Below you will find a list of alternatives to traditional dates that can save money.

1. The movie date- Movie tickets can cost up to seven dollars per person.  If you still want to enjoy that theatre surround sound and those stadium seats, there are several ways to do that and cut your ticket price almost in half.
– Attend matinee movies, these movies often start before six and ticket prices can be as low as three dollars.
–  Use your student i.d., many movie theatres offer discount prices for students with an i.d.
– Buy your tickets before the movie at the student center on your campus, many colleges offer discount ticket programs for their students.
– Rent a movie- If you are still short on cash you can forgo the theatre experience all together and rent a movie.

2. The Dinner Date- At most restaurants dinner is typically the most expensive meal on the menu.  There are ways around spending so much on a meal.
-Instead of meeting for dinner try a lunch, brunch, or breakfast date.  These meals are often less expensive than dinner and the more casual atmosphere of lunch, brunch, or breakfast can be especially good for a nerve wracking first date.
- Use coupons.  Often people that use coupons are made fun of by comics, but using a coupon can be a good way to save money.  Maybe you should save this penny pincher for a later date, but then again who wants to date a snob.
- Dining al fresco can always be romantic! Plan a picnic for two outside at a local park.  Each of you can volunteer to bring something to add to the meal. This idea is sure to add to your creativity score.

3. The Sporting Event Date- Sporting events tickets vary in price range.  It is rumored that Spike Lee pays $1,000 dollars per ticket to Knicks games!  I can’t promise you that you’ll get the same courtside view that Spike has but you will get the same atmosphere.
- Attend baseball games.  Of all the professional sports their tickets tend to be cheaper, especially those upper level seats.
- Attend Soccer games.  Another cheaper ticket here in the U.S.
- If you or your dating partner is a student, attend college games or other non-professional sporting events.

4. Get some culture- Check out the paper for cultural events and fairs.  Also go to galleries and museums, ticket prices are often inexpensive or free, and many offer student rates.

5. Get some education.  Yeah, I know you don’t want to be in a class on Saturday afternoon, but many historical sites and science centers are free or cost very little.  Planetariums are great date places, most cost only $1-$3 for students and you get to gaze at the stars and hold hands!

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but as you can see the possibilities can be endless!  Happy Dating!