Are you ready to earn your MRS degree while at university? Well, we’ve got the best college dates ideas you could ever imagine, whether your budget is small or you don’t have one at all.
Dating in college doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of ways to create romantic experiences with your college beau without breaking the bank.
College is the time you get to experience your first true love or serious relationship that lasts more than a semester long.
No, you don’t have to meet your husband, but you can certainly make dating fun.
I mean, “Who wants that perfect love story anyway?” …No matter how cliche finding the love of your life in college may sound – it happens. And it doesn’t have to be by luck.
As long as you’re intentional about your dating life and building relationships with your peers, there’s a higher probability of you finding the ‘one’.
Many college students make the mistake of putting dating on the back burner or lowering their expectations of men, because they’re still in school.
A date can be crappy in or out of a five-star restaurant. First date ideas for college students should be unique, creative, and reflect your suitor’s character.
How much effort is he willing to put in for a special girl like you?
The guy doesn’t have to do all the planning. Definitely throw him a few hints, here and there. But, if he’s really into you during the ‘talking’ stage and he’s been paying attention, he won’t disappoint when it’s time to ask you out.
High school sweethearts sticking it out and marrying is pretty rare, but I know plenty of married couples who met in college.
See, romance still exists after all, goal friends!
Do college students go on dates?
College students go on dates more often than you would think. As legal adults they have more options for date nights out on the town, and have way more time to spend with their love interests.
In college, they can do more than walk each other to class, kiss under the bleachers, and partner up at school dances.
They can also go to a nightclub, get drinks at a dive bar, attend concerts, have movie night in a co-ed dorm, study together, and explore various events and festivals that are budget-friendly or free.
College is the best time for dating because you can get to know like-minded people who are on the same educational or career path as you.
When you spend so much time in the classroom, or on and off campus with your peers, a hot guy is bound to catch your eye.
If there’s a mutual attraction, most college students aren’t afraid to bite the bullet.
College students date more than the average person, because they have so many dating options at their fingertips. Forming romantic connections is a developmental stage that everyone goes through.
Dating doesn’t stop the older you get. You just get better at choosing what you want in a relationship, and what you can give and require from a romantic partner.
How do you date successfully in college?
- Don’t kiss every frog that shows interest in you. You’re never too young to have standards.
- Setting boundaries at the beginning of a budding relationship is very important.
- Be friends first. If he can’t be your friend, there’s not much he can offer you as a mate.
- A man’s character will always trump how physically attractive he is. Finding a man that’s attractive inside and out is the goal.
- Family, academics, and career aspirations should be his top priorities.
- Shared morals and values are important. Make sure that you both are aligned.
- Have tough conversations to determine if you share common goals, interests, and life experiences.
- Childhood trauma is real. Inquire about his upbringing, parental relationships growing up and openly share yours. You’ll learn a lot.
- Pay attention to how he treats others. Only treating you like a princess while being disrespectful to others is unacceptable.
- Pay attention to his actions, not just his words. Love bombing in college is at an all time high (don’t be a victim).
- Ladies’ men are out of style. He should only have eyes for you once you all are official. Commitment is non-negotiable.
- Set intentions for the relationship from the start.
Where to go on a first date in college?
First college dates ideas should be free or at the very least inexpensive for blossoming love birds in school just getting to know each other.
Having expectations of a hot-air balloon ride or a free trip to Tulum, Mexico on the first date is unrealistic.
Your crush has a college tuition to pay back too, ya’ know. Be considerate of their financial situation and grow together instead.
Besides, there are plenty of things to do on the initial first date when you’re getting to know your crush.
Some classic, fun, and practical dates should be your go-to the first month.
Courting is an investment for both parties involved. Taking things to the next level doesn’t mean the price tag on all your college dates ideas should skyrocket either.
A mixture of leisure activities, with both of your interests combined, is the way to go.
Check out the ultimate list of first date ideas for college students who don’t want to keep the conversation flowing, and make room for flirting in between!
