We all know there are a million ways high school is different from college, but today we need to focus on stepping up our first date to the college level.  Let’s be serious here.  Take my first date with my now boyfriend that I met in high school.  Granted, he was going to take me out to dinner, but I got sick, so he came over and watched “Finding Nemo” with me.  Yup.  Him, me, and Nemo.  And we consider that our first date.  Cheesy? Yes.  Wonderful? Definitely. College appropriate? No.  We are in the big leagues now girls!  Time to step it up!

The problem with graduating to this level of dating, also means that you are on a college budget.  So here are a couple of fun date ideas that won’t cost you, or hopefully him, a fortune.

Photo courtesy of glamour.com

1)      Attend a Campus Event.

There are tons of things going on every day on college campuses, and they usually don’t cost a penny.  But I am not talking about frat parties here!  Go attend a dance major’s performance, an art exhibit, a sports game, or a cool lecture at the book store.  Find ideas on your college’s website, there are tons of things out there.

2)      Okay, maybe I am talking about Frat Parties.

The fun thing about big parties is that you can let loose and dance the night away.  Not to mention that you don’t have to worry about awkward conversation lulls.  The problem: you are on your first date and can’t go too crazy.  So set a limit and stay to it.

3)      Be active!

Campuses are full of tennis courts, basketball hoops, swimming pools, etc.  Go play one-on-one and bond over how great, or horrible, you are at the game!  And consider this a bonus: no need to go to the gym that day!

4)      Take a walk through the local downtown area.

Us UW kids are lucky to be a short bus ride away from downtown Seattle and most campuses at least have some sort of cute downtown area nearby.  Go walk through boutiques and stop by a coffee shop for a break to chat.  You get to shop + he gets to eat = win win!

5)      A Breakfast Picnic.

It is not as cheesy as it sounds!  Well maybe it is, but it would be fun and easy.  Go grab some food from your dining hall and throw it in a bag.  Then go grab a blanket and find a spot to watch the sun rise.  It will be a perfect date when you two have a hard time connecting your schedules.  Just meet up before class!

 

There are so many more idea’s out there.  College campuses are full of fun, but you know that already!  So share some of your ideas with me.  Or tell me if you have done some of these.  And welcome to the college level of dating!

Hayley is a junior at the University of Washington, studying communications, women's studies, and dance. She is co-captain of the UW Husky Dance Team and is active in the Miss America Organization. Hayley loves learning about the fashion industry and her and her mother's shopping motto is "if it fits us both, it's half the price!"
Hayley M. has 71 post(s) on RTR On Campus