Caught between extensive date planning and bulk discount chocolates, Valentine’s Day itself often goes overlooked. As the big day approaches, themed posters are popping up around the UTSG campus, while Instagram stories advertise upcoming holiday events. 

The Varsity spoke to a couple of students to find out how they’re planning to celebrate. 

Lovebirds chime in 

Claire Wilson, a first-year student from California, is in a long-distance relationship with her high school sweetheart back home. Having met at prom, the two talk daily over video calls and frequently exchange letters. 

She clarified, “A lot of people think long-distance makes couples drift apart, but… it has only strengthened our relationship.” The two plan to meet up over the reading week, eagerly anticipating a sunset picnic and an exchange of gifts. 

Another student, Ayshane Aviles — a second-year studying criminology, sociology, and archaeology — plans to see Paddington in Peru with her boyfriend. Being Peruvian herself, the film’s release on February 14 coincidently matches up with the occasion in Canada. 

Aviles said that despite its cliché nature, the pair adores watching movies together. Their first date was even a screening of NOPE at Fort York, and since then, it’s become “their thing.”

After they met on Tinder, the two immediately talked for five hours. Since then, Aviles said, there hasn’t been a single night they haven’t wished each other goodnight. “[Dating apps] have all these negative connotations surrounding them… but I think if you know what you’re looking for… dating apps might just be the thing for you.” 

According to Tinder’s website, the app’s members will swipe an average of 100 more times per person near Valentine’s Day than during other similar times. 

Gift ideas?

But for those struggling to think of gifts for Valentine’s Day, the people The Varsity spoke to had some advice. Both Aviles and Wilson encouraged considering your partner’s specific needs or interests. 

Aviles suggested that the gift “doesn’t have to be extravagant, but instead a demonstration that you [do] care.” This could be as simple as “buying snacks from Dollarama to play a board game” or buying flowers a few days early and keeping them in water. 

And for those without romantic partners, Wilson offers slightly different advice: “My advice for anyone who might be struggling this Valentine’s Day is to remember that you don’t need a romantic partner to feel loved. Reach out to your friends and loved ones and make the most of the day.”