Dating on a Dime

According to a USA Today article, singles spend an average of $738 a year on dating-related services. That’s more than $60 a month! Most college students don’t have a ton of cash to spend on “dating-related services,” so here are a few of ways to have a great time without breaking the bank. And yes, there are other cheap date options than sitting in your dorm watching Netflix on your laptop (although there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.)

Courtesy of TenMania

1. Get Cookin’

Isn’t that cute?  What’s better than a happy stock photo of a couple making salad together in a perfectly clean kitchen? Absolutely nothing. So go make your own stock photo! Whether it’s making a meal, baking cookies, or throwing whatever you can find in a blender, spending time together in the kitchen is a great date. Forced to use the limited utensils in a dorm kitchen? Even better! Be spontaneous, make mistakes, and enjoy one another’s company! As it turns out, cooking food yourself is way cheaper than going out, and the preparation is half (if not more) of the fun!

Courtesy of Firefold

2. Explore the Great Outdoors

Do you know what’s better than cheap? Absolutely free! As it turns out, Penn State doesn’t charge any extra utility fee to go outside. Yes, I understand that it is really cold outside right now. However, snow makes for great sledding! Spring is also on its way, and what better way to welcome warm weather than with a hike up Mount Nittany? I’ve hiked the trails a couple times, and there are lots of great views. Not into nature? Play a sport or game outside when the weather is clear. The fresh air will do you some good.

3. Embrace the Freeloader Lifestyle

Next time you walk through the HUB, try taking a flyer from one of the over-zealous peddlers. Check out the free advertisements you see around campus. There are all kinds of free events like concerts, shows, or outside lectures that you can go to with your special someone. These events are much more enjoyable when you go with someone else. Even if the main attraction falls flat, enjoy the train-wreck together! You can also enjoy the fact that you still have a few dollars in you wallet.

Thinking outside the box for date ideas not only costs less, but usually results in much more quality time with the person you really want to be with. The stranger and more adventurous the date, the more memorable the experience. So get out there and go to some free event that sounds totally ridiculous! You’ll either have a surprisingly great time, or come out with a great story.

Courtesy of Know Your Meme

Dates to Avoid:

Here is my attempt to try to discourage you from the two most common dates: going to the movies or eating out at a restaurant. First of all, movies are incredibly impersonal. You go into a dark room together and sit side-by-side for two hours and then leave. There’s no conversation, no getting to know the other person, and no way of avoiding spending about $20 on tickets alone. Just wait until you can rent it at home or watch it on Netflix. If you’re set on going out to see a movie, Of the Hearth suggests going to a drive-in theater. Eating out is another money waster. Depending on how fancy the establishment, you can drop between $20 and $50 on dinner for two. If you’re not able to cook together at home, look for special deals. Do a little research and talk to your friends. The savings can really add up.