CREDIT: ANTONIO_DIAZ/THINKSTOCK
Staying home and making a meal together is a fun and inexpensive way to spend time with your significant other.

Now that we are more than halfway through our first term of the year, most of you have formed new friendships, cliques or relationships. Dating on a student budget can be challenging and hold some people back due to lack of finances.

Here is a list of five fun and frugal date ideas to keep the spark alive even when money is tight.

1. Get fresh air

Fall is a beautiful season to be out walking around with your sweetie. One of my favourite activities is visiting a pumpkin patch and carving pumpkins and then chasing each other through a corn maze. Soon it will be cold enough to visit the city’s skating rink at Victoria Park and a walk among the lit-up trees. Talk about romantic.

2. Stay in

For those cold nights when you don’t want to leave the house, you can stay in and cook a nice meal together. Once you’re done cleaning up the kitchen, you can challenge each other to a video game competition or choose a movie and cuddle up under a blanket with some hot cocoa.

3. Get cultured

Check out local museums or live music nights. Attend a community play or festival. Experiencing new things together will make you feel closer. You can find lots of events on eventbrite.ca.

4. Volunteer

When you give back to the community you are acting in a selfless way. Helping other people creates happiness and self-confidence. If you are dating someone with the same values as you, have them come out and volunteer with you. Doing it together will strengthen your relationship.

5. Deal hunting

Group buying sites such as Groupon, Dealfind and Teambuy always have great deals on restaurants, activities, getaways, and more. Take your date out for a fancy dinner and then go to the movies or mini-golfing. Buy your deal ahead of time and impress your date with the time and effort you spent planning the special night … all while getting it at 50 per cent off.

There’s no reason to let a light wallet hold you back from having fun while dating. Use one of these ideas (or your own) and have a romantic date with your special someone without breaking the bank.