The best places for single KCL students to celebrate their freedom this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day: That magical time of year when everyone is hard-launching their significant other on Instagram, heart-shaped chocolates are on the shelves, and it’s impossible to make a dinner reservation. If you’re single, Valentine’s Day can be a headache. 

Despite the initial despair, being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you need to sit in your room, staring at your phone, silently judging all the couples around you. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace your independence and celebrate the joy of being single. The best part is that you don’t need anyone else to make it great—you’ve got yourself, your friends, and all of London at your feet. 

So, forget boyfriends, situationships, and that one guy you made prolonged eye contact with at Dover Castle. Here is a guide to the best places to go if you are a KCL student celebrating your freedom on the 14th. 

1. Sports night, duh

If you want to embrace the single life with a side of pints, head to a Valentine-themed sports night at The Vault or Guy’s Bar. You and your single mates embrace the real meaning of Valentine’s Day: Cold drinks and questionable dance moves. You will leave the bar knowing that your worth is not defined by relationship status, but by how well you can belt out an off-key version of I Will Survive.

2. Get yourself some flowers 

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You don’t need anyone else to buy you roses or overpriced carnations. Head down to the Columbia Road Flower Market for some beautiful flowers handpicked by you. While you’re there, you could grab a coffee in one of the many unique cafes along the lane. Beware though – it is only open on Sundays, so consider it a reward for getting through Valentines.

3. Solo cinema trip

Going to the cinema is arguably much better on your own. No one is stealing your popcorn, and you don’t have to compromise on what to watch, so grab a ticket for whatever you’re interested in. Valentine’s Day is your time to make the cinema experience completely your own.

The Prince Charles Cinema is there for the girlies who are avoiding rom coms with its screening of Hot Fuzz on the 14th. Love that.

However, if you’re fancying a newer blockbuster, you could go to the Leicester Square ODEON to watch Captain America or Bridget Jones for some much-needed laughs.

4. Visit the Maughan Library

Let’s be real: If you’re at KCL, you probably have a mountain of coursework and revision to get through. It just so happens that the most coveted library spot in KCL – the Maughan round room – will likely be free on the 14th. Why not invest in yourself and reserve a seat? Embrace your independence, and let that 3,000-word essay be your Valentine.

5. Sing your heart out at karaoke 

Karaoke is the perfect way to embrace your anti-Valentine spirit, and luckily, there are plenty of amazing karaoke sports near King’s. Whether you go to Karaoke Box in Soho or Lucky Voice in Islington, you will find private rooms where you and your best friends can sing your heart out to Single Ladies to remind yourself of the joys of the single life. 

6. Galentine’s Day dinner

Why not host a cute dinner at someone’s flat. Head to Tesco to buy snacks and attempt to make the shared accommodation kitchen look presentable. Or if you’re feeling fancy, get dressed up and head to a restaurant on the South Bank or somewhere around Shoreditch that’s known for its chill vibes and great food. 

This is about celebrating the friendships that have gotten you through exams, coursework, and disastrous Hinge dates. Talk about the wildest nights out and indulge in the joy of being surrounded by people who understand the true meaning of unconditional love—no romance required.