This Valentine’s Day, Northwestern students are finding ways to celebrate through dates, campus events and activities with their friends.
Communication sophomore Tvesha Gupta said she plans to spend the holiday weekend with her significant other.
“I’m going rock climbing with my boyfriend and then going out for dinner,” Gupta said.
Similarly, Bienen and Weinberg sophomore Katelyn Lee is also going on a date with her boyfriend. She said the two plan to visit the Art Institute of Chicago, eat at YooYee – a hand-pulled noodle restaurant in downtown Chicago – and finish off the evening by grabbing boba in Chinatown.
Some students have even taken to traveling over the weekend.
Bienen and Weinberg junior Ylang Guo said she is going to Boston to visit her boyfriend of over a year, where he is pursuing an internship for the quarter.
“We’re going to spend some time wandering the city and going to eat some good seafood since the Midwest doesn’t have too much of that,” Guo said.
For those celebrating on campus, NU offers events for students to connect with their peers – no romance required.
Gupta said her residential hall, Willard Residential College, has planned a chocolate and movie night to commemorate the holiday.
Other events include a Valentine’s Day card, crafts and candy drop-in Feb. 13 hosted by Artica Studios at Norris University Center. On Saturday, the University Chorale will present a concert of works on human connection.
Valentine’s Day decorations, from stuffed animals at Forno Pizza to signs at Shake Smart, have also helped spread holiday cheer across campus. However, Lee said many of these tributes feel superficial.
McCormick sophomore Shin-yi Wang agrees. She said NU does not offer much in the way of Valentine’s Day festivities, but admitted she is indifferent toward the lack of spirit.
“I haven’t felt like I wanted something (from Northwestern) because I usually do something with my friends anyways,” Wang said.
Wang said she plans to host a Galentine’s Day brunch with her friends.
Ultimately, no matter her plans, Gupta sees Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to spread love of all kinds.
“I think it’s a nice holiday to show appreciation for everyone,” Gupta said.
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