You asked:

Do you have any creative (read: low-budget) ideas for what to do on Valentine's Day?

You can definitely make Valentine’s Day special without a lot of money or stress. Here are a few suggestions:

• Have dinner in instead of going out to eat. You’ll save money, and this is often much more romantic and intimate. Skip the candles if they’re not allowed in your dorm, but soft music works nicely. If you don’t have a kitchen, spread out a blanket and have a picnic on the floor with pizza or Chinese carryout.
  
  
• Home-baked goodies. Get some heart-shaped cookie cutters or muffin cups, and whip up a yummy batch. No worries if you don’t have access to an oven: You can whip up a cream pie by layering instant pudding, cookie crumbs and whipped topping in a ready-made graham cracker crust.
  
  
• Stage a scavenger hunt, leading your BF or GF to special places using clues and ending with a gift, like a special song or poem you wrote just for him or her.
  
  
• Get crafty. I know of a friend who, having seen the movie Up, made an adventure book for her fiance that included all the good times they’ve had and plan to have together. Even if you aren't typically the handmade-gift type, the extra effort really makes a statement.
  
  
• Plan a secret date … on a dime. Entertainment on campus is plentiful and always free or just a few dollars. I've seen movie nights, free dance lessons, even a $5 dinner-theater event. Look around -- you might find something awesome.
  
• Recreate your first date or the day you met, or make a keepsake from a memorable moment you two had. (Maybe frame the picture of you together at Coachella last year.) You know your boyfriend or girlfriend best, so use your imagination. Ultimately, love doesn't have to be expensive, as long as it's genuine and thoughtful.

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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