Let me start by saying that partying doesn’t automatically make you a bad person. Avoiding parties doesn’t automatically make you a good person. How we invest our time and how we treat others plays a huge role in what kind of person we are.
I hear a lot of incoming freshmen talking about college and partying; some can’t wait to partake and some are afraid that they will be shunned for not joining. As an incoming sophomore who had a sober freshman year, I promise that there is plenty to do besides party!
- Paint your nails
Ladies, who doesn’t feel happy with a fresh manicure? - Take a fitness class
These are super fun, a great way to socialize, and you get a workout in! I’m by no means fit or coordinated, but I took a cardio dance class and loved it (and laughed at myself a lot). - DIY facials
Buy whatever looks the best or is cheapest at Walmart and have fun! - Intramurals
Join a team, much for the same benefits as taking a fitness class! - Craft
Whether you sculpt, paint, or draw, its cool to see what you can make! - Volunteer
Not only is this fulfilling and an eye-opening experience, but it looks good on a resume. - Join a club
Join a club that intrigues you and dedicate yourself to it. - Go to a movie
Lots of college towns have theatres that offer student discounts on certain nights, so take advantage! - Work ahead on projects
Nerdy, but better than pulling an all-nighter to get the grade that you want. - Make a fort
During finals week of my first semester, my roommate, some friends, and I built a blanket fort in our room and watched movies all night. Yes, we all aced our final the next morning. - Get ice cream at an absurd hour
Whether its from a gourmet shop or Ben & Jerry’s, ice cream at 2 a.m. makes for good stories. - Call your parents
They miss you. You miss them. - Write a letter to your grandma
She’ll appreciate it more than you know, and she will probably write you back! Getting mail at school is a nice touch of home! - Make a care package for someone
We like getting them, and so do others! A friend in the military, at a different school, or back home will be pleasantly surprised by your gesture. - Start a karaoke party
Don’t worry if you don’t have a good voice because neither do most of the people around you. Embrace your inner T. Swift (Kelly Clarkson in my case) and sing! You will bond and make awesome memories. - Have a card/board game tournament
Bring snacks and set up on your community space. You’ll be surprised at how intense it gets! - Play video games
Equally as intense! - Binge watch Netflix
Throw on some sweats and get cozy with your favorite snack. - Try a new restaurant
Hole in the wall places usually have the best food! - Join a Bible study
Spiritually and socially rewarding. - Work a night job
If you’re going to be up, you can be making money and building relationships with your co-workers. - Study
But seriously…if you want to stay up late, hit the books. College exams are harder than high school and you will have to study differently, so don’t learn it the hard way! - Actually explore the library
Find the best places to study or take a trip down the aisles of books. You would be amazed at what you can find in the library! (Also, legend has it that a thesis will often have a $20 bill in it, so get to looking!) - Be a designated driver
Honestly, it might not be the most enjoyable experience, but your friends will thank you for getting them home safely, and they won’t be putting others at risk if they’re behind the wheel. - Dress up really fancy and go to a less than fancy restaurant
My friends and I did this by accident when the restaurants that we wanted to go to were all closed. We got a lot of strange looks as we walked into Applebee’s in suits and heels, but it is a memory that we won’t forget. - FaceTime your high school best friend
You spend your childhood together and suddenly are hours apart. FaceTime so you can see each other’s dorms, pick out outfits, and see facial expressions when you tell a story. - Use a cool app like Zoom to group video chat with your squad
I had two best friends in high school, and we all go to different colleges. It took us a few apps and confusion before we figured it out, but once we got it, we were psyched! - Make a four-year plan
More colleges should require this in class. Make a four-year plan with every class that you will take before you graduate, clubs to join, and internships that you want to obtain. It’s a great reminder of what you need to do and very helpful when you meet with your adviser. - Journal
I keep three different journals: a prayer journal, a journal for experiences that happen while I am with a specific group, and an every day journal. Write even one or two sentences a day, and go back and read what adventures you have been on. - Color
Adult coloring books have become quite popular. Personally, I am not detail oriented enough to finish a page in one, but I was given a Disney coloring book for graduation that got a ton of use last year! - Set a SMART goal and make a plan
Think of one of your goals, and modify it to become a SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely) goal. Then, make a plan to help you achieve it. - Work out
While some turn to partying to relieve stress, I always feel better after a run. Remember, in the words of Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make people happy.” - Go shopping
Whether it’s to your favorite boutique, the mall, or Target, treat yourself with a shopping trip. - Have a night in
Scroll through social media, read a book, recharge, have a life chat with your roommate, and enjoy the comfort of your dorm. - Take a tour of your college town
Have you really done everything there is to do? - Cruse the highways and stargaze
Growing up on a ranch, it was suffocating to look at the sky at night and not be able to see the stars. Drive until you can see the stars and enjoy their beauty. - Write encouraging notes to people
Post-its are my favorite because I can choose a friend’s favorite color and leave them a note if they are going through a rough time, have a big test, or to make them smile. - Review your class notes
I promise that reviewing notes every night will make the homework and tests much easier. - Apply for scholarships
Use scholarship websites to find applications, and fill them out! It never hurts to apply for scholarships, and there are some that are open year-round. - Clean your room
Trust me on this one. Swiffer the floor, vacuum the rug, and dust everything. You’d be surprised at how dirty your room gets, especially with two girls. - Set up an obstacle course
Use furniture and pillows to make an obstacle course in a common area, and have friends time each other. - Plan your dream vacation
Dream of the possibilities and make a plan. - Research something you aren’t sure about
What is a GMO? What are Trump’s plans for immigration? Research a non-biased, credible source, or research both sides of the issue. That way, you will feel confident in making an informed decision. - Re-read your favorite book
Curl up with a blanket and coffee and get lost in the pages. - Relive your childhood with camp songs and dance moves
One night, my roommate and I realized that we learned the same songs at vacation Bible school. We sang and danced and laughed. - Play name that tune
Pick a genre or put your music on shuffle. Bonus points if the winner can sing the entire song! - Make a budget
It’s something that we all have to learn to live by. - Dance
Open your door and keep the music at a respectful level, get your friends together, and dance! - Try a Pinterest project
I have dozens of pins that I never look at or attempt. Figure out what they need and try one! - Explore campus (safely)
Go on a walk with a group and see all of the sights to see on campus. - Look at old pictures
I love reliving memories through photographs. Pull out the yearbook or old Facebook photos and laugh. - Drive to the state line just to take a picture
Obviously, this depends on location and willingness to spend gas money. But a random picture with the state sign will be fun! - Pray
Cherish your quiet time to grow closer with God. - Clean up social media
Employers and scholarship donors are looking at it. Make sure that everything on your social media portrays you in a positive manner. - Drive without a destination
Load up your friends and crank the tunes. Get on a road and turn when you feel like it.
Whether you’re committed to not partying or you decide that you need to take a break, these 55 ideas are sure to keep you occupied, active, and socializing.
