By Alannah Mylechreest, Community Subeditor
Picture the scene: you’ve finally worked up the courage to ask out that person you always spot around campus on a date for Valentine’s Day. As much as you’d love to treat them to a three-course meal at the Ivy, student budgets mean you’ve only got enough money to share a bowl of chips together at V-Shed. But fear not! There are plenty of ways to impress your date and create a memorable evening without having to break the bank.
- Dinner and a boogie
A dinner date is an old favourite, but can eat into your bank account if you’re not careful. Luckily Mr Wolf’s offers a cheap alternative with their pay the time pizzas every Tuesday, offering a margherita pizza and a pint at the price of the time you place the order - if you get there by 6pm, you only pay £6! If the date is going well, stay on for JazzFunkSoul Society’s open mic night and dance the night away together.
- Film night
Another classic first date is a cinema trip, and whilst they may offer a wider choice, big-name cinema chains are notoriously expensive. Cube Cinema, nestled in a corner of Stoke’s Croft, regularly screens an eclectic programme of niche films at affordable prices, sometimes as low as a fiver. If cinema isn’t your thing, they also regularly put on live music and comedy events. Stoke’s Croft, with its wide range of restaurants, cafes and pubs - many offering student discounts - is the perfect place to hit after the show to keep the evening going.
- Visit a museum
If your date is an art lover, or if you fancy seeming cultured to impress them, then a trip to one of Bristol’s many museums is the perfect, cost-savvy idea. Some examples include Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, M Shed, Arnolfini and Spike Island Gallery. Swing by the gift shop after to pick up a cheeky souvenir to look back on with fondness if the date (hopefully!) goes well.
- Get quizzing
If you fancy going for a simple drink, but feel daunted at the thought of keeping the conversation flowing, why not go to a pub quiz together? Entry is usually only a quid or two, it’ll give you the opportunity to work together, and Bristol certainly isn’t short of options! If you’re looking for recommendations, my personal favourites are Alma Tavern on a Monday, Hope & Anchor on a Tuesday, or Cotham Porter Stores on a Thursday. Alternatively look up what’s on at your local - chances are they have a quiz happening during the week too!
- Stay on campus
Romance and university probably don’t go hand in hand in your mind, but stick with me here. If you often find yourself riddled with nerves on a first date, then sticking to somewhere familiar can help with this. Uni work may also be piling on top of you, leaving little time for anything else, so choosing somewhere near the library means you won’t run the risk of showing up late if your study session overruns. Also, and perhaps most importantly, there are plenty of spaces on campus for a cheap date! Grab a coffee and a pastry together at Beacon House, or check out Senate House for food options catering to a range of tastes. If you’re free on a Wednesday, schedule your date for after 4pm to take advantage of half price drinks.
Reuben Kerbes
- Night in
Sometimes the simplest date nights result in the most treasured memories. If you fancy yourself a bit of a chef, why bother with a restaurant? Simply hit up Aldi or Lidl for cheap ingredients, and whip up a gourmet meal for the both of you. Your date will likely be far more impressed with a homemade dish than an expensive meal!
Featured image: Epigram / Alannah Mylechreest
What are your Valentine's Day plans?
