For anyone the pressure is on to impress that special someone, but for a college student it is twice as hard. Juggling course work, non paid internships, and ex-curricular activities, the typical college student’s budget can be the downfall that sets limitations on dating options forever. With a little creativity, what may seem to be a cheap date can lead to a series of memorable ones without ever exceeding a $50 budget.
“The majority of my favorite dates with my boyfriend are free,” said Tynesha Jones, a Saint Augustine’s University senior, speaking of her boyfriend, Rasheen Lindsay (see photo). “When funds are low he’s always trying to find something creative to do.”
The best things in life are free, so why not use it to your advantage? Skylines were made for a reason and every city has one. Filled with lots of art. Allow the city to become a canvas for mini-adventurous dates.
Get to know your date on a personal level:
Take a walk in a nearby city park and use the natural sounds, passing traffic, wind blowing through the trees, and the chirping birds as your concert music. All those dynamics set the musical atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to spruce up the typical picnic date. Challenge your special someone to prepare a meal of what he or she thinks will be the best entree to bring to a romantic picnic dinner and share the entree with one another.
Free Admission:
North Carolina Museum of Art has a great array of renowned feature pieces by artist such as Claude Monet and Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum has an amazing outdoor sculpture garden, which host outdoor movie showings and special concerts.
Dinner and a Movie:
Carmike Blue Ridge 14 Cinema Movie theater is perfect if you don’t mind watching a movie that premiered a month or two prior to your date. Admission cost is two dollars, but concession stand products are marked at an average movie theater price. Never forget Redbox or Netflix; they are two primary movie sources when trying to have a personal movie night. When looking for dinner dates always find restaurants that have a sale, but make sure you are getting your money’s worth.
Here are a few places that you can look into around the Raleigh/ Durham area:
- Applebee’s “two for $20” deal
- Olive Garden- Never ending pasta deal, just $9.95
- Pronto Pasta- 404 E Six Forks Road
- $5 Hot and Ready Pizza
For more information regarding cost and operations hours please visit the local websites.
— Princess Goodridge
