Cheap valentines day activities for a student budget

Katie Bakeron 31 January 2023
A couple stood outside, faces covered by the heart shape they're making with their hands

Don't let the cost of living crisis impact your love life. Try one of these affordable date nights.

Student loan running low? Don’t make your dating life suffer. At Student Hut, we know all about the struggles of dating while at uni. So here’s a list of cute date ideas to keep your cheeky link happy and save money all at once!

A long country walk

This might sound like a boring one, but if you love getting out in nature, and getting mud all over your Air Force 1s, an outdoor date is the one for you. Bonus points if you can drive and get out to a decent park. Even more bonus points if you rock up with a coffee in a flask.

A couple of drinks at the pub

Obviously, pubs are a standard go-to, but see if any local student pubs do deals on a bottle of wine or happy hour on beers if that’s your thing. This works out way cheaper than a meal out, and is much less pressure. 

Picnic in the park 

Naturally, this one’s weather-dependent, but everyone loves a picnic. It's a classic trope and tbh one of the most romantic things to do with a date. But now that Tesco has upped the price of their meal deals, you’ll have to nip into Aldi instead.

Arcades/Amusements

2p machines, going into your overdraft to win a £3 stuffed Minion, House of the Dead…say no more.

Cinema night

This can be very hit-and-miss with dates. Just make sure you pull the arm over the shoulder move.

Go to a lecture

Most universities will invite guests to do a lecture on an interesting topic. If you find something you’re into, why not bring a date along too? It’s the perfect ground for seeing if you vibe over the same things.

Wine and cheese night

Aldi does great cheeses and wins awards for their wines – perfect for you cheapy students. But make sure to hoover before they come over, nobody likes a crusty carpet.

Comedy show

Everyone loves a comedy show – and if you’re in a city like London, Manchester, or Brighton there are plenty of them that do free events for comedians to practice new material… guaranteed laughs all around.

Cooking classes

This is a 2-in-1, where not only can you have a laugh and try new food, you’ll be able to throw away the jar of Dolmio sauce and learn to make your own!

Find a secret drinking spot

Speakeasies are becoming more and more popular, and it’s not hard to see why. They're the perfect date spots, so find one near you ASAP. If you're in London, Dear Alice is the perfect Speakeasy cocktail bar. 

We know getting out there can be tricky, but Student Hut has your back with these tried and tested cheap valentines ideas. Good luck!

What’s the best date you’ve ever been on? Join the Student Hut Community and let us know! 

Katie Bakeron 31 January 2023