Keep love alive – but do it cheaply

Emma O’Neill and Megan Hills tell us how to date on a student budget.

Dates under £20

Food

If you don’t mind eating early, order at Le Bistrot Pierre in Leamington Spa before 6:45pm. Not only will you be able to enjoy two courses for £14.50, there’ll be enough left over for a cheeky glass of wine.

Drinks

The chic elegance of The Glasshouse always impresses and luckily, the masterminds behind the bar make stunning cocktails. Priced at two for £12, they’re pricier than drinks at Smack, but they pack a classier and more romantic punch.

Entertainment

Escape the bubble and grab a £7 train to The Leisure Box in Birmingham on a Thursday night. You’ll be able to ice skate (£6) or bowl (£5) at a special student rate, or you can even do the lot (£7) if the mood takes the both of you.

Gifts

Put a spin on a box of chocolates and pick up a bottle of Thornton’s chocolate cream liqueur (£13). Don’t worry – you’ll still be able to score flowers off the florists near Zizzi’s.

Megan Hills

Dates under £10

Food

Boots meal deal picnic in Jephson Gardens! Okay, it’s not exactly picnicking weather, but what’s more romantic than snuggling up warm on a bench by the lake and sharing a Twix?

Drinks

I extend the above Jephson Gardens date to sharing a bottle of wine. Don’t opt for white wine since anything under £5 will taste like a dog’s piss. I find red is usually a safer choice!

Entertainment

Get into bed, chuck a film on, and then… well… you know…

Gifts

Make something! Take inspiration from that episode of Friends with the sock bunnies and make something that your Valentine can cherish. Photo collages are cool, but steer clear of mixed tapes… cringe!

Emma O’Neill