Face it, dating on a budget isn't easy and it usually isn't fun. But all too often poor college students just don't have a choice.

The "Student Discount Handbook," those little blue and white books that were all over campus at the beginning of the semester, are actually not a bad way to go, as far as dating for cheap is concerned. They contain coupons for discounts, buy-one-get-one-frees and complimentary stuff near campus for everything from books, to body piercing and everything in between.

There are also discounts on products and services to help the average wildcat secure a date and get ready for the big night. To make sure you don't show up looking like something out of "I was a Teenage Werewolf," there is a $10 eyebrow waxing offered on page 13. And to make sure you put your best foot ÷ or arms, or thighs ÷ forward, you can buy a 4-month membership to Gold's Gym for only $99 on page 34.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the perfect mood music for the evening may be secured using the coupon on page 76 ÷ $2 off a used tape or CD at Zia Records.

After that, all that's left is picking the perfect list of activities. Here are four scenarios on the cheap.

1. The Healthy Date: Now that the weather's cooling down, hiking or biking in Tucson can be a great way to pass a weekend afternoon. Start out at Jamba Juice for 2-for-1 smoothies (page 6). Then try taking the Euclid/Broadway bike path into downtown. On the way back, after working up a good appetite, stop at Subway for 2-for-1 subs (page 66) or Silver Mine Subs for a half price sandwich with the purchase of another sub (page 8). If you're still hungry you could top it off with a frozen yogurt at Penguin's for half price with the purchase of one of equal size (page 3).

2. The Late Date: Sometimes class, work or even the beginning of the last season of "Friends" can get in the way of getting together. Lucky Strike Bowl offers a buy-one-get-one-free game of either Cyberbowl or regular bowling (page 36). After that, the Cellar Restaurant has a 2-for-1 breakfast after midnight (pg. 40). If you're still not tired remember that Wilbur's Underground is open until 4 a.m. and offers nightly specials, including "Ladies' Night" on Tuesdays where any lady who uses her CatCard gets a discount on pool or ping-pong.

3. The Romantic Date: Start off the night by making her feel like a princess with buy-two-get-one-free roses at Nature's Art Florists (page 49) and then letting her pick out a favorite new article of clothing at Divaz or Landmark for $10 off any purchase of $50 or more (pages 59 and 62). Then pick up some sandwiches at Mongelli's with $5.00 off dinner for two (pg. 29) and enjoy the beautiful grass off Tyndall Avenue. Bring a blanket and cuddle under the stars.

4. The Staying In Date: Sometimes its just more fun to stay at home and spend a relaxing evening curled up on the couch. Start out by taking advantage of 2-for-1 video rental at Casa Video (page 20). Pay for the thriller and get a romantic comedy for free. Nothing fits a quiet night with videos like ordering pizza and once again, the Handbook has you covered. You can get an $8.99 eight topping medium at BlackJack Pizza (page 78) or a Large one topping pizza at Papa John's for $5.99 after 10 pm (page 55).

These are just a few of the many opportunities presented in the Student Discount Handbook. Browse it for a myriad of other possibilities together or alone. Remember, thrifty doesn't have to mean boring; as with so many other things in college, this is an area where creativity counts. Still, if things don't work out, there's always the free Papa John's pizza-for-one with UA student ID (page 56).