Valentine’s Day is an important day of celebration for lovers everywhere. It is a day that marks being in love with a significant other, showing them your appreciation for simply being who they are.

Although many students across campus will be celebrating Valentine’s Day, it can be hard to think of the perfect date or gift, especially when you are on a college student’s budget.

It is important to keep in mind that even the simplest plans and ideas will make your significant other happy. It’s the thought that counts, and after all, the most important part of Valentine’s Day is simply being with the person you love.

• Although dinner and a movie can be a cliché date idea, it is a date that won’t let you down. What could possibly go wrong with a nice dinner and movie? For those students that don’t mind making a little roadtrip, Des Moines has a lot of great restaurants that Ames lacks. Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year – which is perfect, considering Tuesday is half-price movie night at Century Theatre at Jordan Creek Mall. 

• Go on a hike or stroll through nature together. This is an activity that doesn’t require money at all. Additionally, it provides a pleasant afternoon activity for you to chat, get a good workout, and spend some quality time together.

• You can’t go wrong with a trip to Perfect Games in Ames to do some couple’s bowling. Perfect Games provides all sorts of fun. It’s not too expensive, and it could give you a good throwback.

• Go campaniling. It is something all Iowa Staters plan on doing at some point in their college adventure at Iowa State anyway, so why not do it on the most romantic night of the year? 

The amount of ideas is truly endless when you think about it. These are just a few to give you a head start on planning the perfect day with the person you love.

And remember, it’s not about the most extravagant date or making your Valentine’s Day “perfect.” It’s about who you are spending the date with, and letting them know how much they add to your life.