Finding love in friendship this Valentine’s Day

Hi, my name is Tisha, and I’m a first-year student studying Digital Media and Culture at King’s.

It can be easy to feel lonely when it seems like love is in the air — and sometimes being shoved down your throat — but Valentine’s Day can be about more than just romance. Instead, we can take it as an opportunity to appreciate all of our connections, especially the people who show up for us every day: our friends.

Feeling Lonely

I can definitely understand how isolating this time can feel. Many of my friends have partners to spend Valentine’s Day with, and I don’t. As a first-year living away from friends and family back home, that contrast can sometimes heighten the general feeling of loneliness that comes with university life. While those feelings are completely valid, they don’t have to define the experience.

Friendship and wellbeing

Whether it’s grabbing a bagel between lectures or commuting home together after a long day, my friends have been my biggest source of comfort at university.

Friendship is something many of us take for granted. Friends motivate us during difficult times and celebrate with us during our wins. These low-effort connections may seem small, but the way they make us feel supported and less alone plays a huge role in our everyday wellbeing.

Celebrating connections

So how can we celebrate our friendships this Valentine’s Day? My friends and I are planning a Galentine’s brunch at a cute café, taking full advantage of the whimsical heart-filled aesthetics that mid-February brings.

But there are so many other ways to celebrate, and they don’t have to be expensive:

• Cook dinner together and have a movie marathon
• Go for a “hot girl walk” or hike (with a sweet treat afterwards)
• Host a Mario Kart tournament
• Try DIY crafts like friendship bracelets or vision boards
• Or even video call long-distance friends

Making Friends at King’s

If you’re thinking this all sounds lovely, but your friends aren’t free… Don't worry! Being a student at King’s offers plenty of opportunities to meet new people and build meaningful connections. From Valentine’s card-making sessions with KCLSU, to candle-making workshops, or even Valentine’s sports nights at Guy’s Bar, there are many ways to put yourself out there.

Friendships take time to develop, but simply showing up to these events could lead to a connection that lasts far beyond Valentine’s Day. So why not give it a try?

I hope this article encourages you to appreciate your friendships this Valentine’s Day. Even the smallest gesture can go a long way. And remember that if you want a village, you have to be a villager yourself.