College Candy

It’s a universal truth: Valentine’s Day can suck, even if you’re not alone. Make sure it doesn’t by using one of these five sweet date ideas. Whether you hang out with your GF, BF, or BFF on V-Day, it’s still possible to have a ton of fun with a creative date.

1. A picnic. If you live in the Southwest, a traditional outdoor meal might actually be possible. Those of us who shack up in chillier climates don’t have to abandon the idea of a fun picnic, though. Take your date, make a few sandwiches, then grab a blanket and head to the nearest academic building. Set up shop in one of its more isolated areas, unwrap your food, and—presto!—picnic.

2. Workout.

I don’t know about you all, but exercise is often pretty low on my to-do list. It’s not that I don’t want to do it; it’s just that when I finally get time alone with my boyfriend, it’s not the first thing that leaps to mind. The few times we have done a workout together, however—whether it be playing a few sets of tennis, running together, or even getting into a really energetic match of ping-pong—have been hugely satisfying, both emotionally and physically. So try coaxing your date to do the same. You’ll both feel great and have fun.

3. Cook.

I know, I know—who wants to cook when you can just go someplace ritzy and be served a fabulous meal? Well, I do, for one, and I’m sure I’m not alone. A great V-Day idea is to think of what you would order if you had access to all the menus at all the restaurants in all the world, and then get your date to actually make that dish with you.

It might take some investigative work as far as tracking down recipes and ingredients goes, but you can bet it will be a hell of a lot cheaper than going out—and still worth every cent.

4. Take lessons together.

Have you always wanted to learn the rhumba? What about sign language or how to make pastries? Lots of colleges and universities offer special not-for-credit clubs, classes, and lessons that are both fun and affordable.

If your school doesn’t, look to the community. Almost every town, no matter how small, has community education courses that you and your date could have a blast taking together.

5. Getaway weekend.

Save your pennies from now until V-Day and then splurge on a mini road trip with that special somebody. Pick a destination (I like to close my eyes and stab my finger at a map), toss a few clothes in your backpack, then grab the car keys and try to forget that the words “homework” and “school” exist. This is a great way to make some memories.

Those’ll get you started, but I’d love input from the CC readers as well. Do you have V-Day traditions or plans? Let’s hear them!