Posted February 9, 2017

Love Don’t Cost a Thing: Seven ways to celebrate Valentine's Day affordably

Love don't cost a thing...we all know that’s what JLo said, but let’s get real: Our boos so want to be taken out for Valentine’s Day and we so don’t want to spend a ton. Fear not, you love-struck Owls. We figured out seven things to do on a shoestring budget. Take the most romantic subway ride of your life (trust us, it’s cool), gaze into your S.O.’s eyes at the top of City Hall, hold hands as you watch the men’s and women’s basketball teams win and watch a machine destroy every single USB drive containing traces of your ex. OK, the last one might be awkward to do with your current main squeeze but there is a little something for everyone to make this the best (and least wallet-crushing) Valentine’s Day(s) ever. 

You don’t have to travel far for love. Here’s what you can do on campus.

  1. Ice skate inside the Student Center.
    But how? Maybe we shouldn’t ask questions, you can just tell your hunnie that it’s magic. Room 200 will be transformed into a winter wonderland and there’s more than just awkwardly trying to figure out how to ice skate on a first date—there will be a candy bar (not, like, one Snickers, but a *bar full of candy*) and a build-your-own-snow-globe table.
    Monday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m.–10 p.m., Student Center 200, free

  2. Watch the Owls slay on the basketball court.
    Let’s pretend that the basketball players are wearing cherry and white just for you and your soulmate to get into the Valentine’s Day mood. You can hold hands as long as you remember to take a break to high five when the Owls win.
    Women’s basketball vs. SMU: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m., McGonigle Hall, free (with TUid)
    Men’s basketball vs. UConn: Sunday, Feb. 19, 4 p.m., Liacouras Center, free (with TUid)

  3. Shred the evidence at the tech shred event at the Bell Tower.
    Did you think we made this one up??? You, you, you oughta know that we wouldn’t do that to you. For those Owls who are currently listening to Alanis Morissette on repeat this Valentine’s Day, this event is for you. You’re invited to bring any USB drives, CDs, DVDs and any other media that might contain the ex’s files or just remind you of that scrub who broke your heart. Watch it all get destroyed on the spot by your new hero, the ProShred truck.
    Friday, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Bell Tower, free

For when love has no boundaries, here’s what you can do off campus.

  1. Tour the City Hall tower.
    There’s nothing more Philly than hanging out with Billy Penn at the top of City Hall. The view of the skyline is stunning and surely will impress your special someone.
    Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. (and select Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m), City Hall, $4 (with student IDs)

  2. Ride the subway to see the “A Love Letter For You” mural tour.
    This one’s for anytime the sun is up. Hop on the Market-Frankford subway line (you can take the BSL from campus and transfer for free at City Hall) and head west, toward 69th Street. Between 45th and 63rd streets there’s a series of 50 murals that are best viewed from the train ride. You won’t have time to stare into your boo’s eyes because you’re going to need to be on the lookout for all of the incredible love letter themed murals. At 63rd Street Station, get off and switch to the eastbound train to finish the tour.
    Every day, Market-Frankford line, $2.25 (one subway fare)

  3. Score some cheap food with the Spotluck app.
    For the Valentine’s Day traditionalist (or not since we all gotta eat) this app offers sweet deals on restaurants throughout the city. All you have to do is download the free app and pick a specific neighborhood. Then, spin! The participating restaurants in that area will be on the spinner and you’ll get a discount at whichever restaurant you land on.
    Select restaurants citywide, 10–25% off

  4. Sing your heart out in Chinatown.
    Whether you need to vent about your relationship (remember when we mentioned Alanis Morissette?) or want to serenade your date or best friend with Bey’s "Crazy in Love," a night of karaoke at Yakitori Boy can really hit the spot. Round up your squad and head to Chinatown on a Sunday or Monday, when there are no age limitations. Other nights are 21+.
    Sundays and Mondays, 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Yakitori Boy (211 N 11th St.), price varies