- Bowling
- Coffee date
- Picnic with a charcuterie board
- Trip to the zoo
- Go see an art exhibit
- Play top golf or mini golf
- Visit a roller skating rink
- Watch the sunset together
- Get concert ticks
- Ice skate
- Go on a ski trip
- Visit the planetarium on a free day
- Volunteer
- Make a homemade pizza
- Kayaking
- Create each other’s self portrait
- Try goat yoga
- Attend a baseball game
- Do movies in the park
- Go tube sledding
- Play WhirlyBall
- Go to an escape room
- Visit a haunted house
- Indoor rock climbing
- Paintball
- Go fishing
- Axe throwing
- ATV riding
- Do a bake off
- Play board games
- Put a 500-1000 piece puzzle together
- Go to a karaoke bar
- Geocaching
- Carve pumpkins
- Go to a carnival or amusement park
- Indoor skydiving
- Go kart racing
- Zip-lining
- Take a hike
- Paint ceramics
- Complete a personal scavenger hunt
- Take a salsa dancing class
- Go on a local architectural tour
- Visit a family orchard
- Protest for a cause you both believe in
- Explore a new neighborhood
- Take a short road trip
- Netflix and chill in a candlelit dorm room
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Where can I go on a date in college?
Inexpensive college dates ideas are endless.
A simple date that’s absolutely free is taking a late night trip to Target. Trust me on this one! It’s free and fun when the aisles are empty.
You all can buy each other cheap gifts from a plethora of departments or peruse the dollar section for a special gift to take home.
The best thing about a date night in Target is that you don’t have to buy anything.
You can bring snacks, try out new video game consoles, listen to music, and experiment with the new gadgets they have there.
Your trip to Target will also allow you to window shop for future purchases. So, when the holidays or birthdays come around you already know what your boo wants.
If college couples want to get off-campus or are tired of lounging around each other’s dorm rooms, there are various activities and events you can attend to form a deeper connection with your boyfriend or girlfriend.
You can go to a near-by beach, dress up in matching outfits for a photoshoot, play mermaids in a public pool, go camping, thrift at vintage stores, go bungee jumping, visit an open house at the nearest mansion, or go to a farmer’s market.
All of these college dates ideas are free or cost little to no money.
Another activity that’s absolutely free for a date is cooking dinner and a treat for dessert while brainstorming future adventures you’d like to do as a couple.
There’s are card games you can play with your date to get to know them better like Talk, Flirt, Dare, Twister, and The Ultimate Game For Couples.
A simple walk along a promenade or somewhere off-campus in a location where there aren’t many interruptions is a great way to get away from your peers for some alone time.
Fancy and expensive dinner dates aren’t necessary, and class schedules can get hectic during the week. Try grabbing lunch at a cafe where you can chit-chat and get to know each other more intimately in a short amount of time.
And for those students who don’t stray far from their dorm halls, I’ve got five college dates ideas you can do with your person!
1.The Library – College Dates Ideas
There’s more to do at your campus library than studying together. Couples can watch an old film, check out books and trade them with each other.
Library visitors can scroll through old artifacts, find a cozy spot to read and enjoy each other’s company. End your date with a cool library tour. Don’t count the library out, goal friends!
It’s not as boring as you think.
2. Student Center – College Dates Ideas
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Who said date nights have to be formal? Hanging out in the student center is the perfect cheap date for college students.
You all can play pool, video games, ping pong, board games while eating snacks, pizza, and beverages to create a fun date night for free.
Sometimes, there are special events like church, talent shows, movie night and poetry slams that new couples can enjoy.
3. School Art Museum – College Dates Ideas
Most colleges have museums or art buildings you can walk through to look at student work or exclusive art exhibitions where tickets are discounted for students.
It’s the best choice when your options for transportation are slim, and you want to stay close to your dorm without the hassle of venturing far away from campus.
