10 Things To Do Besides Partying In College

Okay, sure, going out is fun. Who doesn’t like getting all dressed up and dancing and all that? No one. But, truthfully, sometimes you need those low-key and laidback weekends. I promise there are lots of things to do besides partying in college!

Here are some ideas of things to do in college for when you don’t feel like going out. For when sweatpants are more appealing than stilettos and Netflix is more appealing than a night out, here are 10 things to do with friends instead of going out on the weekends…

1. Host a Bake-Off

Most dorm buildings have a kitchen within it somewhere (or if you’re lucky you have your own), why not just take over and finally make one of those recipes from your Pinterest board? Make it into a Cupcake Wars style competition or simply just bake and devour the snacks while you hang out and watch a movie. Baking from scratch is always fun …or you could just bake some cupcakes with box mix if you nor your friends are particularly fond of baking from scratch.

2. Have a Fitness Night

Use your school’s free and fancy gym facility! It’ll be pretty empty if it’s a weekend night, so that’s a perk. No one to judge you not knowing how to use the fancy machines, but that also means no one to see your cute workout outfits (bummer)…or is that just me? Anyways. Gather up a bunch of friends and decide to get into shape, even if for a short period of time. It’s productive and apparently exercise produces endorphins which make you happy (or something like that).

If the gym is closed, too far away or not very convenient, you can opt for Blogilates in someone’s dorm or lounge area, too. That can be fun and it doesn’t even require going outside. Sometimes going outside is just too much effort.

3. Spa Night

Name one college student who doesn’t need some pampering. We all need some pampering. Have a night where you just hang around and paint each other’s nails. Do pedicures! Maybe even do face masks, Freeman has some nice and inexpensive ones! It can be like that stereotypical middle school sleepover, you can even embark on an old school game of truth or dare! Be as lame as you want because ~who cares~. Plus, your nails, toes and skin will look fabulous for the upcoming week. Yay!

4. Play Board Games

Perfect for when it’s a mix of guy and girl friends! Board games are pretty big in colleges, especially games like Cards Against Humanity (although not technically a board game) and Monopoly. Us college students get really into games and they always end up being hilarious. If board games aren’t exciting enough for you, you can always turn your favorite game into a drinking game. Just sayin’.

5. Watch YouTube Videos

Tell everyone to think of some of their favorite funny YouTube videos or music videos. People love sharing things they love with other people, have you noticed that? My one friend showed us hilarious real-life versions of trailers one night and it led to all of us typing in our favorite funny videos and crowding around his laptop screen. If you’re out of ideas, just search up some funny YouTube video playlists and I guarantee you’ll have a few laughs.

6. Netflix PJ Party

Have everyone arrive in their jammies (no one will object, pajamas are the best) and put on a Netflix series to binge or a movie. Might I recommend watching a childhood clasic throwback like High School Musical or Aquarmarine? Make some brownies and pop corn and get comfy for a classic night in with the girls.

I’m obsessed with those ice cream print pajamas above from PJ Salvage as well as these ice cream socks and meow sleep mask from Forever 21 !  Of course, the matching pajamas and sleep mask are entirely improbable and unlikely unless you’re very put-together and elegant. Most college students aren’t. In reality you’ll probably be wearing the T-shirt from Orientation with your school logo and old track shorts, but pretty inspiring PJs never hurt anyone.

7. Go somewhere local

Instead of heading out to a local club, bar or party, why not try a different scene? Go on an adventure, even if it’s just to the deli down the road. Why not head out to the local 24-hour diner and grab milkshakes with your friends? If you’re in (or near) NYC, there’s no excuse for not finding something besides partying to do! NYC is full of weird and fun things to do. My school has a trampoline place and ice skating rink not too far from it, I’m sure your school is near some interesting places or restaurants! Just insert your school or town and add “fro-yo” or “24 hour diner” to the end. You’ll find something, I promise.

8. Go to An On-Campus Event

Every weekend my school has comedians, games, Bingo or movies playing. There’s always some sort of event going on, why not check it out? They always end up being a fun time! Check your school’s student planning committee or campus calendar if you’re trying to learn more about events. My school usually has signs hanging up in the most populated areas of campus.

9. Get crafty

Once again, bust out the Pinterest and make some fun DIYs! You can’t go wrong with some DIY accessories or dorm decor. You can even go shopping with friends beforehand to get some supplies. Martha Stewart would be proud.

10. Order in and just relax.

Head to the nearest lounge (or biggest dorm) with a bunch of friends and just order some take out. Lounge around, maybe watch some Netflix or talk. Seriously, the best nights are the simplest ones. You can never go wrong with having conversations while everyone happily chews away at lo-mein and General Tso’s.

  What activities do you like to do in college? (Besides partying, of course)

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