The first date is always the hardest, you’re trying your hardest to impress the person you’re with either to get lucky later that night or for another date. In today’s economy dates can get pretty expensive, especially the run-of-the-mill dinner and movie date. There are seven dates that are not only fun, but also under $10 that you may want to try. Check them out below.
1. Give Her Goosebumps
Here’s what you do: Rent or Netflix Paranormal Activity. Grab The Exorcist, too. With a double feature like that, she’ll be seeking refuge under the blanket in minutes. “Showing vulnerability is a major bonding experience,†says Coleman. “A little bit of humanity always leads to second dates.â€
2. See the StarsWeekends aren’t just for raging. Glance at the oft-neglected campus activities board and you’ll soon notice how much you’ve been missing. Many colleges reel in big-name bands, guest speakers, and comedians—and your tuition’s already paid for part of the ticket. “I’ve never seen a college show in my life that cost more than 10 bucks,†Coleman says. Look for acts like Louis C.K., Daniel Tosh, and Girl Talk—all of whom frequently tour colleges—for less than the price of a six-pack.
3. Get SweatyIf the couple that plays together stays together, then forget dinner and hit the gym instead. Working out on the first date not only gets your blood pumping, but can turn her on, too, Coleman says. Challenge her to one-on-one racquetball, figure out where the sand volleyball courts are located, and test her competitive streak. “Think about it: You’re spending a couple hours getting sweaty and intimate together. You can call it what you want,†Coleman says. “I call it a date.â€
4. Lend a HandYou wouldn’t expect sparks to fly in a nursing home, but doing volunteer work is surprisingly conducive to a successful date, Coleman says. Here’s why: “Instead of the focus being on each other, it’s strictly on the task that you’re doing,†he says. “And as a result of working toward that task together, you end up getting closer to each other.†Nearly every school offers free opportunities to volunteer on and off campus. Our favorite? Habitat for Humanity. The nonprofit charity builds houses for underprivileged families. Plus it’s a chance to show off your skills with a pistol-grip drill. Service never looked sexier.
5. Take the StageThere’s almost nothing as embarrassing as getting up in front of strangers and screeching Billy Joel two keys too high at the local bar’s karaoke night—and that’s a good thing. “If she laughs when you get up and sing, don’t worry,†Coleman says. “That means you’ve removed your façade. And when people let their guards down and become human, that’s when relationships really develop.†Better yet, bring her up for a duet and share the shame.
6. Dine and DashTry what Coleman calls a progressive dinner date: Start with an appetizer at the campus hole-in-the-wall, venture to Qdoba for an affordable main course, and cap the night at a diner with a shared slice of cheesecake. Sure, you might blow your budget by a few bucks, and it’ll hardly scream elegance, but that doesn’t matter: “The bottom line is you keep readjusting and readapting to the different places you go,†Coleman says, “and it gives you a huge reason to keep spending all that time together.â€
7. Root for the Home TeamThose games you might skip out on after burgers and beer in the parking lot are fast-paced, fun, and—this is big—free with a student ID. (Unless you go to a Division-1 powerhouse.) Take her to a high-stakes game and you’ll find common ground in wanting to vanquish your school’s rivals. “As soon as the focus shifts from the two of you to what you’re doing,†Coleman says, “the date gets more enjoyable.â€