For many, college is a time full of hunting for the next free meal and waiting for the first of the month, when that monthly parental check will finally rescue your bank account from the depths of brokedom. Of course, this only lasts until you pay back your roommate for spotting you in that poker tournament, fork out a few dollars at the White Spot during a late night outing and do those six loads of laundry that have been piling up since the middle of last semester. Before you know it, your balance is showing zero, and you're back to searching for clubs to join so you can upgrade from ramen noodles for a night or two every week.
But what about that cute girl in bio? The one you've been eyeing all semester and whose Facebook pictures you've been flipping through on a nightly basis? It seems that, with no money in the bank, you'll just have to wait until next month to finally make your move. Because, to be honest, what first date has ever been pulled off without spending at least a few dollars on food or recreation? My answer, friends, is only the best kind, and here are the ways you can make it happen.
Use your environment. We attend one of the most beautiful universities in the country, and I would say anyone trying to find a more romantic venue than the Lawn in the early evening would be taking on a near impossible task. So, fill a couple of water bottles, grab a blanket and enjoy a quiet evening in the heart of the Academical Village, for free.
Second, take advantage of University resources. Going out to a movie can cost an already broke student up to $20. Renting a movie from Clemons, however, is absolutely free. Also, watching a movie in the comfort of your dorm room or apartment has the added advantage of providing a good opportunity to talk and get to know each other, unlike the silent darkness that defines movie theaters. Ergo, crack open that lifetime supply of popcorn your parents got you at the beginning of the year and romance your way through a great, affordable date.
Next, be sure to use those Arts Dollars the University gives you every semester to attend University-sponsored arts performances. Aside from providing a couple hours of complimentary fun, University drama and musical productions are fairly classy affairs and will give your date the impression that you are cultured. And nothing beats a date that makes you look classy, especially when said date is free of charge.
Lastly, and possibly most importantly, be careful to strategically plan the times of your dates. If you can't afford to buy dinner, then don't arrange to meet up at 6 p.m. Rather, push it to 8 p.m. in the hopes that your counterpart will have already eaten and you won't be forced to dole out money when your date's stomach starts growling. Thus, be tactical about your timing, because it will make all the difference on your bank statement.
Though all the advice above is geared toward making dates as cheap as possible, they are also intended to show that a good time is possible without having to go for broke. An impressive first date is not worth charging $150 when you know you don't have that kind of bankroll. Instead, look for people who won't mind kicking back and popping in a movie, because they're probably the ones who like you the most anyway. And, if all else fails, find a girlfriend who goes to a different college. One date a month? DYNO-mite!
Andy's column runs biweekly Mondays. He can be reached at taylor@cavalierdaily.com.
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