By: Miriam Bribiesca
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we know you might be feeling some pressure, but remember that romance is not about how much money you spend, it’s about intention, thoughtfulness and the ability to plan something that makes your partner feel seen and not like you just panic ordered roses the afternoon of February 14th.
So consider this a friendly guide from a woman’s perspective. And no this is not a lecture (we already know how tired you are of those). This is just a “hey, if you’re taking notes, these are the kinds of things that actually land.” And yes, everything here is college budget approved. *wink*
Now let’s get into it!
Romance Starts Before the Date Even Happens
Here’s something people don’t talk about enough, planning for a special day or weekend IS part of the romance.
Knowing your partner’s schedule. Picking a time that doesn’t clash with exams or work shifts. Asking about food allergies or personal preferences. Making sure transportation is handled so no one is stressed or stranded, that’s all part of showing up for your significant other that says you love them and are thinking of them.
The Elevated Picnic
A picnic sounds basic, until it’s done right. Instead of defaulting to chips and vibes, think intentional and impressive upgrades:
- A blanket that’s actually comfortable with some pillows, a small table, and some pretty plastic plates and cutlery.
- One warm item (soup in a thermos, grilled sandwiches wrapped in foil)
- A shared playlist specifically made for the occasion
- One small surprise like a handwritten note, disposable camera, or their favorite sweet treat
When it comes to knocking it out of the park (pun intended), aside from attention to detail, location should be at the top of the list. A local park at golden hour, a quiet beach area, or a campus botanical garden you’ve somehow never visited together.
This isn’t about being Pinterest perfect. It’s about creating a moment where your partner feels loved and catered to. How sweet!
Short Road Trips > Big Trips
You don’t need to fly across the world to escape college stress and feel the love. A one night road trip can be more romantic than a chaotic long weekend trip.
Some easy wins? A small coastal town where the ocean does most of the flirting, mountain lookouts that make silence feel romantic, desert stargazing where the sky fully shows off and does most of the work, or a nearby city where you can eat well, walk everywhere, and never worry about parking.
Oh and don’t forget to build in downtime so it doesn’t feel rushed. And please, book lodging early! Valentine’s Day weekend fills up fast, especially for smaller towns.
Romance Is Accessibility
A truly romantic plan is one that works for both people. That means thinking ahead about mobility needs, dietary restrictions, and what each person feels comfortable spending.
It also means being mindful of social energy, not everyone finds a crowded restaurant romantic, or a strenuous hike ideal. That’s why prioritizing comfort is super important. When in doubt ask yourself, “What would make this feel good for my partner?”
Shared Experiences
Especially during the early stages of a relationship, you don’t need gifts, you need memories.
Shared experiences are far more likely to be remembered and they bond people in ways material objects never will. That could look like cooking a new cuisine together, thrifting outfits for each other, taking film photos and developing them later, visiting a museum on a free day, or watching the sunrise or sunset from your balcony.
Experiences turn into inside jokes, and inside jokes are relationship glue. AND Valentine’s weekend is the perfect time to get to work on that!
Even if this Valentine’s Day stays local, planting the seed for a future trip can be part of the magic as well. That “one day we should go here” conversation leads to a shared planning board or Notes app list, which in turn leads to dreaming together and that is peak romance.
Of course, when you are ready to turn that dream into a flight, having a resource that actually looks out for student budgets makes a huge difference. That’s where your ScholarTrip fam is quietly there to help college students like you find better flight deals so when romance meets wanderlust, it doesn’t have to meet debt.
Think of it as future you saying, “thanks,” and your partner saying “Aw, how romantic!”
