When it comes to college, there is nothing like the few days before the first day of fall semester classes. Across the nation, hundreds of college campuses celebrate Welcome Week with booze, friends, and a wild time (usually off campus).
I moved into my freshman year dorm, feeling the same excitement that many of the other freshmen did. By the time the next weekend came around, the party crowd diminished as it’s expected to. That being said, Welcome Week is usually the time that establishes which first-year students are a fan of celebrating nothing but the college experience.
You do not have to treat a Friday night like a Wednesday night. And you certainly do not need to party out of force, because of believing there are no other things to do. No matter where you live, there are better ways of spending your time, doing the things you actually enjoy. Here are five items on what particular students can do on a Friday or Saturday night.
1. Visit a Bowling Alley
Bowling is a timeless classic, and there is something about going in the late hours where the music is played a little louder and the lanes fill up a little quicker. They bring in that weekend feeling that makes any activity more enjoyable.
2. Go Out to Eat
There are many places that are opened past midnight. Gather your closest friends, and grab a bite to eat at late night restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings and Steak ‘N Shake.
3. Spa Night
Having a spa night to yourself or with some friends is a great way to come down from the built-up stress that the week has brought. Paint your nails, put on a face mask and/or do some skincare for an at-home spa experience.
4. Movie Night
A movie night is another classic that is wallet-friendly and a fun time no matter who you are. Pick out a movie either on Netflix, Hulu, or Red Box; get some popcorn and snacks, and kill the night with on-screen entertainment.
5. Game Night
During freshmen year, there was one card game that I noticed kids were always playing: Cards Against Humanity. I would say this option is very based on your sense of humor. Meaning, it’s not for everyone. However, there are so many more games you can play with friends in substitute of a night off campus.