Run anonymously by a group of Calvin students, Knights 4 Love is a planned dating app exclusively for Calvin students. Though the app is not out yet, its designers have garnered student interest with their Instagram account, @knights4love. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Chimes sat down for an anonymous conversation with the creators of Knights 4 Love about what is to be expected from the app, as well as some Valentine’s Day tips and advice. 

Chimes: What did you notice at Calvin or perhaps outside of Calvin that made you realize that Calvin students could benefit from their own dating app? 

Knights 4 Love: There was huge potential for a dating app that fit the needs of the Calvin population, and that’s what we hoped to hit with our dating app. Calvin has a unique history and culture around dating, and we hope to tap into that. There are so many different ideas that make our app different because we are invested in the dating culture at Calvin. We can really make the most of traditions in a fun and exciting way. We are confident in our ability to help everyone find that perfect someone and meet new people with a little Calvin twist.

Chimes: In the future, what do you envision for Knights 4 Love? What goals do you have for the app in terms of helping students find love on campus? 

Knights 4 Love: We see Knights 4 Love as a tool for all students, and we hope that it can be ubiquitous on campus. The main hope for it is to be a go-to dating tool for all students across campus. This is a lofty goal, but we want to provide an alternative way of dating, but we don’t necessarily replace anything at Calvin. We see it as an app that helps students meet their fellow students, all across campus. We want an interconnected campus, building on the wonderful community that Calvin already bolsters, and helping students meet new friends and people along the way.

Chimes: Are there any good restaurants or activities in Grand Rapids that you would recommend for a Valentine’s Day date?

Knights 4 Love: Grand Rapids is a wonderful place for that special Valentine’s Day! One of our favorite spots is Frederik Meijer Gardens. The flowers and exhibits are wonderful all year round, and a little stroll outside will surely impress that special someone. Rose’s on Reeds Lake is a spectacular venue with great views and atmosphere. Not only is it close by, but the menu is within the budget of college students. If you’re operating on a tight budget, the Bitter End Coffee Shop is a fantastic destination for its atmosphere and mood. Finally, if you can’t find the time on Valentine’s Day and still need a romantic getaway for the weekend, the Grand Rapids Symphony or the Grand Rapids Civic Theater is a must for a classy date night, and with student pricing, tickets are affordable and well within the budget. 

Chimes: As college students, sometimes it’s not feasible to go out to dinner or to a movie. Are there any activities or places on campus that you would recommend for Valentine’s Day activities?

Knights 4 Love: Valentine’s Day isn’t about how much money you spend or the fanciest dinners, it’s all about showing how much you care. Cooking their favorite dinner, some music in the background and watching their favorite movie is a classic date night that shows you care. Perhaps you can purchase a gift that means something to them but doesn’t break the bank. Something special like an inside joke or something meaningful that shows you cherish them. A walk through the nature center or by Reeds Lake is also a great idea to talk and show how you feel. Finally, if you can’t find anything else to do on a budget, flowers and chocolate go a long way, even when you can’t do much. As long as you communicate effort and go out of your way to show that you appreciate your date, you can’t go wrong. 

Chimes: For some single students, Valentine’s Day may be frustrating as happy couples and love are celebrated. Do you have any suggestions for ways single people can celebrate Valentine’s Day in a way that uplifts them?

Knights 4 Love: It can be difficult to see everyone celebrating, but the most important thing to remember is the value of self. People believe that through a relationship you will be immediately happy; however, this is far from the truth. You need to know and love yourself before you can really enjoy a relationship. This comes with time and experiencing new things. Go out and do something, try new activities, don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone to find who you really are. For Valentine’s Day, find some friends to go out and do something fun, and if people are busy don’t worry. You can go get a workout in, go for a walk, try learning something new, anything where you get out and do something.

Chimes: Over the years, Valentine’s Day has become increasingly popular for groups of friends to celebrate friendship. How can people in relationships celebrate Valentine’s Day with their friends in addition to their significant other? 

Knights 4 Love: We would recommend trying to stick to one as best you can, otherwise, you can’t devote the time that is deserved for both. Try and set a date aside for your friends that you can do something together. If you need to, try to separate out the activities for different parts of the day. You don’t want to be too divided, then you won’t be able to devote the time needed for both.