Modern life is expensive. The strife of the recession, ever increasing daily expenses, inflation – sometimes it feels like your salary is only enough to cover the basic essentials. But if you’re imaginative this doesn’t have to affect your life very much. Students are probably the poorest people in the country but they manage to have the most fun – and a few small discounts aren’t the only source of this. It’s perfectly easy to have a social calendar full to bursting and a flourishing love life as well as a tight budget. Here are six tips for dating when funds are low, whether you’re professional dating or student dating:
Find student catering…
Did you know that there are many restaurants dotted around the country run by catering and hospitality students? There is bound to be one in your local area and the cost will be significantly lower than average for the quality provided. Who says dinner dates have to break the bank?
Share ‘quiet nights in’…
An even better way to negotiate any dinner date expense is to turn your dining room into your very own eatery. Transform the place with table cloths, candles, cushions, draped pieces of fabric and anything else you can think of. Then plan a menu of both of your favourite foods – if you’re not a good cook then stick religiously to the recipe. To save even more money you could even ask your date to bring the wine.
Use public transport, never taxis…
A great way to save on dates (and in general) is to use public transport, avoiding the use of a car and especially taxis. This small saving in travel costs could cut a significant amount off the overall expense of the date.
Watch the sunset…
Why not embrace nature this winter and enjoy the beautiful outdoors? Winter is a gorgeous season – especially when it snows – and taking it in is completely free. Why not suggest a walk at sunset? Even the most expensive date wouldn’t be as romantic as this.
Get sporty…
Try out an activity with your date – walking, playing Frisbee, kite-flying, cycling – whatever takes your fancy. Not only is this also free, but it will keep you fit and warm in the cold weather.
Find amateur entertainment…
Theatre and other live entertainments don’t have to cost a fortune. Look for local venues and independent companies – there’s bound to be a lot of cheap but great quality events going on out there. Comedy is a particularly good thing to see with your date as laughing is a really great way to bring people closer together.
Whether you meet your dates on dating sites or at the local pub, your love life doesn’t have to be expensive. These six tips should have you dating on a very manageable budget from now on.
