor (M.D.) and more.
6. Cook together.
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Find out if the old adage is true–without any intentions of fattening him up ;) Pick some recipes in advance that seem do-able. Go out together and buy the ingredients or use what you already have at home. Make sure your creations won’t take too long, and are something that you both will enjoy. Here’s a great opportunity to show each other your creative sides. You can even make this a social event by inviting friends or other people whom you would like to know better. Channel your inner chef and get cooking!
7. Do a movie night in.
I know in previous articles I’ve bashed Netflix nights as a date because they can qualify as mundane. It’s not that I don’t enjoy them or find them fun. They’re actually great, as long as it’s not all that you do with this guy. Balance is key. Aside from paying for the account, a Netflix night is totally free of charge. For an inexpensive date that is up-close-and-personal, a movie in the dorms or at home is a good pick. Imagine a hectic week in your semester, and by Friday, all you want to do is rest. Chill with a campus cutie and watch a movie. Cozy up!
Or go out for a movie:
Local Spots: Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (Arlington), Tyson’s Corner Center (Mclean), Ballston Common Mall (Arlington), Reston Town Center (Reston), and more.
*Caution: Movies make a terrible first date. Wait until you know each other better.
Remember, dating is an investment of your time in another person. They also invest time in you, as an exchange. And money can’t buy you love! So, be creative with your investment of time!