
Roses can be red and violets can be blue, but the idea that Valentine’s Day means self-pity is totally wrong. For most college singles, the holidays mean preparing for each couple’s unsolicited bliss. If you feel like you have to be with someone this February 14, you are not alone.
While there’s nothing more romantic than a day stemming from the beheading of Christian martyrs, most of us are tired of the caricature of the spinster girl crying into her pint of Ben & Jerry’s on the day. of Valentine’s Day.
There are plenty of budget-friendly self-care activities suitable for any college single in need of an extra dose of self-love.
1. Free: Watch the movie you need.
Just because you’re alone in a cesspool of happy couples doesn’t mean you have to cry on “The Notebook.” Whether you’re a bitter new bachelor or a masochistic, hopeless romantic, these four films are sure to satisfy a wide range of needs.
“The wedding of my best friend”
You just might need to see it not work out at the end, and this film offers a comforting dish of “getting over it”.
“Under the Tuscan Sun”
Need to assert your independence? Try ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, an uplifting story that is sure to awaken everyone’s inner patroness and cement the fact that Italy can cure all sadness.
“About Time”
If you dare to watch a romantic comedy on Valentine’s Day, you have to watch “About Time,” from the same director of “Love, Actually,” starring Rachel McAdams. The film is a new portrayal of modern love, which is the awkwardness and unpredictability of what happens after we think we’ve found “the one.”
“Fatal Attraction”
Finally, if you’re one of those people who thinks a romantic relationship is better than being alone, the 1980s thriller “Fatal Attraction” is sure to change your mind.
2. $6: Treat yourself to an anti-Valentine’s Day cake.
With just $6 and a quick trip to the nearest dollar store, you too can have the aesthetically pleasing, anti-Valentine’s Day cake of your dreams. This activity is really economical and is sure to distract you from the disparities of Cupid’s arrows.
But if you don’t have a mold or prefer to spend less time baking a cake in the dorms, don’t worry! Pillsbury Cake Mix is a perfect alternative for dorm baking. However, if you really prefer to bake from scratch, this five-minute mug cake recipe only requires:
▢ ¼ cup + 1 ½ teaspoons all-purpose flour
- ▢ 2 tablespoons sugar
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- ▢ pinch of salt
- ▢ 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ▢ 3 tablespoons of milk
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ▢ 1 teaspoon of nuggets
Simply stir in these ingredients, then microwave the mug cake for 70-90 seconds, let it sit for a minute, and you’re done.

The cake pictured above is made with Strawberry Pillsbury Cake Mix and Cream Cheese Frosting using a Recipe found online. With prep and bake times included, this cake takes about an hour to make. Not only is it delicious, but the frosting and decorating is a major stress reliever.
3. $9: newspaper. It’s cool now.
that you owned The five minute diary or just an old notebook, the art of journaling has undoubtedly seen a resurgence as self-care habits become more of a priority.
Sharon Jones’ “Burn After Writing” Guided Journal offers the perfect mix of prompts for peaceful self-reflection or a raging vent. No matter where your feelings fall this Valentine’s Day, this guided journal is like a self-contained therapy session (minus the cost and feelings of regret).

4. Free: Exercise in a way that brings you joy.
Too often people begin to view physical activity as a punishment. In reality, you don’t need high intensity training to give you the necessary endorphins.
According to National Library of Medicine, low-impact cardio activities like dancing significantly improve the quality of life for sedentary people, especially in terms of improving mental health.
A good way to relieve stress and make exercising enjoyable is to stop taking yourself seriously. What better than a dance workout to achieve this? The “GrowWithJoe” channel offers a series of walking and dancing-related exercises that can be completed in the confined space of your dorm room.
So, as February 14 approaches, think about all the things you can do to show off this year – or just think about all the money you’re saving on flowers and chocolates.
(Visited 4 times, 4 visits today)