Being a college student and being broke typically go hand-and-hand, so trying to take that special someone out can be a hassle when you’re short on cash.

Luckily, the Bay Area has a lot to offer, so students don’t have to be left in the poorhouse while trying to date. Whether it is a night out on the town or a relaxing day outdoors, the possibilities are endless.

“Dating should be a big part of the college experience,” said SF State sophomore Damon Fournier. “But it is cheaper hanging out with the guys than trying to take a girl out on a date, so that’s what I usually end up doing.”

In a big city like San Francisco, the theater can be a large part of the nightlife. But for students on a budget, the thought of taking in the latest award-winning production is not one that is usually realized, especially when there are two tickets to be purchased.

Cara Chrisman, director of ticketing services for TIX Bay Area, said everyone should be able to enjoy the theater, not just those with a lot of money to spend.

“Our box office sells half-price same-day tickets to most of the shows in the city that have not sold out yet,” Chrisman said. “We think that the theater should be enjoyed by everyone.

“I love that we can offer discount tickets to students, who might otherwise not be able to see some of the wonderful shows that come through San Francisco.”

TIX Bay Area’s box office is located in Union Square. They sell half-price day-of-show tickets at the box office and usually have 15 to 20 different shows to choose from.

If being a little closer to your date is what you are looking for, ballroom dancing may be a step in the right direction.

“Tango is a very sensual dance that (requires) the two people to be in a very close embrace,” said Metronome Ballroom dance instructor Pier Voulkos. “It is very romantic.”

Voulkos teaches the classic tango to beginners every Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to midnight. While some ballroom dance lessons can become expensive, this class is a mere $5 per person and, according to Voulkos, women love it and men can earn a lot of points by trying it out.

An afternoon in the great outdoors can be a fun and low-cost way to spend some quality time with that special someone as well.

Packing a picnic and heading to Golden Gate Park is a good place to start. Stow Lake can be the perfect spot to spend a romantic afternoon. The picturesque lake offers paddle and row boat rentals for $17 and $13 an hour.

Paddling your date around for a while can build up an appetite. With a picnic in tow, there are many places to rest, eat and hopefully impress your date with your homemade sandwiches.

For something a little more active, a bike ride through the city and over the Golden Gate Bridge may be the thing. Adventure Bicycle Company in North Beach in San Francisco rents bicycles for $6.50 an hour.

The 40-minute ride takes you over the bridge and into Sausalito. Riders can then cuddle up on the ferry back to the city for $7.50.

With a little bit of thought and creativity, there is an endless list of affordable dates out there. Hopefully, your date will appreciate them, and you will be able to score that coveted second date.