33 Fun First Date Ideas For College Students That Aren’t Boring

Whether you’re a freshman in college or a senior that’s about to graduate, going on your first date as a college student can be so exciting and fun! 

We get it. Dating in college can be fun, but it can also be a money-spender given you probably don’t want to break the bank going out together. 

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of first date ideas for college students that are all about keeping it chill, budget-friendly, and fun. 

No fancy suits or over-the-top plans needed. 

All you need is just a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of spontaneity, and a good dose of being yourself!

So let’s get to it! 

This post is all about first date ideas for college students that are fun and cheap! 

33 First Date Ideas For College Students

1. Picnic on campus

Before you might say this is a lame date idea, you’d be surprised that many college students actually have their first dates on campus. Why? Because it keeps first dates really low key, budget-friendly, and familiar. 

Both of you know your campus well and so it doesn’t feel like you’re walking into unknown territory while going on your first date. 

To make it even more unique, a picnic at your favorite campus spot or a quiet area is perfect as a first date idea. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but if you don’t have any ideas, we highly recommend checking out this post for cute picnic setups for dates. 

2. Playing pool and asking fun questions

Playing pool is so fun! To make it more exciting, you could have a set of questions that the person who loses would have to answer. 

Remember to keep the questions lighthearted, funny, and casual. But it’s also okay to ask general questions as well such as, “What has your _____ year of college been like for you?” 

If you’re looking for funny questions to ask on your first date, then you want to check out this post. 

3. Go Top Golfing

Have some fun competition and go on a top golf date! We totally vouch for top golf dates because it’s a great way to relieve stress (from school) and get a good healthy dose of laughter and competition with each other.

4. Go on an easy hike

You can’t go wrong hiking during sunset. Catch some nice sunset vibes by going on an easy hike on your first date. We always suggest doing an activity on your first date or keeping it super casual to take away any date anxiety. Going on an easy hike can also help you take your time getting to know each other!

5. Grab a bite at a casual restaurant

Take the pressure off of having to go to a fancy restaurant. It’s all about the vibes on the first date. We recommend keeping it light-hearted by going to a fast food place or a casual mom and pop shop. 

6. Visit a local food truck festival

Are you both down to head to a food truck festival and grab dinner together? Then, this is the perfect first date idea! You both can enjoy local food eateries while getting to know each other. 

7. Grab a cup of coffee together

A good cup of coffee is a perfect way to sit down and have a casual, get to know each other type of date. We suggest finding a less busy coffee shop so that you won’t have to talk over each other and can enjoy each other’s presence. 

8. Explore an area near campus

Is there an area nearby your college campus that you would like to visit or explore together? Maybe there’s a park or a local restaurant that you’re both down to try? Whatever it may be, definitely consider this as a low key first date idea! 

9. Attend a live music event 

This is typically out of the norm for first date ideas. But if your date is into similar music and is open to attending, then why not? It might just be a thrilling first date!

10. Visit a record store

Are you both into music records and vinyl? Then, a record store might just be your first date place! 

11. Have a trivia night with friends

If you met your date through a mutual friend and you both might feel more comfortable doing an activity together, then maybe a trivia night can be on your list of ideas! Although, we do suggest doing an activity with just the two of you first, and then, meeting up with friends!

12. Go on a chill campus walk

If you don’t want to spend money and you’re both open to doing something very casual, then a campus walk is always a good first date idea! Ultimately, you both are just getting to know each other and see if you want to continue on a second date. 

13. Have a picnic at the park

Know a nearby park that sets the tone for a first date? Then, a picnic is a must here! You can both bring your own lunch and have a casual date together. 

14. Grab acai bowls together

Craving an acai bowl? Then, why not grab acai bowls together. Sometimes, it might be difficult to pick a place to eat, so something simple and delicious like acai bowls are always a great idea!

15. Go sunset watching at the beach

Going for a more romantic vibe? Then head to the beach and watch the sunset together. We would encourage bringing beach games like cards or a frisbee to do something with each other. 

16. Try kayaking together

Ready for a more adventurous first date idea? Then kayaking is a great bonding activity because you have to learn how to coordinate with each other, haha. Trust us, it’ll be quite the fun date experience! 

17. Go to an arcade

An arcade date idea is a great way to bond with your date and let your competitive side out. Of course in a healthy way 🙂 

18. Grab a meal and then go bike riding 

Looking for a last minute, fun first date idea? Then grabbing a meal and then going bike riding is always a casual and fun first date idea! Whether that’s renting bikes near a local bike shop or heading to a beach bike rental place, you can enjoy each other’s presence! 