Artwork is thought-provoking, which makes it a great conversation starter when you’re getting to know someone new.
4.Cafeteria – College Dates Ideas
I know, I know. Most food at the dining hall isn’t that tasty or advertising for that matter, but it’s free.
Set a time and date to meet.
Sometimes, eating at dining halls on the weekend or a Friday night is best since the campus isn’t as crowded.
Pick a table in a secluded area for privacy and act as if you’re at an all you can eat buffet.
If you want to get fancy, set the table up with a white table cloth, bring extra snacks, and use a small vase of flowers as a centerpiece.
Turn it up a notch by playing soft music on the cell phone.
The cheesier, the better.
5. On Campus Events – College Dates Ideas
There’s no way you should ever get bored on-campus.
Academic advisors, career counselors, and teachers work overtime to ensure there’s enough event programming for students that live on and off campus months in advance.
On-campus theater productions are jam-packed with different performances for the season.
Whether you’re interested in watching the ballet, a Shakespeare play, school choir, talent show, sports game, or listening to a live band, the school theater has it all. It’s a one stop shop for entertainment and a popular activity to add to your list of college dates ideas!
How often should college couples go on dates?
One Date Night Per Week
Hang out once a week for date night for at least two months.
Becoming attached too soon can kill your curiosity and the mystery of getting to know your love interest. Time apart from each other will also ensure a healthy social life balance.
You get to spend time with friends and family while nurturing your relationship with your special person in between.
Avoid going to all the same functions together. Even if you both share mutual friends, college is a time where you’re maturing and creating your own identity.
You all don’t need to be attached at the hip at every campus event or social gathering.
This also helps with not getting too attached, or having anxiety over their interactions with other platonic friends.
Set boundaries to foster an identity outside of your significant other. Participate in extracurricular activities, gain work experience, and explore new things to learn.
You need to have your own life. Besides, he’ll miss you more when you all are apart.
Limit Sleepovers
If the right intentions are set, you should not be doing late night meetups in place of dates.
A romantic relationship that’s based solely on hooking up will never last.
Refrain from sleeping over until you feel comfortable and you’ve discussed taking that next step with your partner.
Don’t just let things happen and practice safe sexual relations to avoid life-long mistakes you didn’t plan for.
Don’t be so eager for love and an active dating life that you lose your morals and values.
Utilize college dates ideas to ensure you’re creating memories with your partner, bonding, and building a strong connection to one another.
Countless dates won’t help you manifest a relationship or prevent a breakup.
Make sure the dates are meaningful and not only a means to an end.
Academics Over Date Nights
Taking advantage of all the college dates ideas is good, but remember that you’re in college to learn and become successful in your respective career field.
You won’t find true love overnight, and it certainly won’t happen by spending every waking hour with the young men you’re dating in college.
When you’re in love there’s not a moment you want to spend away from your new boo, but excessive date nights can cause you to quickly lose interest in your partner and deprioritize what really matters in college – your education.
A roster may seem fun, and yes, you need to keep your dating options open but dating different men every other week can become overwhelming.
Shop around, but plan your time accordingly. School should always come first.
Do most college relationships last?
Like any other relationship, in or outside of college, there’s a high probability that the relationships you have in college won’t last.
People get older, they grow apart, or they have eyes for someone new after graduation.
There’s an entire world full of people.
Some people we’re compatible with more than others. Everyone has a special someone they are destined to be with.
Is there a chance that you may luck up and meet your soulmate in a college classroom? Absolutely. But, unfortunately, it’s uncommon.
You may meet some great suitors in college, some who may even qualify as great husbands down the line.
Don’t lose your wits about them trying to make everything work out. If it’s meant to be, it will be.
In need of a weekly date night planner to make sure you’re blocking out time on your schedule to spend with your person? Download the Daily Routine Planner Printable today!
I teach entrepreneurs how to simplify their life and business with less + own their time and maximize productivity towards their personal and monetary goals.
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