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How to Date in College When You Don’t Have a Vehicle

Young Couple at College walking on a date
Written by CB Community

When you’re in college, a car is a luxury you don’t always have. Cars cost money and college students are notoriously broke. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, though. When you’re in college, you can focus on your grades and fostering friendships that will last a lifetime.

A part-time job may help you get by, but it’s not going to have the lasting impact that a degree or a lifelong friend will have on your life. So you end up walking or take the bus everywhere you go. But what happens when you have a date? Is it really acceptable to take your date on the bus?

If you’re in college, the answer is most definitely yes. But that’s not the only way you can get around. Let’s explore a few ways you can date in college when you don’t have a car.

Plan group dates

Even if you don’t have a car, you probably have a friend who does. Plan a double date or a group date with any of your friends that are in a couple. This way, you can pitch in for gas and get a ride to your destination. It’s a win-win.

Take an Uber

If you’re in college today, you have many more options than students did a decade ago. You may not want to spend money on an Uber to get yourself to class, but if you’re going on a special date, it’s a great option.

All you need to do is download the app and have a driver pick you and your date up at a central location, and you’ll save a bit of money on the trip. In the same way, you can also call a cab.

Use a car-sharing service

In most college towns, there are car services like Car2Go where you can use a car temporarily – like for your date.
You’ll obviously need a current driver’s license and an account with the service. The cars tend to be parked in popular spots. So you may see them around a college campus or a popular hangout spot.

Go for a walk

If you don’t have a car, you’re going to have to get used to walking, and your date will too. While you may opt for an Uber or Cars2Go service for a special date, it would be expensive to use it every day.

Whenever you can, go for a stroll with your date. The bonus is that you can talk and hold hands the whole way there. There’s something romantic about a walk with someone you’re dating.

Take public transportation

A bus isn’t the sexiest form of transportation, but it works. If you’re going somewhere on a bus route, why not take the bus? The same is true for a train, subway or metro rail. If there’s a cheap and easy way to get to where you want to go, take it.

It’s very common for college students not to have cars, so don’t worry about any stigma. If your date doesn’t understand that you’re being frugal because you’re trying to save up for a used car or other living expenses, he or she may not be the right person for you anyway.

For more tips on all things college, check out the other blogs on College Basics!

About the author

CB Community

Passionate members of the College Basics community that include students, essay writers, consultants and beyond. Please note, while community content has passed our editorial guidelines, we do not endorse any product or service contained in these articles which may also include links for which College Basics is compensated.