dating on a college budget

So, you've met a cute guy or a pretty girl, and you want to take him or her out on a date. There's only one problem: you're a broke college student. But before you cancel on your crush, realize that you can still take him or her on a date without going over your budget. All it takes is a little creativity. Check out these inexpensive ideas for dating on a college budget.

Enjoy the great (free) outdoors. Not only would a date in the great outdoors allow you to experience nature, but it would also allow for quality conversations so you could get to know your crush better. There are a multitude of outdoor activities that would make for a fun and free date:

• Going to the beach or lake
• Taking a hike in the mountains
• Exploring a wildlife/wildflower trail
• Going sledding during the winter months

Have a picnic in the park. Nothing says love (or like) quite like a romantic picnic in the park. Pack a couple sandwiches, some fresh fruit, and a few sodas and head off to a local park. If you want to make the date longer, bring Fido along so the three of you can play a game of fetch after the meal.

Spend a cozy evening at home. Ditch the expensive restaurant and movie theater and opt for a cozy evening at your place. Try out some recipes and have a candlelight dinner for two. After dinner, you can snuggle on the couch with your date, watch a rented movie, eat some popcorn, and think of all the money you saved by doing dinner and a movie at home.

Host a game night. Make your date a double date by inviting over another couple and hosting a game night at your crib. Provide snack food and break out some games from your childhood stash, such as Monopoly, Pictionary, or Twister. If you don't have these games in your collection, a deck of cards will suffice. Go fish!

Attend a free sporting event. Avoid the expense of NCAA tickets by taking your crush on an afternoon date to watch an intramural sporting event on campus or check out your little cousin's softball game at the local park.

Take a leisurely stroll through the city. Get to know your date while walking around and exploring your city together. Along the way, you may even run into free entertainment, such as sidewalk bands or sideshow acts.

Dating doesn't have to be expensive. As long as you make it fun, your crush will more than likely be impressed.