15 Valentine’s Day Activities For College Students

Finding date ideas for Valentine's day that are cheap and fun isn't always the easiest if you're in college. Here are some unique and affordable Valentine's Day activities for college students that your boyfriend, girlfriend or best friends will totally love!

Valentine’s Day; the most overrated holiday that, for some reason, everyone seems to get the most stressed out about. Do you have plans? Do you have a significant other? What are you getting them?! All these questions – no matter whether you’re single, crushin’ or all tied up with a s/o – always seem to stress us out in the weeks leading to Valentine’s Day. So I’m here to help you. Whether or not you’re flying solo or spending the day with your besties, here are 15 awesome Valentine’s Day activities for college students that are actually fun, and either cheap or totally free!

1. Share A Sweet Treat Together

Recreate that super cute scene from basically every Rom-Com where two people share a banana split or drink out of a milkshake from two straws! Just getting dessert to share is not only much easier on the wallet but more romantic as well!

2. Prepare Dinner For Your S/O

If your BAE is stuck in class all day or you have some extra time on your hands, prepare a yummy dinner! You don’t have to go all out, it’s the thought that counts.

Prepare some Kraft Mac n’ Cheese or Ramen Noodles with a twist by adding some extra ingredients like veggies, chicken or other sauces.
Grab some fresh garlic bread at your local grocery store or some cheese and crackers.
Buy a big bottle of Yellow Tail (they’re literally under $10) or some sparkling fruit juice at the store.
Set the table nicely with plates, forks, napkins and maybe some flowers!

You can prepare this entire meal for less than $30 and they’ll be guaranteed to love it.

3. Write A Love Letter To Someone

Got a crush who lives down the hall from you, who you’ve never worked up the courage to tell them how you feel? Valentine’s Day is the perfect chance to finally wear your heart on your sleeve and let them know how you truly feel since everyone is in such a *loving* mood!

4. Go See Fifty Shades Freed At The Movie Theater

Let’s not forget that the final chapter of Ana and Christian’s life is hitting the big screen just in time for Valentine’s day. Take your date to this steamy movie or go with all your girlfriends!

5. Take Your Date To A Comedy Show

Going to comedy shows IS a thing and they’re actually a great date idea. Just think, you won’t have to bore your date with all your cheesy jokes because someone will be doing that for you! It’s a win-win.

6. Have A Wine Party With Your Girls

Luckily this year, Valentine’s Day falls on Wine Wednesday so why not take advantage of that and pop some bottles?! Whether you split a classy bottle of Cabernet with your s/o or pop multiple bottles with the ladies, Valentine’s day is the perfect excuse to get just a litttttle wine wasted! I mean, can you think of any better Valentine’s Day activities for college students…?

7. Have A Cookie Decorating Contest

Go to the store. Buy some plain sugar cookies, pink, red, white frosting, sprinkles and whatever else you can find and have a cookie decorating contest! And the best part is that you get to eat them all after 🙂

8. Give Each Other Massages

If you’ve got yourself a boo this Valentine’s Day, forget going to a spa and just bring the spa life to each other! Pamper each other with massages and it will be even better than paying for one.

9. Take A Class Together

There’s so many classes out there you can take like a cooking class, to a painting (with wine) class to a food tasting. There’s so many options out there, just look up what classes are happening in your area and sign up! This will definitely be one of those Valentine’s day activities to remember!

Photo courtesy of Pinot’s Palette

10. Go On A Solo Shopping Spree

If all you’ve got to worry about this Valentine’s day is yourself then consider yourself #winning. Any money that might’ve been spent on roses, chocolates, card or stuffed teddies can go straight back in your pocket and spent on something for yourself! Whether you’ve been eyeing a pair of shoes or maybe some new workout gear, don’t be afraid to splurge a little!

Tips for Having a College Relationship

11. Do A Local Food Tour

Create your own food tour with friends or your BAE. Make a list of all the restaurants, cafes or spots to grab a treat and create a schedule for the day! Stop at each one, try something off the menu..oh and don’t forget to Insta that sh*t. You can even take it one step further and create a Snapchat #FoodTour geofilter for the crew.

12. Go To A Sports Game

Even if you don’t generally like watching sports on the television, going to a game is so much more exciting and fun! Get tickets with friends to a hockey game or a basketball game and have a day!

13. Go Ice Skating

So this one might be a little cliche, but it still made the list because it really is a lot of fun! Many indoor local rinks around you probably offer free public skate time, just look it up. Grab a friend and go together!

14. Have An Indoor Picnic

Okay, this is such a cute idea for you and your BF or GF. Go through all the motions of having an actual picnic with the picnic basket and all the goodies. Except switch the blanket and the outdoors with some cozy blankets and pillows on the floor of your dorm or apartment!

15. Go Bowling

Last but not least, bowling! No matter if you’ve got a hot date or you’re going with a group of people, it’s a fun and affordable thing to do for everyone!