<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2o6ejC_1GmefsQx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2o6ejC_1GmefsQx00" width="2000" height="1334" ><figcaption>The Memorial Union Terrace photographed on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Photo by Jonathan Mintz | The Daily Cardinal</figcaption></figure>As a hopeless romantic and rom-com lover, I have always loved the idea of a first date. I love the excitement of getting ready beforehand, picking out an outfit and thinking about all the questions I want to ask. What is their favorite childhood book? What are their top three movies? There is so much to talk about; the last thing on my mind is where it will be. First dates don’t have to be expensive, especially when you’re a college student. Between classes, budgets and busy fall schedules, planning a fancy date is not always possible. Luckily, Madison has lots of spots where you can get creative and have a great time with your date.For University of Wisconsin-Madison sophomore Dafne Peralta, a first date doesn’t need to be complicated.“Madison has so much nature and two lakes, so I think taking advantage of it and getting to know someone without feeling like you need to do a lot would be perfect,” Peralta told The Daily Cardinal.After talking to UW-Madison students, here are five affordable ways to have a great first date in Madison.1. Daily Scoop ice cream and the lake The Memorial Union is a perfect place to start. You can grab some cheese curds or chicken tenders from Der Rathskeller, grab blueberry swirl ice cream at Daily Scoop and find a place with a view of Lake Mendota. That way, you and your date have food, watch the sunset and enjoy each other's company. You can even get a student discount if you use your Wiscard. Given how beautiful our weather has been this fall, the Terrace offers a lovely setting for conversation. If you’re not ready to end the date there, take a walk along the lake and keep the conversation flowing.UW-Madison sophomore Dwayne Correa sees a walk along the lakeshore as more than just a scenic date. It’s a chance to listen and get to know the other person.“The Lakeshore Path, while walking and talking, is a great first date because you can really pay attention to the other person and the details they are telling you to later help plan the second date,” Correa told the Cardinal.2. Creativity at the Lakeshore Nature PreserveInstead of a cliche coffee date, bring some cheap art supplies to the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. UW-Madison freshman Olivia Uriona shared a simple, but memorable date she had with her boyfriend this fall.“My boyfriend and I got cheap oil pastels from 5 Below, and it was a really fun time while being in nature as well,” Uriona said.You don’t need to have a ton of art supplies to give this a try. Bring a sketchbook, some paint or a few inexpensive pastels and see what you can make together. It’s a fun way to get outside, try something new and enjoy each other’s company without breaking the bank.3. Music, books and sweets A first date is also a chance to discover something new about Madison and each other. Start at Strictly Discs to browse records and talk about your favorite artists and what music you two may have in common. Then head to Mystery to Me Books across the street to share your favorite reads, look through the aisles and even find each other a new book to read. End the date with a sweet treat at Bloom Bake Shop. They even have gluten-free options for your date. With a bit of planning, you can turn the afternoon into a mini tour of local businesses without feeling like you have to buy something at every stop.Peralta thinks that trying new food spots and stores is part of what makes a date exciting.“My dream first date would be dressing cute and sitting somewhere with an outdoor patio together — make it a thing to try new food spots on campus and wander into different stores,” Peralta said.4. Bowling at the Sett Go to The Sett at Union South for bowling or pool. Some friendly competition can make a first date feel more relaxed, and you can grab snacks from the concessions like nachos or popcorn all for less than $10. Whether you’re a pro bowler or just there for fun, it gives you something to do together (and maybe even a reason to plan a rematch!) Check the current prices and student discounts before you go — there is always a student discount. 5. Henry Vilas ZooA first date can make you nervous, so why not take the pressure off by going somewhere a bit silly? A walk through Henry Vilas Zoo, where the animals and exhibits give you plenty to talk about. Admission is free, so it’s a great way to spend an afternoon together and try something different from the usual first date itineraries.If you want to make the outing last longer, you can explore the exhibits together and see which animals you both like best. You could even stop for a treat at the zoo’s restaurant, which overlooks the polar bear exhibit. I know I wouldn’t forget that. </div></body>

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As a hopeless romantic and rom-com lover, I have always loved the idea of a first date. I love the excitement of getting ready beforehand, picking out an outfit and thinking about all the questions I want to ask. What is their favorite childhood book? What are their top three movies? There is so much to talk about; the last thing on my mind is where it will be.

A college student's tips for impressing a first date

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As a hopeless romantic and rom-com lover, I have always loved the idea of a first date. I love the excitement of getting ready beforehand, picking out an o

A college student's tips for impressing a first date

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