We’ve all been there. We’ve made friends in college, people that we probably spend most of our free time with. Even though you haven’t known them very long, you still want to help celebrate their birthday. But as a college student, you don’t have the resources to throw a big bash. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to celebrate. Here are some ways you can show you care about your friends on their birthday, even on a college budget.
1. Cake in a mug
A full cake is expensive, and you need a lot of people to eat it. You can’t bake your own, unless your dorm has an oven. One easy thing you can do is make a mug cake. These can be made in a coffee mug and baked in a microwave. There are tons of recipes online, and they’re incredibly easy to make.
2.Treat them to a meal
It depends on your college meal plan, but if you can, offer to buy your friend something on their special day. Whether it’s a swipe into the dining hall, a drink at the campus Starbucks, or a lunch at an on-campus restaurant, it’s a nice and simple gesture. It costs money, but it’s a meal out of your existing plan rather than spending more money at a restaurant or by ordering takeout.
3. Have a night in
Let’s face it, college students are busy. Nights are usually filled with homework, club meetings, hitting the gym, you name it. Sometimes it’s nice to just have a relaxing night with friends. Pop on your friend’s favorite movie, get some snacks and just chill. Sometimes that’s all you need.
4. Hit up Five Below for cheap, fun birthday supplies
Five Below and similar dollar stores are great for fun inexpensive gifts. You can even get decorations at a reasonable price to help make their dorm festive. Even just blowing up a few balloons goes a long way.
5. Have a midnight celebration
Let’s face it, college students are basically nocturnal. There’s a very good chance that you and most of your friends will be awake at midnight. Kick your friend’s birthday off right by celebrating right at midnight. Gather some friends, sing happy birthday, give out gifts, just do something to acknowledge the date.
6. Have a “party” with their friends from home
As much as we love the friends we’ve made in college, we miss our ones from home. They’re the people we grew up with, and not having them around on your birthday feels wrong. Try to Skype your friend’s friends. They’ll really appreciate seeing the familiar faces.
Being away from home on your birthday is weird. On top of being sleep-deprived, stressed, and incredibly busy, the last thing someone needs to worry about is a disappointing birthday. Even the smallest, simplest gesture goes a long way. So when the next birthday comes up this semester, think of something you can do to make that person’s day special; they’ll surely appreciate it.
