Contributed by Lindsay Shugerman, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

You’ve met someone you want to get to know better, haven’t you? So now what?

If you’re looking for the best college date ideas, you’ve come to the right place.

Some are free (or nearly so) for tight budgets. Others cost a bit, but none are extravagant. And unlike a movie date, where there’s almost no time to talk and get to know the other person, these college date ideas give you plenty of time to talk, laugh and share.

10. Brunch

Those first few dates are so important when you’re getting to know someone new. But dinner dates can get expensive. And then there’s that awkward moment when dinner ends and the night stretches ahead of you.

Solve that problem by scheduling brunch dates instead. The earlier hour keeps costs and awkward after-date moments down. When the date ends, you’re each free to go on your way with your day, or choose to spend more time together.

9. Campus and local band concerts

With tickets to national acts running $100 and up, a concert can be a pricy choice for a college date.

Instead of shelling out those big bucks, see if your college offers student-priced concerts on campus. Or check out local bands. You may find the next Coldplay or Fine Frenzy is just getting started in your city.

8. Snorkeling or other water sports

If you live near the ocean or a large lake, snorkeling is a great (and inexpensive) college date idea. Inexpensive snorkel sets are available for under $20. Or you may be able to rent them for a couple of dollars from your school’s outdoor activities department.

Live too far from the ocean? Head indoors to the school’s indoor pool to swim laps, join a game of water polo, or stage an impromptu diving competition.

7. Church or temple socials

If you belong to a student faith community like Hillel, the Newman Center or the Wesley Foundation, check out their social activities. Their game days, dances, potluck dinners and other events are a great choice for college date ideas.

Costs are typically very low, and the group setting can help you get to know one another without pressure.

6. Festivals

Art festivals, music festivals and ethnic festivals are all fun and affordable choices for college dates.

Walking around, sharing your tastes in art or music and then sharing a snack is a great way to get to know someone better without spending a lot of money.

5. Amusement parks

Let your inner child out when you spend the day at an amusement park with your date. Play, laugh, try the silly rides and games, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Then head for the biggest roller coaster for a shared thrill and a chance to dare each other to go for yet another ride on the scariest of the bunch.

4. Community service

You may be wondering why community service is on a list of college date ideas. The fact is, sharing time helping someone else is a great way to get to know someone and to create a bond.

Most colleges have a list of community groups in need of volunteers. Check it out to find the right event for you and your date.

3. Museums

Whether you like art, history, science or music, there’s probably a museum for that in or near your city.

Or look for some of the little quirky museums like the Tupperware Museum, the Museum of Bad Art or the Liberace Museum. Most cities boast a few odd museums if you look hard enough.

2. Flea markets

What could be more fun than looking at other people’s junk? A flea market is a great place to get to know someone. Challenge one another to find the silliest item, ugliest item, oldest item or worst example of art in the flea market.

Then each take $10 or $15 and head off separately to find the strangest outfit you can for your date. When you meet up, put on your new duds and head out for lunch.

1. Hike or urban hike

One of the best college date ideas is to head out in nature for a hike. All it takes is a pair of good shoes, a trail map and a few snacks to make a simple walk into a great date.

If your school is too far from the great outdoors to hike in the woods, plan an urban hike instead. Exploring your city on foot is a great way to get to know your area…and each other…better.