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Ways to Spice up Dates on Campus

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Purdue chapter.

Ladies, we’ve all been there: you find a really cute guy who you’re totally interested in—so much so that you’re already imagining our monogrammed towels. Jane Austen knew this when she said, “A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” But then your world through ‘rose-colored glasses’ is shattered when he is far from gentlemanly when the time comes to ask you out. This article is actually for you, fellas. Ever asked your crush to “kick it in the dorm” for the first date, or “chill at the crib.” These phrases bring to mind images of “dude time”—not the message you want to send to a new lady. Well, here’s Her Campus to the rescue! And feel free to share these ideas with your guys, collegiettes™! Here are some simply splendid suggestions to spice up dates on campus for those who are low on cash and lack a car.


Serenade her on Slayter Hill

We all know Slayter Hill is a hot spot on snowy days, taken over by 6-year-olds in adult bodies sledding down its slope on dining court trays. But what’s awesome about Slayter Hill is the illuminated stage that looks simply spectacular at night, and all year round. Take your date there at night and enjoy a gorgeous time under the glow of the stars and the stage. She will always remember how different it was And, of course, strolling through the hill on those breezy fall days is another beautiful alternative.

The New & Improved John Purdue Room
Take her to the newly renovated John Purdue Room for a fancy dinner at a low student-discounted price! Purdue’s Hospitality and Tourism Management serves some delicious meals with excellent service, all in the middle of campus in the newly built beautiful Marriot Hall. So you won’t even need a car, it’s just a short walk from the dorms.


Walk your Pets or Go Bike Riding on Cattail Trail

Purdue has one of the finest campuses when it comes to aesthetic beauty, which can be a great advantage when looking for something romantic to do. Taking her for a walk on a breezy fall day or a bright summer afternoon is a wonderful idea and McCormick Road is the perfect place to do it. This area boasts of tremendous scenic beauty and greenery and makes for a gorgeous date site! The Cattail Trail (pictured) looks like it’s almost straight out of a Wordsworth poem and is perfect for those bike riding dates. Doing fun activities that include a little bit of exercise make for more interesting dates, and I’m sure a little bit of sweat would just make things hotter!

Plan a Picnic in Happy Hollow Park
West Lafayette has one of the most beautiful parks with a ton of hiking opportunities and picnic sites in the form of Happy Hollow Park and, as the name suggests, the place could be described as “happy” in one word.  The park is huge, with trails going far into the distance lined with trees that have stood there for decades. It has a number of swings and seesaws, and is constantly in its most beautiful form come fall! You can choose to make it romantic by laying on the grass together or go back to your childhood by playing on the swings – either way you two will never forget the time you spend here and it will undoubtedly be super “happy!”
 
*Photo Sources
http://news.uns.purdue.edu/images/+2004/slayter4th-adv.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/64875884_a4be6cb017.jpg

Amanda Norell is a junior at Purdue University where she is working toward a communication degree, supplemented by an art and design minor. A true Midwesterner, Amanda was born in Chicago and raised in northern Indiana, just minutes from the Michigan border. In addition to being Purdue's Campus Correspondent, Amanda is also a junior board member on Liberal Arts Student Council, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, and has both edited and written for The Exponent, Purdue's independent daily student newspaper.  She has held internships in both event planning and career development, and has her sights set on becoming an event and wedding planner after graduation. She cannot get enough of campus in the fall, crepes from Greyhouse, Urban Outfitters, and simply lovin' life.