Asking students around campus their affordable Valentine’s Day plans
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching with the arrival of red hearts, roses, candy and pink decorations. Whether you are in a relationship or simply looking to have a fun day with your best friends, it’s time to celebrate love with the most important people in your life. If you don’t want to have another night at home watching Rom-Coms for the third year in a row, but you also don’t want to break the bank, here are a few ideas for a fun night while staying on a college student’s budget.
If you are wanting to try something new with your significant other, try Color Me Mine in River Park! They always offer great deals for holidays, such as no studio fee, and it’s fun getting to make something special.
For those who are competitive, then an escape room is the place for you. Fresno and Clovis have 3 escape rooms between the two cities and each room can hold up to 7 people. An escape room can average out to about $27 per person, which can be expensive, but there can be tricks to saving!
Sophomore psychology major, Jaalyn Sotoa-Stuebing, intends to spend her Valentine’s Day with her boyfriend, Trent Greene, offered her own words of advice.
“Because of school and practice we will most likely exchange gifts during the day and go to a nice dinner at night,” Sotoa-Stuebing said.
As we head towards the month of February, Sotoa-Stuebing doesn’t let her budget stop her from gifting her boyfriend a special gift or evening.
“I save up a few months ahead of time so that I have a bigger budget for myself. I’m hoping to save for one gift that he will truly appreciate with a heartfelt letter, because I’m a quality-over-quantity person,” Sotoa-Stuebing said.
While going out can be fun, it just isn’t for everyone. For those who enjoy a nice evening in and want to have a special night, food, movies and a face mask might be the best way to go. Me-n-Ed’s makes heart-shaped pizzas this one night of the year, and if you add in a Lush face mask with a themed movie night, it is the perfect way to have fun while also winding down from the week.
Junior psychology major, Destiny Estrada, reflects on both past Valentine’s Day plans and gifts as she starts preparing for next month.
“Last year I had a game night in with my girl friends as we watched movies and made dinner together. It was simple yet really fun,” Estrada said.
She looks forward to this year as she plans on celebrating with her new boyfriend, Andrew, while staying on her budget.
“I give myself a budget of what I feel is right and I don’t allow myself to go over. I make it work,” Estrada said.
While being single on a holiday may not sound like a good time, Freshman business finance major Grant Highstreet, feels otherwise.
“I feel good about being alone. I’m just living and I love FPU, so I know I’ll have a good time that day,” Highstreet said.
Straying away from the traditional Hallmark night, Highstreet has different ways to enjoy his night in.
“My plans for Valentine’s Day consist of sitting in my room on my Xbox, playing 2k with my friends. If I were with my friends from back home, though, we would normally do some type of outdoor activity like ping pong,” Highstreet said.
For those also looking for outdoor adventures, Yosemite is only an hour and a half drive from FPU. If you want to get away from campus for the day or have never been, this is a good time to go.
But if you have school, work, or practice all day and can’t leave but still want a piece of the outdoor life, the Downing Planetarium is an excellent place to go. It is $5 for students and is located at Fresno State, easily accessible for locals and college students.
Although Valentine’s Day can be one of the most romantic holidays of the year, it can also be one of the best excuses to eat chocolate and enjoy quality time with your best friends. Even if you’re on a budget, there is no reason to have anything less than a memorable and love-filled Valentine’s Day, because what’s truly important is that you spend it with those you love and who love you back. Also, remember to stop by any store on February 15th for some delicious marked-down chocolate, of course!
