Valentine’s Day means different things to everyone. To cynics, it is another commercialized holiday for them to turn their noses up at. To people who are single, it means good deals on chocolate and lunch/dinner deals. To couples in relationships, it’s a great chance to spend some time together and surprise each other with a meaningful gift (perhaps). However, it can also be a really stressful time as well. Picking out the perfect restaurant, finding a perfect place to hang out which will let you both enjoy your time, and still trying to have enough private one-on-one time as well.

We’re here to try to make part of your life easier, by providing a list of places that are offering special deals and events! All you have to do is choose whichever is most convenient for you. A special deal is a deal, regardless of whether or not you’re in a relationship, so check out some of the following:

Groupon

A website showing all the special deals being offered by restaurants in the greater Toronto area. I’ve found deals up to 75% off here, so be sure to check it out! You can pick up a coupon for a massage for your significant other, or you can pick up a coupon to fancy restaurant, valid for anytime. Groupon always has something great to offer, no matter who you’re looking for.

Red Flag Deals

Similar to Groupon, Red Flag Deals also offers special deals happening in the greater Toronto area, and amazing offers at fabulous prices. You’re sure to score a few great deals there.

Toronto Guide – Affordable Restaurants

A list of some restaurants in Toronto which offer a nice, romantic setting at a great price.

DJ Skate Night

Running until February 19, every Saturday the Harbourfront Centre invites an up-and-coming DJ, and plays various styles of music for everyone to skate to.

Love @ UofT

A website for students at the University of Toronto to meet new friends, or find that special someone. It’s actively used, and they recently hit a big milestone: 1000 users! You can check out the website here and read some stats about how they’re doing so far here.

Talk to U of T Professors about Valentine’s Day

U of T also has a lot of Professors knowledgeable about the subject of love, and they are very willing to answer any questions you might have about the subject. (We even have a Professor who can answer your questions about the history of mistresses!).

Be sure to check out Toronto.com for more Valentine’s Day information, and a more detailed list of events happening in Toronto happening from the Feb. 10 – Feb. 17, read here.

Have a wonderful Valentine’s day, whether you’re single or in a relationship!

Every school year, at least two times a year, www.ratemyprofessors.com most likely receives an increase in the amount of traffic from the University of Toronto, from students trying to see which course would be best taken with which professor. This website rates professors on the following criteria: Helpfulness, clarity, easiness, hotness and then offers an overall rating. These, I feel are not enough. All professors should be helpful, clear and give fair tests, but an amazing professor is one that ignites in his/her students the same passion they have for the course or material, and allows them to see the same things in a new light.

For me, and for many students in the Department of Computer Science, Paul Gries is that professor. Almost every student in Computer Science has a class with Paul their first year, and he manages to bring in more students into the program as well. Always available for an appointment any time of the day, always willing to see you without an appointment, and always available with a cheerful smile, he is an all around great professor. He takes tricky, important, fundamental concepts and explains them so clearly that they become completely obvious. And maybe most importantly, he makes students really, and truly interested in Computer Science.

When I was a first year, I remember walking into my first ever course at University, and feeling somewhat terrified that University was going to bring about my demise (academically). Paul made all those fears just disappear by the end of the first lecture. It required work, but the entire course was a blast. The assignments were challenging but interesting, fun and related to what we were learning, and useful to know for the real world.

He wants to get to know as many students as he can, and really help those students who are struggling. He knows many students by name, and can be seen at many of the events hosted by the Computer Science Student Union.

I go to his office hours for courses that I don’t even have with him – because he’s willing to help. He’ll point out the right direction to head in, allowing students to learn on their own, giving them enough to run with any idea they have.

Computer Science just isn’t the same without having a course taught by Paul Gries.

The start of the school year is always filled with resolutions to make this year different, a desire to be better, and with the thought that when there is a will, there is a way. This time of year – the beginning of October – when you realize exactly how many assignments, readings, and deadlines are about to hit you, is when that intention wavers. And in most cases, you slip back into your usual routine of procrastination, speeding to get things done at the last minute, and vowing that the next assignment/reading/essay will be different.

I have seen a lot of people go through this, and suffered through this myself also. I have learned a few tips and tricks along the way though, which I hope will help you stick to your goals. (more…)