VALENTINE’S DAY
COLLEGE SURVIVAL GUIDE

Often times, broke college kids are at a loss for gifts, especially when it comes to those of a romantic nature. Here are a few fun facts along with ideas that won’t empty your pockets or leave you single.

The Origin of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day originated from St. Valentine, a priest from Rome around 270 A.D.

During that time, there had been an edict forbidding marriage issued by the Roman Emperor Claudius II.

St. Valentine disagreed with the edict and continued to marry young couples. He was sentenced to death.

In prison, Valentine met a blind girl and he was said to have healed her handicap.

Before he died, he signed a farewell message to her “From your Valentine,” a sentiment that is continued to this day.

Another origin lies in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a companion for the year.

 

Hand-made gifts:
right from the heart

Create a coupon booklet out of colored construction paper and stickers, treating your loved one to a massage or a home-cooked meal.

Make a CD with any song that is reminiscent of your relationship. Cheesy but thoughtful.

Make a goofy videotape of yourself telling your girl or boyfriend how great they are. Everyone likes to hear that.

Make a scrapbook, immortalizing your relationship through pictures, ticket stubs and love notes.

 

‘I love getting candy and flowers from my mom.”
Tara Wyszkowski
Junior
Geneva, N.Y.

 

Romance is food:
What to make, where to go, what to get

Make a big impression like spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. Dip strawberries in melted chocolate for dessert.

There are many restaurants in Rochester with atmosphere, like P.F. Chang’s at Eastview Mall.Chang’s has high class Chinese food and low lighting. You can read your fortune cookies together. Bazil on East Henrietta has Italian food where you an create your own pasta. If you want casual dining, the Pittsford Pub offers a variety of sandwiches

 

Rent romantic flicks:
Guilty pleasures and extra snuggle time

Love Actually

10 Things I Hate About You

Maid in Manhattan

You’ve Got Mail

Sleepless in Seattle

French Kiss

Casablanca

Pretty Woman

Dirty Dancing

When Harry Met Sally

Only You

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Roxanne

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Sabrina

“I like drinking champagne and having chocolate for Valentine’s Day.”
Emily Romanchak
Senior
Castleton, N.Y

 

Free Valentines’ Day date ideas:
Thoughtful and entirely possible

Get together with another couple and make Valentine’s Day cookies. Yum.

Make a picnic lunch and eat on the floor. Take this time to make thoughtful conversation.

Take a late-night stroll around the city, window-shop and hold hands.

Pick a new recipe from a cookbook and make it together. To make it real interesting, choose cultural food and dress the part.

Volunteer together with Habitat for Humanity or become a Big Brother or Big Sister.

“I like spending time with my friends and exchanging cute valentines with them.”
Kayla Hogan
Freshman
Auburn, N.Y.

 

Compiled by Jen McMullen and
Sara MacBride
jlm02170@sjfc.edu
sdm4827@sjfc.edu