Let’s be real. Drinking happens on college campuses. Shocker, right? Said no one ever. Well, some people are not into drinking (for some of us that might actually be a shocker). I for one am one of these people; drinking just isn’t something that I am interested in, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to have fun. Redefining the word ‘fun’ is just something that I have found a hobby in. So here, Odyssey readers, is my list of eight ways to have fun on a college campus (without doing anything illegal). Let’s begin.
1. Movie Nights
We all know what movie nights are. Unless you were born on Mars you have probably attended loads of movie nights. There’s nothing quite like cuddling up with your closest friends, finding each friend a character equivalent, stealing their pillows, and Snapchatting embarrassing pictures of them to everyone they know. You can never watch "Frozen" too many times. Bonus points if you squeeze twenty-plus people into a single dorm room.
2. Outdoor Night Games
Warm nights mean one thing in my friend group: running around like lunatics until 2am (or later). Next time you’re stuck inside on a warm night gather up the crew, the dorm or the random students on the street and start a game of four square, capture the flag or throw it back to grade school with some hide and go seek. If you go for capture the flag may I suggest the flags as light sabers, glow in the dark ‘flags’ makes you feel like a character in a new adventure movie, or maybe that’s just me.
3. Indoor Games
Call me old school, but I am a big fan of card and board games…usually with a twist. Next time you go for a good ol’ game of Mafia why not add the Ten of Hearts? Also known as cupid. At the start of the game cupid picks two players to fall in love. If one dies during the game the other dies of a broken heart. Want a quicker game? Try Dutch Blitz or Jungle Speed.4. Dance Parties
Turn the music up and let your inner craziness free.
5. Road Trips
No matter where you are there has to be somewhere to go to take a day trip. Whether it be a big city, an amusement park or little known museum, there is always somewhere to go to change your pace and find a new adventure.
6. Holiday Celebrations
There is a holiday every day. July 13 is Barbershop Music Appreciation Day, Sept. 19 is talk like a pirate day and March 31 is Bunsen Burner Day. Celebrate appropriately.
7. Intramural Sports
Even if your school doesn’t have intramural sports you can still gather up the troops and get a game of Frisbee or basketball going.
8. Sheetz/Wawa/Get Go/Convenience Store Runs
If you aren’t from the Keystone State you are most likely confused. The stores above are so much more than gas station stops. They have made to order grilled and fried foods as well as slushies, snacks, coffee, donuts and every food that you could ever hope for from a gas station… except cheesecake. So no matter where you are, go on a food run, food is a good thing.
No matter what school you go to, public or private, Christian or secular, be sure to be safe and redefine fun to your standards. Talk like a pirate, dance like no one is watching and run after that light saber.
