So it’s almost that day again… Valentine’s Day. If you’re a broke college student, like myself, you’re looking for affordable ways to show your SO how much you care.
Reasons why you may not be able to afford a luxurious Valentine’s Day date:
1. The cost of textbooks, tuition and “lab fees” has removed any hope of you being able to feed yourself for the week, let alone plan a romantic date.
2. Mommy/Daddy cut you off for the month because of your shopaholic tendencies.
3. Your bf/gf brings up all the great (expensive) things you guys can do as a date, but you remember how much you spent at the bar over the weekend.
4. You’re living pay check to pay check and your minimum wage job only allows you to afford one fun thing a month… which was probably the Chipotle you splurged on last night.
If you identify with any of these points, you’re in luck! Here are some cheap, unique, and fun dates to consider:
Go to a small, family owned restaurant instead of a large chain. The West Haven and New Haven areas are filled with a huge selection of locally owned restaurants that specialize in cultural cuisines. The dinner will bring a different atmosphere than a busy well-known spot and will most likely be quieter, more intimate, and much more friendly.
Spread the love and volunteer! Whether you’re helping out at a soup kitchen or playing with puppies at a local shelter, you’ll not only get to experience love on Valentine’s Day, but appreciation from those you are helping and pride from knowing you did something awesome for someone else.
Want to have a fancy dinner but are too lazy/don’t have a vehicle to leave campus? FOD, located in Westside Hall, is hosting an upscale Valentine’s Day dinner which *drum roll please* accepts Charger Cash and Dining Dollars! The meal is available to those with meal plans for $4 or $15 at the door (cash or credit) for those not on a meal plan.
Not into the stereotypical mushy-gushy stuff and a fan of horror? Stay in with your SO (or roomies if you’re single) and Netflix & Kill with a horror movie marathon. Nothing says romance like the screams of an unsuspecting victim.
Let me introduce you to your two new besties… Groupon and LivingSocial. Think of any activity/gift under the sun and I guarantee there’ll be a coupon for it— $50 meal for $20 at a fancy restaurant? Yes please. $100 spa package for $60? Sounds lovely. Half off of a giant box of chocolate? Take my money. Right now.
And there you have it— 5 great ideas for those financially handicapped. You’re welcome and Happy (almost) Valentine’s Day!