Any other year, on Valentine’s Day couples and singles would go out for a night on the town. Whether that be dinner, a movie, a bar, or even just being in each other’s company, it’s a day to be close to loved ones. This year, however, the coronavirus has caused being all close and physical to someone no longer safe. As a college student, it can be tempting to go against safety, but it’s much better to spend this Valentine’s Day in a safe manner and save lives, and there are plenty of creative options to choose from. 

Sophomore cinema production major Caryn Kurdyla is trying to stay safe this year but still wants to be able to spend the night with her boyfriend.

“My boyfriend and I are celebrating this year through Zoom call,” Kurdyla said. “We’re both getting takeout from our favorite restaurant, and then we’re going to call and talk for the night.” 

Going virtual wasn’t an easy decision for Kurdyla, but in the end, it was the safest option not only for her and her boyfriend but for her roommates and classmates as well.

“We decided it’s best for both of us if we celebrate virtually this year,” Kurdyla said. “He works constantly, and with me going to in-person classes, this is a way for us to still get to see each other without the risk of getting sick.”

Madi Kaiser is a sophomore behavioral science major who was planning on spending Valentine’s Day with her friends as a movie night like they do each year. This year, they’re taking their tradition online. 

“I’m doing a Netflix Party call with my friends,” Kaiser said. “I’m going to make some treats for my roommates and me, and then we’re going to watch some classic Valentine’s Day movies. Normally, we’d all get together in someone’s apartment, but due to the pandemic, we’re just planning on having a make-up holiday when things are safe.”

While some students are finding other ways of celebrating, some have chosen not to celebrate at all this year. Sophomore cinema production major, Drew Simko, has decided to take this year off. 

“Seeing others going out and majorly celebrating holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, and New Years, has been disheartening to watch, to say the least,” Simko said. “I think that missing out on Valentine’s Day for the safety of others isn’t the end of the world.”

When it comes to this holiday, it goes beyond just one or two students to help contain the virus. Especially when students are taking in-person classes, one positive case can cause an entire chain reaction.

Kaiser looks at this Valentine’s Day as a team-effort to keep down coronavirus numbers. She encourages all students to do the same as her and her friends and move their celebrations online. 

“It’s not that hard to come up with a virtual option to celebrate this year,” Kaiser said. “You’re not only keeping yourself safe but everyone around you safe too. There will be plenty of Valentine’s Days to celebrate, so missing one in-person holiday isn’t a big deal to me.”

Simko is already planning ahead to next year, when the pandemic is hopefully gone, as a perfect time to celebrate and live it up. 

“I may not be celebrating this year but if anyone wants to celebrate next year, hit me up!” Simko said.