Having a good Valentine’s experience can be rough when you’re spending on a college student budget, so we put together a list of some on-campus events to help you celebrate not only the big day but saving money, too.
Plush teddy bears sit on shelves waiting to be purchased. Decadent chocolates are artfully displayed in stores all over the country. Flower shops are being bombarded with orders for their best arrangements.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and advertisements are cluttering television screens, social media feeds and local grocery stores claiming to have the best merchandise to capture or keep that special someone.
These advertisements have one common flaw: they don’t take into consideration the average (often broke) college student’s budget. But don’t worry, the University Press has got your back.
Below is a list of on-campus events from Feb. 12-15 that will help you treat the Valentine in your life, offer a way to meet new people, and/or help you save money.
And the best part? Nine out of 10 events are free.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
1. THE HOOK UP
Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in Grand Palm
Catharsis Productions is hosting a discussion about hooking up, sexual assault and bystander intervention where you can get educated and entertained. For a sneak peek of the talk and more information on Catharsis, visit their website.
2. LOVE YOURSELF FIRST
Thursday, Feb. 13 at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Traditions Plaza
Delta Sigma Theta sorority is promoting self-love and self-awareness and they want you to join in. Stop by the Breezeway to see the event live or visit their Twitter and tweet something you love about yourself with the hashtag #DSTILoveMyself.
3. NATIONAL CONDOM DAY
Thursday, Feb. 13 at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Breezeway
Ever hear the saying, “Safe sex is great sex so wear a latex?” Well, the Office of Health and Wellness must have because they are encouraging students to stop by the Breezeway for free condoms on National Condom Day.
4. FREE HIV TESTING
Thursday, Feb. 13 at 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Office of Health and Wellness
Stop by SS 222 (above the Breezeway) for a free HIV test because knowing your status is just plain sexy.
5. MOVIE NIGHT ON THE LAWN
Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Diversity Way, FAU Davie Campus
Bring your favorite blanket and join the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) and the Students Advocating Volunteer Involvement (SAVI) programs for a romantic movie night on the lawn at FAU’s Davie campus to watch “The Great Gatsby.”
You can also donate magazines to SAVI’s magazine drive to get your name entered for a chance to win prizes. Call (954) 236-1357 for more information on the drive or the event.
6. VALENTINE’S BALL
Thursday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. Visual Art 53 (behind Arts and Letters)
Program Board’s Valentine ball is the perfect place to take your sweetie if you’re interested in holding them close on the dance floor. With music by DJ Jazzy Jeff and food to fuel your wildest dance moves, this could be the perfect setting for a night out. Visit the ball’s Facebook for details and see who else is going.
7. LIVING ROOM THEATERS
Friday, Feb. 14 at Living Room Theaters
If you’re looking for a more traditional Valentine’s Day experience, then look no further than FAU’s Living Room Theaters. This is the perfect on-campus setting for a classic dinner and movie combo.
Feeling sentimental? Try the theater’s latest romantic comedy, “Girl on a Bicycle.” For more information, visit the theater’s website or call (561) 549-2600. Tickets are $6.50 for students with I.D.
8. SPEED DATING
Friday, Feb. 14 at 9 p.m. Majestic Palm
After Dark is hosting a speed dating session where students will sit for three-minute long rounds of speed dating meet and greets. If you hit it off with one of the speed daters you can grab some dessert and continue the conversation. All sexual orientations are welcome.
9. AFTER DARK MOVIE NIGHT
Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 p.m. House Chambers
“Valentine’s Day” will be playing in the House Chambers when speed dating concludes at around 10:30 p.m. Bring your speed date partner and cuddle up for some romantic comedy goodness.
10. AFTER DARK MOVIE NIGHT PART II
Saturday, Feb. 15 at 9 p.m. Grand Palm
Totally spazzed on Valentine’s Day? Did your boo-thang not love the gift you got them? Maybe you met someone after Valentine’ Day. Well, After Dark is giving you a chance to take your sweetie (old or new) to a belated Valentine’s Day movie night with “The Best Man Holiday 2” where you can share popcorn, soda and candy with the person you like best.
