Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to set the books aside and spend some quality time with your special someone, but figuring out how to make the day memorable on a typical college student budget can sometimes pose a challenge. Fortunately, Chatham University students have access to plenty of options that can ensure a memorable day without breaking the bank.
Save with your student ID: Chatham University students can access free or discounted admission to various museums and attractions around the Pittsburgh area with their student IDs. These locations include the Senator John Heinz History Center, The Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museums, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the Mattress Factory. Additionally, student discounts are available through the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, providing students with opportunities to enjoy discounted rates for numerous live performances and film screenings in Pittsburgh’s Downtown Cultural District.
Catch a movie: Going to the movie theater is a classic Valentine’s Day date option. The Manor Theatre, conveniently located on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill (less than one mile away from Chatham’s Shadyside campus), is an ideal spot for the occasion. Additionally, it offers discounted tickets for students, which can be purchased via its website (manorpgh.com). Another option is Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville, which offers themed movie weeks and screenings of both new and old movies. Leading up to and during the week of Valentine’s Day, it will be showing a wide variety of rom-coms, foreign romance films and classic feel-good movies. For more information, visit its website (rowhousecinemas.com).
Keep it simple: Taking advantage of Chatham’s campuses can also come in handy when navigating the perfect way to spend your Valentine’s Day. This can mean a scenic walk through campus itself or a local park such as Mellon Park or Schenley Park or a game of duckpin bowling for students at Chatham’s Eden Hall campus. Additionally, opting for a library study date offers a meaningful yet straightforward way to spend the day.
Opt for something homemade: Figuring out the best gift to give to your loved one can be daunting, but it doesn’t always have to require a huge budget. Opting for a heartfelt homemade card can convey more than a standard store-bought present, and a carefully curated playlist can capture the essence of your relationship through music. Gifts such as these not only showcase creativity, but demonstrate a deeper understanding of your significant other.
Rather than focusing on the amount spent, emphasize the thought and effort invested in a day that holds special meaning for both you and your loved one when coming up with your Valentine’s Day plans. No matter what you do, the real value lies in the thoughtful moments that stick with you and your special someone.
