Here are 5 cute dates perfect for college students

Cuffing season is officially upon us, which means you (yes, YOU) need to step up your dating game. Here are five cute date ideas in the Oxford area, perfect for any price point or level of commitment.

A not-so-basic hike

Unless you’re an axe murderer, I wouldn’t recommend a walk in the woods as your first date, but Oxford has a plethora of trails to explore as the leaves turn. My personal favorite is Huesten Woods, which features some incredible animal enclosures on the premises. As someone who has never seen a bald eagle that close, it’s definitely worth the short drive.

But why stop at hiking? Anyone can do that! Spruce up your date by packing a surprise picnic — anything from wax-paper wrapped sandwiches to premade charcuterie. Sit down in front of a scenic view, and watch your date fall a little more in love.

If food isn’t your thing, you can always whip up a cute scavenger hunt for your hike. Maybe whoever wins gets a kiss?

Progressive dinner

This is a great way to try out a bunch of new places to eat in Oxford, or revisit all of your favorites in one night. A progressive dinner works like this: you get drinks, an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert, but all from different places. Here are a couple of themes I’ve thought of.

A Taste of The World: Drop In Tea/Steinkeller/Krishna/Fiesta Charra

The Big Spender: Calendula/Pickle and Pig/Paesano’s Pasta House/Graeter’s

Classic Oxford: Uptown Blends/Skipper’s Pub/Bagel and Deli/United Dairy Farmers

Sip and paint/craft/bake

Whether you like sipping cocktails or mocktails, a cute little sip and paint – or craft or bake – is a perfect date for those who don’t want to leave their overpriced student housing. You could ask your date to provide the craft while you provide the drinks, or vice versa.

Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter

And the ideas for the craft are basically limitless. Patchwork hoodies, mini canvases, tie blankets… truly, the only limits are the Walmart supplies. These dates are perfect for couples who want to chat, drink a little and create a tangible representation of their undying love (or commemorate a three-month situationship).

Thrifting challenge

Have you ever visited Oxford’s Goodwill? Well, you’re about to. Here are two different visions I see for this challenge.

1. You and your partner have plans to go out, but you can only wear what the other finds for you in the thrift shop. No cheating — whatever your partner picks out is the fit for the night. Even if it’s an extremely oversized shirt that says “Bella! Where the hell have you been, loca?”

2. You and your partner have a certain spending limit to pull together a full fit. I think anything from $10 to $20 would be a good range. This is a great test to see how well your partner manages money, and an exercise in patience.

Ghost hunt

There are a lot of ghosts on Miami’s campus and around Butler County. Why not try to find some of them?

Helen Peabody is rumored to haunt Peabody Hall… and she doesn’t like men. Bizarre Butler County, a podcast produced by The Miami Student, has a whole host of supernatural sights near us.

This is definitely a date for those not faint of heart, but it could be an incredible bonding experience. If you try this one out, PLEASE send pictures.

***

So there you have it, five dates for your significant other that are at least somewhat original. Whether it’s spending a lot or a little, remember that the two most sexy things anyone can do are to put in effort and ask for consent.

greenpt@miamioh.edu