19. Volunteer for a campus event

Is there a club or organization that you’re both a part of? Then, why not volunteer together! Sometimes, first dates don’t have to be all fancy. Also, volunteering would be a great first date idea if you are both involved in this particular club or campus event. 

Research has actually shown that volunteering actually gives you more to talk about due to shared interests.

You could learn more about each other and if things take off, you could volunteer more together 🙂 

20. Visit a local museum 

Know an art museum or a unique museum near you? This could be a lowkey first date idea that you and your date could go on! Admire and share your opinions about particular museum pieces that stand out for the both of you! 

21. Grab pizza together

Pizza on a first date?! Heck yes! Enjoy a delicious meal together on your first date, while keeping it budget-friendly. 

22. Play a board game with another couple

Do you both have a mutual friend that has a partner? You could totally invite another couple to play board games with you if you both feel comfortable with it! 

23. Visit the zoo 

You can’t go wrong with having a first date at the zoo if both of you love animals! This is a casual and chill date that is great for taking off the pressure of having to come up with things to say. If you’re worried about what to say, you could just make comments about the animals you see! 

24. Build a puzzle and ask questions

Puzzles are so fun and challenging, which make a fun, exciting first date idea! You could surprise your date with a puzzle that’s easy-to-do or you might be spending hours doing it, haha. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but on a first date, you might want to pick a puzzle that’s easy and quick to finish. 

25. Have a dog date 

Do either of you have a dog? Then, go for a walk with your dog! This is a great multi-tasking date activity. Your dog is doing its business, while you and your date get to spend quality time with each other.

26. Attend a local event nearby 

Are there any local events happening nearby that make for a first date idea? Maybe it’s a charity event, local concert, or festival! See what’s nearby and ask your date if they’d be down to do so! 

27. Do a spontaneous activity 

Are you and your date more spontaneous? Then a spontaneous activity is a must! We suggest choosing an environment that allows for spontaneity. 

For example, if you have your date near the beach or a mall, it would be easier to spontaneously choose what to do next. However, we definitely recommend planning a first date meal together and then doing the activity! 

28. Play pickle-ball together

Pickle-ball is great as a first date idea, even if you both are beginners. We love this sport because it’s so beginner-friendly and a great way to bond with each other. Break a sweat and let your energy out! 

29. Draw each other’s faces 

This is going to be a date for laughs and memories, for sure. If you are planning the date, you could bring pieces of paper and color pencils. We suggest grabbing a meal first or going to a cafe. While you’re asking each other questions, you could draw each other’s faces. Then, show each other your masterpiece, haha. 

30. Go to a popular restaurant in your area 

Is there a trendy, popular restaurant in your area that you both have been wanting to try? Then, this is the perfect opportunity to do so! Grab a bite and enjoy getting to know each other, while eating yummy food. 

31. Attend a campus event

Is there a campus event that is coming up? Maybe it’s a club event, a performance, or a sports event. Either way, it’s always fun to share campus event memories with your date. You also can save money going outside and just enjoy attending a campus event.

32. Go bowling 

You can’t go enjoying a friendly round or two of bowling! Have fun chatting and getting those strikes or misses, haha. 

33. Go on an ice cream run

Going on an ice cream run is such a romantic, cheap date idea for college students. It’s a great way to bond and get to know your date better while grabbing some yummy to eat. 

What is a low key date?

A low key date is a casual, get-to-know-each-other type of date without any pressure or huge expectations from both sides. This could be a first date or a casual date like taking a stroll at the park or eating sushi together for dinner. Low key dates could be budget-friendly and last minute, but also very intentional!

How to date a broke college student?

We totally get it! The #brokecollegestudentlife is real, especially if you’re paying college on your own or are tight on other expenses for budgeting and saving. 

I’m sure if you explain your situation to your date, they would be understanding of it. Chances are, they also are on the same page as you! You don’t need to constantly spend money going out every date. 

Take advantage of your cafeteria meal plan, have a picnic on campus, take a stroll at the park, or grab food at a cheap food truck or fast food restaurant. 

Final thoughts about first date ideas for college students

Your first date as a college student doesn’t have to be over-the-top or super anxiety ridden. As long as you show up (literally the bottom line, haha), you can take your dating experience as it is! 

We want you to remember that dating is really what you make of it. The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. College is an exciting time to date and experience the fun and uniqueness of it! 

We’re curious to know – which one of the first date ideas for college students did you like the best?

Comment below!

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This post was all about first date ideas for college students.