Sometimes, it may seem like college dates get old real fast as the one thing you both seem to have in common is that you are broke, and after a few dinners and trips to the bars, there’s not much more to do. Hanging around is fine with your friends, but it is hard to start up an engaging relationship around food and alcohol. This works for you and your friends because you already know each other, but if you are dating, you need fun activities to break the ice. Here are some ideas that may not have occurred to you without a little aid.

One great source of college dates if you are both at least a little athletically inclined is to see what recreational activities your college offers. Swimming while you have that fresh spark between you can be a great time, and even if have been dating for awhile, it will be fun to have a new place to interact and clown around in the water. If your school has racquetball or tennis courts these can also be fun places to fool around at (not literally!) as well. You can create your own rules depending on each of your athletic abilities and you will find conversation naturally occurs while playing because you have something in common to talk about happening during the game. An added bonus is exercise releases endorphins and you will both be in great moods after playing.

If athletics are not your thing, and your college does not have a great recreational center anyhow, you may at least consider taking a nature walk. Ok, it sounds boring, but at least it gets you out of the house and staring at each other from across the couch. Plus, the animals and sights will at least give you something to talk about. If you are a little bit athletic, you could turn it into a bicycle ride.

Switching up gears a little, you may find inspiration for dates by thinking of how you use to find entertainment as a child before the dorm room and TV became your lifestyle. Try going to an art museum or the zoo for the afternoon. Both offer you a change of pace and scenery, and have plenty of built in conversation builders as part of the discussion. Even going to a school playground in the area may be fun as stories from your childhoods are sure to pop out and before long you find yourself competing and showing off on the jungle gym or swings. Being a child is something you both share experiences from, so don’t be embarrassed go ahead and share them, believe it or not, you’ll have fun.
You also want to be always keeping your eye out for festivals around campus and the town you live in. At some point, there are sure to be local festivals or activities that you can take part in that can shape a date night. Take advantage of all of them so you keep your dating life fresh.