TOTUM's Top 10 Ideas For Cheap (Or Free) First Dates

With Valentine's Day approaching, here at TOTUM we've been thinking about first dates and how big you should go when you're meeting up with someone for the first time.

The chances are you're both on a student budget, so a five star meal at the most expensive restaurant in town probably isn't the best idea.

So - because we're good like that - we thought we'd step in and give you some budget date ideas to test the waters with your potential new bae...

1 - Dine out with a discount!

With budgets being squeezed at the moment, a meal out may seem a little extravagant, but don't worry - we've got just the thing to help you enjoy dining out without breaking the bank.

Did you know that when you buy a TOTUM membership you now get a Coffee Club & tastecard membership thrown in for FREE for the duration of your time with us?

That means that on top of the hundreds of discounts you get with TOTUM, you also get:

• 2 for 1 dining or 25% off your bill at loads of restaurants including Carluccios, Caffe Rouge and Prezzo.

• 50% off pizza delivery from Domino's, Pizza Hut and Papa Johns.

• Cinema savings at Vue, Cineworld and Odeon.

• Up to 50% off days out including Legoland, Sea Life Centre and Thorpe Park.

• 25% off barista-made drinks at Caffè Nero, Black Sheep Coffee, Krispy Kreme and loads of local independents!

The beauty here is that even if you want to eat in for your date night, you can take advantage of the 50% off pizza delivery offer! Who doesn't like a person who's smart with their money?

2 - Pub with perks

If you're local pub is a little grubby for a first date, try and find one with pool and board games in, you know, a little more up-market but not crazy fancy that it defeats the object of being cheap.

Games are a good laugh and are a starting point for conversations, so hopefully you won't have any awkward moments... but don't quote us on that one in case it doesn't work out, okay??

3 - Bowling

'Cause who doesn't love bowling? Usually, most places have off-peak prices or student prices so you should be able to get a good deal.

If you go on a weekday it will hopefully be quieter too, some places even offer bowling for as little as £1.50 a game.

Bowling is also a super fun double date too, so pick your favourite couple and let the good times roll!

4 - Local exhibitions or museum

Local exhibitions are gagging for some visitors - so why not visit on a first date?

Loads of museums and galleries also offer free admissions or at least a small fee for student prices or young people.

And youy know, walking around an exhibition could lead to a very interesting conversation!

5 - Picnic in the park (weather permitting)

Picnics are all kinds of romantic. They're not wildly over the top either so it's the perfect blend for a first date.

With picnics you can learn what each other's favourite food and drinks are and, weather permitting, bask in a little sunshine at the same time!

6 - A Romantic Stroll

And after your picnic in the park, why not take a romantic stroll to help you digest - again weather permitting.

A chilled out stroll leads to a chilled out atmosphere and is a great chance to really get to know the person you're on a date with.

If you're in a park you could always stop off for an ice cream and cup of coffee - or tea along the way too - and don't forget that TOTUM members can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Coffee Club to get 25% off all barista-made drinks at loads of coffee shops including Black Sheep, Caffè Nero and hundreds of independents!

7 - Tourist attractions in your local area

Hey, c'mon now stop that eye-roll right there. We know you're not a tourist but sometimes you might overlook the attractions in your area as you're kinda desensitised to it.

It might sound like a weird one but it can be quite cool to pretend to be a tourist in your area.

It's also worth bearing in mind that some places again offer student prices or even discounted prices for locals.

It's as easy as 1-2-3 to google local attractions in your area so give it a go - and don't forget to check out our Entertainment Category for discounts at some great days out including iFLY, Alton Towers, Madamme Tussaud's, Warwick Castle, The Blackpool Tower and loads more!

8 - Cinema

Because who doesn't love watching the latest releases?

This one might divide the nation on whether it's a good first date idea, but if you're not much of a talker this could be right up your street.

Plus there's another conversation starter for after the movie, you gotta think ahead!

Sometimes picking up tickets in advance might knock a couple of quid off but if not don't forget that with your tastecard membership you can get cinema discounts at Vue, Cineworld and Odeon cinemas...

9 - Night in with friends

This could be one of my favourite ideas.

If you've got a good group of friends, they'll bring out the best in you, so having a night in with friends could be you putting your best foot forward.

University is a time to be social so why not get a group together and cook up a storm in the kitchen (or get some snacks and wine) to really impress that special someone.

This could make you both feel a little more comfortable and at least there will be other people there to keep the conversation flowing - and with TOTUM offering some great discounts on Simply Cook, Hello Fresh and Gousto we'll help you create a stunning meal that's sure to knock your date's socks off!

10 - Theatre Trip

It's pretty likely that your uni or college has a drama department so why not check out what they're showing? If you're a student there you'll be able to get cheap tickets!

Failling a school show, most towns and cities will have smaller theatres that are often home to great amateur performances.

Tickets could cost around £7-£15 and you could stumble accross some absolute gems!

And if you're in London, we even have 10% discount on all theatre tickets with LOVEtheatre.

Book London theatre tickets to West End theatre shows plus find special offers online with LOVEtheatre.