I get it, Storrs is in the middle of nowhere. I’ve heard it since my freshman year, however, believe it or not, we do have some unique places right in town! Most University of Connecticut students do not have cars on campus, so it makes it harder to find different things to do for a date with your significant other. Here are some of my favorite date ideas that are easily accessible to any student!
RED Rock café restaurant
Located on 591 Middle Turnpike, less than a mile off campus, Red Rock Café is a great option that is very close to campus but also not directly on campus if you are looking to get away! The restaurant has plenty of different options for lunch and dinner that are reasonably priced for two. If you are looking for a nighttime setting, they also have a sports bar. During game nights, you can unleash your inner sports fan while also supporting a family-owned local business during happy hours (3-6 p.m.).
Dog LANE Café
Easily accessible right in Downtown Storrs is one of my personal favorites — Dog Lane Café! This coffee shop is not the typical shop that you think of when grabbing a cup of morning coffee, and you are able to sit down and enjoy the cozy vibes right on campus. If you are looking for a unique place to have a study session or relaxing coffee date, Dog Lane Café might be the spot you are looking for!
SUBOG organized trips
One great way to get off campus if you do not have a car is to plan a day with SUBOG, a student-run organization that often does travel trip events where you can go with friends — or a date! Some of my personal favorite trips SUBOG has done at UConn are going to an adventure park, apple picking in the fall, and going to the Big E. It is honestly a great thing to utilize if you do not have a car.
SUBOG movie nights
A date does not always have to be something you HAVE to spend money on if you are on a tight budget as a college student. Every weekend SUBOG organizes movie nights at the Student Union Theatre that are completely free for all students! This is a perfect way to spend time with each other while watching each other’s favorite movie or trying out a movie neither of you has seen before!
HORSEBARN HILL & DAIRY BAR
One must-do date before you graduate from UConn is grabbing some famous ice cream from the UConn Dairy Bar and taking a small walk to the top of Horsebarn Hill to watch the sunset! You get to enjoy the beautiful view of the whole campus while seeing the scenery. It is an especially great spot to see some fall foliage around this time of the month!
to conclude
There are many different things to do for a date idea with your significant other or with a friend here at Storrs that you may have never thought of until now. Utilize resources around campus that you can get free as a student to help make your student life easier, and read the daily digest for any upcoming events that you can sign up for. SUBOG at UConn is a great resource as they plan many different events all around campus at different times of the year. Just remember it is about spending uninterrupted quality time with the person you love — not how much a date costs!