With Valentine’s Day approaching, students are divided on what makes a date memorable.  

For Zoe Lopez, a junior Political Science major, the ideal Valentine’s Day date is a relaxed night at home. 

“My ideal Valentine’s date would be staying in, ordering a heart-shaped cheese pizza and watching scary movies or rom-coms,” Lopez said. “It feels very intimate and brings couples closer together.” 

Lopez said how a person treats others is often more important than where the date takes place. 

“Being rude to a server or making judgmental comments about someone’s appearance would instantly make it a bad date,” she said, adding that respect sets the tone for any interaction. 

Some students said how people behave on a date is more important than what they do for a date. 

Nick Alvarez, a senior majoring in Communication, said being present is one of the biggest indicators of a date going well. 

“A green flag for me is being able to listen and be polite,” Alvarez said. “A red flag is being on your phone the entire time.” 

Several students said that what makes a date special is the ability to dress up.  

Juan Aguado, a junior Mechanical Engineering major, said personal style can be a way to express connections. 

“On dates, I love matching outfits with my girlfriend,” Aguado said. “It’s a small thing, but it makes us feel closer.” 

He said individuality matters more than following trends, especially in settings where first impressions are unavoidable. 

“If you feel good about what you’re wearing, that confidence shows,” he said. 

For others, preparation begins with one specific decision. 

Pasindu Ariyananda, a sophomore Mechanical Engineering major, said he focuses on his top when getting dressed for a date. 

“I always start with my shirt because it’s usually the first thing people notice,” Ariyananda said. “A good top sets a strong first impression.” 

For Stephanie Martinez, a Business Management major, Valentine’s Day is a significant business opportunity. The senior runs a small flower business out of her home, Compra con Fiesta, and this is her busy season.  

“My ideal Valentine’s date would be a picnic in a beautiful park or a walk along the beach,” she said. “Flowers are a small thing that make a date feel really special.”