When someone mentions Valentine’s Day I immediately think of sappy love notes, overstuffed bears and a nauseating amount of chocolate hearts. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether you want to hang with your friends or just pamper yourself, here are five options for your Valentine’s Day weekend (all on a college student’s budget!). 

Pamper yourself. Nothing feels better than hitting the snooze button as many times as you desire especially after a long, stressful week. Who cares if it’s Valentine’s Day (or the weekend for that matter)? We all know how Hamilton weather is in mid-February, so why bother braving the cold when you have everything you need right in your dorm room? Comfy pajamas, Netflix and Slices delivery, anyone? 

Have the ultimate girl’s weekend. Break out your favorite nail polish, blast Adele’s new album (you know you love it) and prepare for the best Galentine’s Day ever. Just remember to buy enough wine to get you and your closest friends through the massive rom-com marathon that is going to occur. Cue The Notebook: “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.”

Spend quality time with your significant other. Even though (technically) you should show your better half that you love them all 365 days a year, Valentine’s Day is a great time to do something a little different, spice it up. It doesn’t have to be anything big: grab food at the Eatery, see a movie downtown, take a stroll in the Field of Dreams. Perhaps the best present you can give your boo is some of your undivided, tech-free attention. Well either that or the Kate Spade wallet you’ve been eyeing (wink, wink).

See The Vagina Monologues. In all honesty, what could be better than supporting your fellow classmates while watching a performance focused on all things related to the female reproductive system? The production is presented by Sisters Of the Round Table and all proceeds will go to Victims of Violence, which is a local organization that supports survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. Catch the show Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday at 2 p.m. in Donovan’s Pub. Maybe after the show is finished you’ll even have time to…

Live it up on the town. Do you know what sounds like a great option if all else fails? The Jug. Just prepare yourself; Saturday, February 13 has the potential to bring out the worst (or sloppiest) in people. 

No matter what option you pick, just remember to stick to the wise words of J. Biebs and first and foremost always “love yourself.” Happy Valentine’s Day, Colgate. Treat yourself, you deserve it.