February is upon us, and that means red and pink everything. Yes, it’s that lovely time of the year when romance is celebrated by the decorations in every store, restaurant or any public space, really. But as a freshman in college, is planning a date for Valentine’s Day really worth it? You’re probably so enthralled by your Chem lab that you have no space in your head for Valentine’s Day ideas.
So to save you the stress of planning a great evening, here are ten things you can do this Saturday that will save you the time, energy, money and cliché of a traditional Valentine’s Date.
1. Netflix
We all know and love the endless wonderland of instant streaming. It’s cheaper than going to the movies, and you don’t even have to get out of bed. Cuddle up with your S.O. or your best friends and watch TV and movies to your heart’s content.
2. Witness Theater Showcase
Head on over to Swirnow Theater in the Mattin Center at 8 p.m. this Friday and Saturday to check out a pretty rad compilation of four student-written, student-directed plays. It’s cheaper than a movie, and you might have a few friends in the show.
3. Rocky Horror
Want to stay up late but don’t know where to go? Rocky is the place for you. This Saturday at midnight in Arellano Theater under the Glass Pav, come have fun and laugh along with your peers. If you’ve never been, it’s free, and if you have been, you already know it’s worth the price.
4. Hit up the FFC
You’ve already got the meal plan, so you’re not spending any extra money. Take your date to one of the Awkward Date Tables. You know what I’m talking about — the tables that line the windows, the ones clearly meant for two people who want to experience the feeling of eating inside an aquarium.
5. Drink in your room
I’m talking Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider, of course. But pour it into champagne flutes so you can feel classy, and then link your arm with your partner’s and share in this romantic moment. Try to ignore your roommate’s intense stare.
6. Bake some cookies
Hit up the common kitchen and bake some sweet cookies. Don’t make them heart-shaped; you don’t want to be a cliché, do you? Don’t even go for the sugar cookies. Make them chocolate chip, and better yet, don’t even bake them. Cookie dough is probably definitely the sexiest food, so you can definitely share that. And if you don’t have anyone to share it with, that’s better. More cookie dough for you.
7. Take a romantic walk through campus
Our campus is beautiful, and you and your partner will enjoy looking at the dead grass and leafless trees. Make sure you hold hands so all the single people know that you’re having a better day than them. Even if your fingers freeze, don’t you dare put those hands in your pockets.
8. Read a good book
A book will love you forever. A book will never leave you.
9. Celebrate on Sunday
Don’t get caught up in all the love until the day after. The candy will be on sale. Think of all the candy.
10. Your homework
Let’s not kid ourselves. We’re Hopkins students, and just because this weekend is a holiday doesn’t mean we won’t be buried under mountains of reading and problem sets. What’s more romantic than sharing some calculus with your bae?
