With colleges and universities breaking for the holiday season that means that there will be three full weeks filled with no homework, home cooked food, and family gatherings. For many students, these three weeks can be a drag since they do not know what to do with all this free time that they now possess. In order to help students fill this void, I've created a guide on how to binge watch Netflix (or Hulu, I don't discriminate). I know what you're thinking "I already know how to binge watch Netflix, I've been doing it the entire semester" that might be true, but most students do not know how to properly binge watch, thus this list of must-haves come have be compiled.
1. Get comfy
A major key to binge watching is to be comfortable. Being comfortable allows you to watch a show for hours on end with out getting up. In order to get comfy, I like to be in my pajamas or sweats, several blankets, my dogs, and a prime watching spot.
2. Picking the prime watching spot
When picking a binge watching spot, you must consider several things such as; being close to the kitchen to get snacks between episodes, being close to a bathroom for bathroom breaks between episodes, and picking a spot that allows you to nap if needed, but if you're napping you're doing it all wrong. Personally, I opt for my living room couch. It's close to our bathroom, kitchen, and comfy AF.
3. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks
If you're binge-watching Netflix, then its essential that you have tons of snacks and beverages. I prefer to go with a variety of snacks such as movie theater candies like Milk Duds, Cruncha Buncha, gummy worms, etc. I also prefer to include some popcorn, and sweets such as Penn State Creamery ice cream (any will do, but PSU Creamery is the best) into my variety of snacks. I also like to include some "real food" in my variety so a pizza from the local pizza shop is always included. Finally, water is a must when binge watching Netflix. Think about it you have a lot of salty snacks, going to be in the same spot for 10+ hours, and your body kinda needs it. So hydration is key to binge watching.
4. Picking your binge watching show(s)
When picking your binge-worthy show it's always important to at least watch the first two episodes. I know what your what you're thinking "The first episode is crappy and it didn't catch my attention." Trust me it usually takes the first couple episodes for a show's story line to really pick. If you don't know what to watch I recommend: "The Office," "How To Get Away With Murder," "Hawaii 5-0," "Orange is the New Black," "The Ranch," "Desperate Housewives," "Gilmore Girls," and "Friends" just to name a few.
5. Finish the binge watching
Once you pick a show(s) then you should stick with the entire series. I know that some shows can drag mid-series, but would a marathon runner stop half-way? No and neither should you.
6. Repeat process
If you happen to pick a show thats relatively short, or happen to finish a series with still a lot of break time left repeat said process and pick a new one.
Now that you have a solid guide to binge watching Netflix (or Hulu) get out there, get comfy, get some snacks, and binge watch.
