Valentines Day on the College Budget
By Gabby Castillo

	Its Valentines Day 2007! Youve found yourself with a special someone who really lights up your world and makes the silly stuff like QD food and the ever approaching mid-term exams seem a lot less stressful.  Youd like to do something really extraordinary and unique for them on this romantic day, but there is just one problem.
	You are a college student, and that means you are extremely broke.
	Im here to save the day, though! Dont let the lack of money dowse the romantic spark of Valentines day! Here are a few ideas to make it a unique and memorable holiday for you and your sweetie.
	Hand-made card: Remember back in elementary school, when the teacher would sit you down and have you make a Valentines Day card for someone?  Have you done that since? If you havent, you should.  Your teacher was trying to tell you that someday you were going to be a poor college student with a significant other and this was going to be your only option!  Hand-made cards are not a sign that you are cheap, they are actually a good way to show that you care. Instead of running out to the store five minutes before you see your boyfriend or girlfriend, you are taking the time to put some thought into what youre doing and saying.  Nothing says I love you better than, I spent five days on this thing when I should have been studying for chem!
	Romantic movies: The average price to go see a movie in theaters today is about $8.  Not to mention, the big movies playing right now are horror movies and stupid comedies.  So, instead of spending $16 on tickets, $5 on popcorn and $7 on pop, go to a movie store and rent a nice romantic comedy.  What better way to spend your Valentines Day then snuggled on the couch with your significant other while laughing at Cary Ewles in The Princess Bride, or yelling with Tom Cruise to SHOW ME THE MONEY! in Jerry Maguire.  Oh, Jerry, you had me at cheesy romantic movies for Valentines day!
	Inexpensive gifts: So, youve managed to save some money by skipping out on the movie, but it still feels like you are missing something.  You decide on a gift, but everything seems really expensive.  There are a couple things you can do, though, that dont require much money at all and carry a sentimental value that will have your significant other smiling for months to come.  Whether you are a writer or not, there is nothing better than a poem or letter from the heart.  Really tell your beloved how you feel.  If poems just arent you, make a scrapbook about the time that you have spent together.  All those picture you have laying around will finally stop gathering dust on your desk and put a smile on your loved ones face.  But maybe you dont have a lot of pictures sitting around.  So burn a CD of love songs or songs that remind you of your significant other. It lasts a long time, not to mention is fun to listen to no matter where you are.
	In the end, it doesnt matter what you do on Valentines Day, its who you spend it with.  Whether you decide to go the expensive route or follow some of the tips here, youre guaranteed to have a good day with someone special by your side! Just remember, no matter what you do, to have fun with it.  Because if you do, your boyfriend or girlfriend will have a great time as well! Happy Valentines Day!


