Yes, it’s that time of the year when we are constantly reminded about the anticipated or sometimes dreaded holiday…Valentine’s Day. When it comes to planning a date during college it usually is a difficult task. Whether it’s low funds or a need for creativity we tend to get discouraged. Here are some tips and ideas for dates that range from low budget to romantic to creative.
If you have been seeing someone for a while and want to have a night in, write down a list of movies you both want to see, pick your top three and do a huge movie day. This is a good way to relax, especially after a stressful week. Another idea for a night in is to play card or board games, such as Apples to Apples or Monopoly. Videos games, such as Guitar Hero, definitely help bring out your playful side.
The most classic group date is of course….mini golf. Definitely one of my favorites! It’s low budget and an easy way to hang out without having the pressures of an intimate setting.
A way to beat the winter chill is to go out dancing. Salsa dancing turns the heat up, however, if your date is interested in other genres of music, there are country line dancing and Caribbean clubs. Some of these clubs have certain times when they play club music.
Another way to keep warm, but have a more casual setting, is to go out on a coffee date. Try going to an off campus site; it gets a bit nerve wracking when your date’s friends interrupt, especially if it’s a first date. Going to a bookstore afterwards gives you more time to get to know each other.
Some of the more intimate dates can include cooking a meal together and taking a walk on the beach or boardwalk. The key to a low budget meal is to keep the menu simple and have only a select few ingredients. As someone who’s lived by the beach for most of my life, I have experience with the calming and romantic environment that it can be. During the winter time the beach is more deserted and quiet. Plus you have an excuse to cuddle under blankets. Taking a walk along the beach midday is also a great option. If things get awkward, laugh about the old man in a Speedo. Since there are people around you may feel more comfortable.
One really creative way to spend an afternoon is to go to an arts store and get some paint, brushes, and canvases. Pick a place to go and paint for a few hours. You don’t need to be an artist or anything. Plus it’s a way to give each other gifts just because.