Here’s how to SMASH Valentine’s Day in Aberdeen when you’re skint

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and finding the perfect gift, event, or restaurant can be harder than trying to find a seat in the Sir Duncan Rice during exam time. This is especially true if you're a uni student and the idea of romantic hotel getaways, fancy dinner reservations, and boujee bottles of Cava fills you with fear.

If that sounds like you, worry no more. Here's a list of student budget friendly options, put together to ensure you can have a fab day without breaking the bank.

Food

Bella Italia

This restaurant (next to Codona's) offers a three-course meal with a glass of fizz for £20pp. Book your table now for the special Valentine's menu, with options including heart-shaped bruschetta and ravioli and dishes to share – what's more romantic than enjoying a big cheese fondue together?

Zizzi and Ask Italian also offer £20pp three-course meals, so plenty of choice if you like pasta (and who doesn't, honestly?)

Las Iguanas

If you prefer tacos, try Las Iguanas (in Union Square). Get a free glass of fizz as you arrive and enjoy their array of affordable food from different Latin American countries. The best part: cocktails are 2 for 1 all night.

Tesco

For those of you brave enough to make a home-cooked meal, go over to Tesco's where you can put together a two-person, three-course meal, including either a bottle of fizz or a box of chocolates, for just £20. With choices including lobster, lamb, rösti hearts, and profiteroles this can be just as romantic as going out.

Activities

Valentine's Day pub quiz

For just £5, you can spend your evening in Slains Castle, with the gothic style pub hosting a special quiz, with 50 Shades of Grey themed questions. Sounds a bit uncanny, but their cocktails are truly phenomenal, and the questions might get your date in the mood to go back to your place afterwards.

Indoor paintball

For the more active among you, Aberdeen University Paintball Society are doing indoor paintball for free. It's in the Hillhead central building and everyone is welcome regardless of experience.

Cinema

If you prefer something a bit more traditional, why not go see a film? Belmont Filmhouse, Aberdeens independent cinema, have a special Valentine's day programme with Call Me By Your Name and Casablanca, two quintessential love stories. Tickets are only £6.50, thank God for student discounts.

Gifts

Hotel Chocolat

We all know chocolate is the real key to the heart, and Hotel Chocolat do a range of special Valentine's chocolates, with the cheapest ones being only £2.50. Simply drop by their store in Union Square to mix & match chocolate, truffles, macarons, or even booze. Success guaranteed.

Interflora

Flowers, another Valentine's classic, can be bought cheaply off their website Have a browse around their website and you'll find roses for as little as £20 – including a personalised message and free delivery (a lazy and poor student's best friend). A nice surprise for your love that doesn't even require you to leave the comfort of your room.

Lush

Last but not least, Lush have an elaborate Valentine's collection; bath bombs, shower gels, bubbles bars, and much more. Many of the options are under a tenner, and if you're feeling slightly fancier (or just clueless about all these different types of product) there's gift boxes as well. Can't go wrong.

All this goes to show that you don't need to work two jobs to have a good Valentine's experience. Simply place your order, book your table, or buy your tickets now and that's your day sorted.