9 date ideas without leaving FIU


Date Night 3

By Joel Delgado ’12 MS ’17

So Valentine’s Day is here and maybe that guy you’ve had a crush on in your English class finally asked you out on a date. Or that girl in your chemistry lab said she would love to go out with you this weekend.

Perhaps you and your special someone are both tired of going to the same old places, doing the same old things.

Whatever situation you find yourself in, you don’t have to look far to plan the ideal date or find something refreshing to do to keep things interesting. In fact, there are a number of ways you can have a romantic day or evening with your date right on campus.

Get creative and mix two or three ideas from the following list and presto! You’ll have an incredible time that you’ll both remember for a long time.

1. VISIT AN EXHIBIT AT THE FROST

The Miami New Times recognized the Frost Art Museum as the Best Art Museum 2013, and for good reason. With a facility that rivals the best art museums in the country, the Frost features nine different galleries, three of which are permanent, while the other six galleries feature temporary exhibits that make the museum worth coming back to again and again. Admission is free, so you and your date can enjoy what the Frost has to offer at no charge.

2. CHEER ON THE PANTHERS

Nothing brings people together like sports, so get your fan gear out and attend an FIU Athletics event. The two of you can cheer on the football team at FIU Stadium, root for the men’s and women’s basketball teams at FIU Arena or take in a baseball game at FIU Baseball Stadium, just for starters. Another reason to cheer: students gain free admission with a current student I.D.

3. CATCH A CONCERT

Music lovers can rejoice when the FIU School of Music’s concert season enters full swing. Whether the two of you want to check out a jazz concert or maybe explore a contemporary artist visiting the venue, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are also a number of masterclasses and lectures that are open to the public and offered at no charge. Go to their event calendar to see what they’re up to.

4. GO ON A BOOK HUNT

Okay, so for most of you a library might seem like a place you would least like to be in unless you’re studying for a midterm or final. But for the bookworm in you and your date, visit the Green Library at MMC or the Hubert Library at BBC.

In addition to a highly extensive stock of useful books for studying and research, there are also plenty of works of fiction, films and documentaries to explore. Go on a book hunt and share some of the books you love with the people you love.

The library, apparently, is also a great place to meet the love of your life!

5. GET FIT TOGETHER

Sign up for a PantherFIT class and feel the burn with your date at the Rec Center. With a wide variety of classes that include Zumba, spinning, yoga and everything in between, there are plenty of options to choose from. But no matter which class you choose, two things will be guaranteed: a good time and a great workout. It doesn’t hurt that couples that work out together tend to stay together. Just sayin’!

6. WATCH A PLAY

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll want to come back for more once you check out a play presented by the FIU Theatre department. They present four productions during the year that range between drama, comedy, romance and much more. Make sure you keep up to date on their production calendar and bring your date along for a fun time at the theatre.

7. GO FOR A PICNIC

Whether it’s the lake in front of the School of International and Public Affairs or the coast of the bay at Biscayne Bay Campus, both campuses have plenty of scenic views to choose from. Take advantage! Grab a blanket, fill up a basket with some groceries and find a spot for an afternoon or evening picnic.

8. HAVE A GAME NIGHT

If you’re both competitive people by nature, then channel that energy into a game night at the game rooms located at MMC and BBC in the Graham Center and Wolfe University Center. You can challenge your date in billiards (or invite another couple to come along and join forces against them), play ping pong, chess, checkers or any wide range of board games available. And having bragging rights over your loved one for sinking that eight ball into the left corner pocket? Priceless.

9. KAYAK ON THE BAY

Whether it’s under the sunlight or the moonlight, join the Biscayne Bay Campus Recreation staff for a kayaking excursion through the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay. Together, you and your date will paddle through the bay, explore the mangrove trails of Oleta State Park or perhaps the tropical beach of Sand Spur Island. For information on dates and times, call 305-919-5678. There is no better way to enjoy the outdoors!