Dream makers and heartbreakers rejoice – Valentine’s Day is finally upon us. As such, there’s no shortage of society events designed to find you that special someone. Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m attending them all, and so should you.
Monday
“There will be many missteps. Make sure you are wearing cute shoes.” Such are the words of drag queen Sasha Velour, who is set to receive the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage from the University Philosophical Society (the Phil). At 1pm in the Graduates Memorial Building (GMB), Velour will deliver a short address in recognition of her contribution to the creative arts and LGBTQ activism, before taking questions.
No Valentine? No problem. A brew will see you through. The TCD Russian Society is celebrating the occasion in the Atrium at 1pm for a “Chai and Chat”.
Tuesday
Why did the biologist break up with the physicist? They had no chemistry. This is the calibre of humour you’re due to hear if you join the DU Biological Association (BioSoc) for its Valentine’s Extravaganza. Complete the Google Form linked in the society’s weekly email, and meet your match at the Lombard for just €4 at the door. The time will be confirmed later in the week.
DU History and DU Archaeology are teaming up for “History’s Greatest Date”, wherein committee members will debate which historical figure would have made the best Valentine. The event will take place in the Swift Lecture Theatre at 7pm and an after party will take place in Kennedy’s. (Speaking of Kennedys, John F Kennedy wins my vote when it comes to a date with a historical great).
Wednesday
What’s the next best thing to a Valentine’s Day vacation in Venice? The TCD Italian Society’s wine and painting event in the JCR Cafe in Goldsmith Hall. The event, held with the hopes of raising funds for Women’s Aid Ireland during Rag Week, will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and snacks will be provided courtesy of Little Italy in Smithfield. The time has yet to be confirmed.
If you forgot to buy that box of chocolates and bouquet of flowers, never fear. Fashion your better half a papier-mache rose at Wednesday’s plant-shaped origami making workshop. TCD Japanese Society and TCD Botanical Society are collaborating for the event, taking place at 3pm in the Eliz Room of House Six.
Serenade your sweetheart at 7pm in Doyle’s Bar during DU Music’s Open Mic Night. The famed Open Mic Nights are back for the semester and better than ever, and those wishing to perform can fill out a Google Doc linked on the society’s Instagram.
Thursday
Grab your dancing shoes and prepare your best “can’t they just print more money?” quips: BESS Ball returns courtesy of the DU Business and Economics Society. Buses will leave Nassau St at 6pm, headed for the Killashee Hotel in Naas. Attendees will return to Trinity at 2.15am. Ticket sales and exchanges must be finalised by Tuesday.
Friday
If you want to practice your language skills in a relaxed, carefree environment, DU Modern Languages’ weekly language café will take place in the Atrium Room 4 at 11am. Chit-chat in the language of your choosing over a cup of coffee or tea.
In conjunction with Trinity Arts Festival, the DU Photography Association (DUPA) is holding a day-long exhibition entitled “Notes to Self” in the Atrium. The theme centres around self-reflection and the goal is to get the visitor to feel as though they are flipping through the photographer’s diary.
