Love on Dining Dollars: Valentine’s Day Dates on Campus

Love at Loyola doesn’t have to cost a dime — it’s about putting the dining dollars to use. Whether it’s a long-term love story or a situationship in the making, both Loyola’s Lake Shore and Water Tower Campuses offer plenty of budget-friendly dates within walking distance of classes. 

A date night in an academic building with koi fish might not be the first thought, but Gaby Bellido, a fourth-year human resources management major, said the School of Environmental Sustainability can revitalize a droll date.  

“You can watch the koi fish at the pond and then sit by the cubicles under the purple lights,” Bellido said. “It’s very quiet there so you get to be close with someone but not add a lot of pressure.”

Bellido also said the Schreiber Center at the Water Tower Campus is another hidden gem for a casual rendezvous. Bellido said students should take advantage of the downtown campus and Schreiber’s hidden gems.

“You can take your date and have food on the 10th floor, and no one will bother you,” Bellido said. 

In addition to the Water Tour campus, there is a scenic highlight of Loyola’s Lake Shore campus, students can take a sunset stroll along the Lake Front trail. Trusha Patel, a first-year political science major, said a melodic moment can be forged with a sight-seeing soundtrack.

“Creating a playlist together sets up a romantic vibe,” Patel said. “You can listen to the playlist while eating an acai bowl from Ramblers Express.”

Dinner and a movie is a classic Valentine’s Day default which can be reliably provided in the Damen Student Center. The Damen Cinema and the Department of Programming offer free films with themed snacks every Friday, making it an affordable, accessible way to cozy up without cashing out. 

Liam Lynch, a first-year finance and information systems major, said he has a soft spot for the Information Commons, where dinner dates can be subbed for study dates. 

“I love the IC because you can see the lake,” Lynch said. “And if it’s sunset, it’s even more romantic. You can also people-watch and do homework.”

Cudahy Library can provide a nook for bookish lovers. Nathan Dershaw, a first-year psychology major, said the basement of the library is a good retreat relatively free from distractions.

“Depending on who you’re with, it’s a very close environment and can be very intimate,” Dershaw said. “It’s quiet so no one will disturb you.”

The Mundelein Center’s Palm Court lends a reserved, towering view over the lakeside scene, offering a serene backdrop for late-night conversations or quiet moments shared between partners. Fourth-year finance major Kamille Minor said it’s a low-key environment with a grand view of the night sky, making it a perfect setting for a romantic evening.

“Go there, watch the stars, look for the Big Dipper — cute, silly things like that,” Minor said.

Minor’s friend Talicia Stringer, a third-year nursing major, said a picture-perfect date includes dinner from the Damen Food Court due to its wealth of options. 

“To top off the night, grab boba from Ramblers Express and go sit by a tree and talk,” Stringer said.  

Mason McCreary, a first-year finance major, said late-night de Nobili pizza is as close to gourmet as students can find on campus. 

“DeNobili has a fancy vibe — the cool lighting and designs make the ambiance feel special,” McCreary said. 

For those looking for a more casual spot to grab a bite or a drink, campus is home to several cafes. McCreary said the Engrained Cafe has decadent baked goods options, while the Commons Connection Cafe in the IC has an array of tea selections perfect for a cozy study session.

The Halas Recreation Center can supply students with group fitness classes, weightlifting rooms, a pool and an opportunity for meet-cutes. For the couples who lift each other up, Lynch said spotting each other while lifting weights is a cute way to get a workout in together.

For the more bashful couples on campus, the Mundelein music room is a comfortable scene for a romantic serenade. Stringer said she visits the Mundelein music room for an auditory unwind, followed by a trip to the Madonna della Strada Chapel for a scenic view.

“It may seem weird, but the chapel offers a peaceful, meaningful backdrop,” Stringer said. “Not only is it romantic, but it’s also spiritual and smells nice. The art is beautiful to look at.” 

For a day based on a saint of love, some couples may place spirituality before passion. Finn Peterson, a first-year who’s major is undeclared, said in addition to the chapel, students can take pictures with the Virgin Mary statue in front of the Sullivan Center for its beauty and serene nature.

“It’s kind of low-key spot just to hang out, take pictures, sit and chat — pick the flowers up and make a bouquet to give to your partner,”  Peterson said. 

While some might worry about breaking the bank for a meaningful Valentine’s Day, second-year nursing major, Charlianne Johnson said students shouldn’t worry about spending money to make a date memorable.

“Scoops in Francis would be a good place to grab a treat,” Johnson said. “You don’t need to be in debt to have fun.”

Anais Desbieys, a first-year undeclared business major, said the importance of Valentine’s Day is to show appreciation for someone and not the amount spent.

“It’s really more about the effort and the thought that counts,” Desbieys said. “As long as you know that the person is willing to show up for you, show how much they appreciate you — it doesn’t matter about gifts or expensive trips.”