Valentine’s day is here and it is near on impossible to ignore. Whether it’s the loved up Instagrams or the romantic couples on dinner for two that has you feeling nauseous, I’m sure many of us can admit that Vday isn’t the highlight of our year, but we’ve got your back – so here’s The Tab’s guide to being lonely in Leeds this February 14th.

What is LeedsFess known for? Confessions

After all, they do say a problem shared is a problem halved. Confessing your undying love for the boy who asked you what the weather was like outside in the Eddy B staircase truly is a weight off your shoulders, take it from me. So, it’s time to open up your heart to, well… everyone.

Agreed.

Treat yourself – that student loan isn’t there for nothing

What? I mean it’s not like you have someone else to spend it on. Add up what you would have spent on your s/o and spend it on yourself. Retail therapy is no myth, whether it’s another spending spree on depop to style your new found ‘edgy’ look you’ve suddenly discovered after joining Leeds, or that panini at Bakery 164 AND a coffee (seriously, who is she?), it’s Valentine’s day, so go wild in the name of SELF-love – your bank account may not be feeling so happy, but you will be.

Get that revenge bod

If you’re first year, it is no better time (if you’re anything like me, the first time) to make use of your free gym membership and hit The Edge, maybe even take a class and show your ex what they’re missing and then gram it like there’s no tomorrow. Although it is equally as acceptable to buy the entirety of Tesco’s stock of chocolate and watch endless hours of romantic comedies on Netflix (without having to worry about the chill) – and what’s better, you don’t have to share the food.

You may be excluded from the love club, but that doesn’t stop you from hitting the club

This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with other singles…with many other students having the same idea as you, Leeds will be hosting some of the hottest parties in the UK for Vday, with my favourite’s so far being the Porno Party with Mischief at Warehouse and Bongo Bingo at Canal Mills: Valentine’s edition. So grab your single mates and dance the night away like you don’t have that 9 am lecture in the morning, because who needs dignity anyway?

Pet therapy is the best kind of therapy

Forget missing your ex, we all know that the biggest heartbreak in life is leaving your beloved pet behind at home whilst you get on your train back to uni. So take your friends and visit Pepper the labrador in the LUU foyer at 12:30-1: 30 pm and sob with no fear of judgement. Or alternatively, if you’re a cat person the Leeds Kitty cafe is a safe bet for you and your friends – you won’t be getting any backchat from those with paws.

Galentine’s is the ONLY valentines for you

A 99p face mask, the cheapest bottle of rosé Aldi has to offer, a Crispies takeaway and you’re sorted. Instead of crying into your XL wine glass about the fact that Hugh Grant will quite possibly never know your name or that Ryan Gosling is already wifed up, you ladies can do it together. Nothing says ‘love and support’ more than bonding over your somewhat unattainable love life aspirations together. Make sure to Instagram with your gals with the caption “thank u,next” for the full effect.

So whether you’re waking up with a hangover only the gods could cure, or ready to strut your new purchases, remember relationships end but your friends are there through thick and thin. So make sure you spend your valentines with the ones that will still be here for your next.