Im pretty sure you’ve all been there; the cinema followed by dinner at a fairly plush but not overly extravagant restaurant. It sounds cliché, right? Well, because it is. I’m certain that for most of us, when we think of first dates, the first two places that come into our minds are the cinema and a restaurant. I mean, they’re not terrible but you could do with a little bit more creativity! Especially if you’re a broke uni student…no pressure here, absolutely none. That does make things sound a tad trickier than they really are. But fear not, because for this, I’ve compiled a list of 15 casual first date ideas that uni students could really do with! They’re awesome, and they won’t break your bank. I promise you that.
Yup. A picnic. Gosh, does this one ever get old. You can get away with bringing whatever food your seams desire, and you wouldn’t even feel guilty about it because hey, who will turn down a nice, romantic little calorie-burning stroll in the park after a glorious picnic gorge? And even better, you can bring your own home-cooked food – what better chance to show off your amazing culinary skills to your potential significant other?!
And an important side note: Of course, unless you’re planning to ruin her hair and makeup (or his hair and ego) I wouldn’t go with this whole picnic idea in the colder months. Especially if you happen to live in Britain. Or New York City. Just saying.
I admit; I have a real, obsessive thing about nature. But what’s wrong with that? It’s perfect for casual first date ideas, it’s refreshing, it’s calm and relaxing, it’s romantic, it’s fresh, it’s cheap – I mean, you get the point. Depending on where you currently live, you obviously have to check the weather forecast beforehand but other than that, it’s a fine option when looking for casual first date ideas! Plus, it gives you the time, space and spontaneity to actually talk and get to know each other. What more could you possibly want, eh?!
Even if you’re going to uni very close to home, this could still be an exciting first date option and there will probably be so many treasures you are yet to uncover in life (despite having called the place home all your life). It will be even more exciting if your date is from another city or even country! Site-seeing will never, ever get old. Think free access to creepy historical buildings like St. Paul’s Cathedral if you’re in London, and quirky museums such as the British Library, the Natural History Museum or the V&A Museum…splendid choices if you’re both into that sort of thing.
And look…if YOU happen to be the one from another city or country – then superb! This will be your chance to explore and take pictures and make documentaries and report back home about your awesome, touristy, explorer date. What glorious glory.
After having mentioned (a couple of times) the park first-date risks concerning horrendous weather, I cannot for the life of me comprehend why or how it took me this long to come up with the idea of just staying indoors, gorging yourselves on Chinese takeaways and watching Netflix. Or YouTube. Seriously, duh! You are spending virtually nothing (except for the tasty, soul-filling Chinese meal…mmmmm…*drools*)
Of course, unless you were already friends with your date for way long before you started dating, bringing him or her home on a first date certainly doesn’t appeal to everyone. And we have all come across at least one person who would be bold enough to make this move!
Yes! Study together! Since you’re both students and have a ton of assignments and exam revisions to be getting on with, why not make a fun date out of it and enjoy it instead of spending exhausting hours alone in the library?
You won’t pay a dime, but the amount you will gain in educational knowledge is priceless.
Go ice skating! Just when I thought I would give up on Winter-dating ideas, this light bulb moment occurred. Even if you both can’t ice skate (which you’re kind of missing out) there are no boring moments that can ever attack an ice rink. EVER. Not to mention, renting ice skates is hilariously cheap.
It doesn’t even matter what season you’re in, in my opinion the beach is one of the safest options when in the state of doubt. And it’s romantic. Clearly, you don’t have to swim if the weather doesn’t permit, but strolling barefoot at the sea shore, eating pizza and conversing about life, the wind pushing the wild but majestic waves closer and closer towards your feet every time…aaahh. You can even roast marshmallows at night while watching the sun set. Come on, who can say no to a date at the beach?
This is one of the best casual first date ideas! You and your friend could prepare a feast fit for an amazing double-date – at your friend’s house! This could be a much more acceptable option if you want to do something homely or “indoors-y” but not as bold as idea #4. Try to be a little creative with this, maybe you can conjure up the feast inspired by a particular cultural background and put on music and maybe even dress up! Don’t be afraid to let your creativity go wild, especially if this is someone who already happens to be very dear to you. 😉
Do you both share a love for animals and the exciting outdoors? If you live in the UK, there are a few local farms that hold open Sundays for everyone to come and spend a day or even build a tent and spend the night! All of this in the refreshing English Countryside – completely free of charge!
If you don’t have access to farms, then that shouldn’t be a problem because chances are you’ll have access to a zoo. If you’re a student, your uni ID can come in very handy and you can grab yourself and your date a discount!
So why not get your Tarzan hat on, grab some ice cream and go visit the gorillas.
You obviously can’t get more British than this. If you’re in London, be sure to check out Camden Town. Visit the vibrant market place and the quirky shops that surround you everywhere you walk and when you’re done, go and order a delicious fish & chips takeaway from the vintage 1950s’ Poppies, sit by the riverside and enjoy life.
This is so simple and affordable yet classy and casual, all at once. Unless your date has a case of diabetes or some weird, permanent intolerance to sugar, she or he cannot possibly turn down a romantic coffee or afternoon teatime session with cakes and biscuits. This option is such a timeless classic, and you can never go wrong with it – no matter where you are in the world.
Do ask around or have a look yourself for any nearby events that you could go to, either by purchasing cheap tickets or by obtaining a free pass. Since you’re a student, chances are you’ll have access to loads of different exciting events that you would not want to miss out on – so keep a look out.
Depending on where you live and the choices you have available, riding a horse can be quite expensive. But not always! If you’re a horse-lover yourself, it’s more likely than not you’ll have a good idea about where to go horse riding for your first date, without having to splurge.
Going swimming or cycling is a lot more common when it comes to casual first date ideas, and much easier and cheaper to access. So, if you’re into a good, casual, romantic outdoor adventure – what are you waiting for?
Again, if you’re nearby mountains and fields, going hiking for your first date can be a real adventure – provided you’re both very into this sort of adventure, of course.
Make sure you pick a day where it won’t rain (or snow), pack a backpack of essentials (not forgetting your phone and food!) and embark on this breathtaking idea for a first date (you’re very welcome). This is definitely one of the best casual first date ideas!
No, I’m dead serious. All you’ll need for this one is some sunny weather (and all the essentials that come with it), a fishing rod, fishing bait, barbecue tools and equipment, some salt, loads of herbs and spices, a bottle of olive oil and some fresh bread.
Go fishing, wash your fishes, season your fishes, then set up your barbecue equipment. Conjure up some fire and roast away before enjoying your delicious, hard-earned, well-deserved meal.
And there we have 15 casual first date ideas for uni students! I am aware that some of these ideas are not so casual for most, but hey – the fun is in the variety! And you know as they say…you only live once. So be adventurous, be creative, and live it up!
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