What to Do on Valentine's Day

Photo by Alaina Burris

    The season of love, the day of chocolates and roses, Cupid’s arrows -- they all mean one thing: Valentine’s Day. The high-pressure holiday is coming up quick, and being in college can make it tricky to figure out a way to celebrate. Whether you’re far away from your boo or you’re looking to stay single for right now, there’s always choices to be made.

    Here are a few ways that you, as a college student, can celebrate the day full of red and pink:

1. Go To Dinner - Dinner can be with anyone. Does your boyfriend/girlfriend live close by? Make a decision on if you want to meet up for dinner, whether they come here, you go there or you meet in the middle for a romantic night. If you’re single or live too far from your S/O, Valentine’s Day dinner can still exist with your friends. Make a plan, get together and have a good time. The day is meant for love and fun, after all.

2. Have a Girls Night - For a lot of girls, whether they’re single or live too far from their S/O, they don’t want to celebrate the day. However, you shouldn’t shut out your girls just because of this. You can get together in a dorm and have a movie night in your PJs, eat some candy and talk about boys.

3. Have a Guys Night - Guys shouldn’t feel left out on Valentine’s Day, either. For those who don’t have an S/O or live too far away, they can get together and hang out. Many guys have video game systems (Team Xbox or PlayStation?) that you can go online and play multiplayer, or you can head down to a lounge and play ping-pong, foosball or pool.

4. Give Out Valentines - Just like elementary school, you can go down to Walmart, Walgreens or Price Chopper and buy a box of themed Valentines to hand out to your friends … or anyone that you would like to give one to. You can even make them yourself if you’re crafty enough.

5. Swipe Right - Get on Tinder, Bumble, etc., and find a date for the night! Even if you don’t actually hang out with them on Valentine’s Day, you can still have fun and talk to them. But be wary and careful of who you match with so you don’t get catfished.

6. Wait Until the Next Day - Let’s face it. Valentine’s Day just isn’t for everyone. There are those who just don’t want to celebrate the day. If this is you, there is still a way you can get into the spirit -- just not the same spirit as everyone else. Everyone knows that February 15 is half-price candy day!

    While there is so much more to do out in neighboring cities such as Lawrence or Kansas City, for most people, it’s easier to stay in Ottawa, especially on campus, to celebrate. These are a few ideas to help get you in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. If none of these suggestions work for you, a bowl of ice cream is also a swipe in the caf or a few dollars at Walmart away.