25 Reasons It's Okay to Stay In Tonight

Beloved musician Tom Petty once gave this timeless advice to college students: “Stay out late… Spend money you don’t have. Drink ’til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does.” That serves as quite a little nugget of inspiration for nights we can’t wait to go out, but it makes missing one moment of socializing sound like the worst tragedy since Antony and Cleopatra. In reality, sometimes the better choice is to stay in. Want proof? Here are Her Campus’s 25 reasons you’re allowed to skip the occasional night out. The Roman gods won’t smite you, we promise.
 
First, take a look at some things you could do instead...

1. Catch up on sleep. The New York Times reports that even one good night’s sleep can help you focus, keep off excess fat and even appear more attractive the next day. Sounds a lot better than falling asleep mid-DFMO, right?

2. Watch your favorite TV shows. TVOverMind.com reports that while we were busy settling in for the new semester in early January, old favorites like The Bachelor, Pretty Little Liars and 30 Rock launched their new seasons, and new shows like Are You There, Chelsea? and Napoleon Dynamite made their debut. So go check them out, GOSH!

3. Cure your homesickness by taking a virtual trip home — look over high school pics, Skype your best friend and call your parents.

4. Read the most recent of Her Campus’s fabulous articles! You’re off to an excellent start.

5. Now that your roommate’s gone for a few hours, practice your moves like Jagger.
 
Staying in is a way to treat yourself...

6. You’re finally taking a break from cheap beer. Both your taste buds and your dignity will thank you.

7. Your immune system won’t have to take the beating it usually does by being in crowded spaces like the dance floor. Don’t buy it? Here’s another fun fact from good ole Web MD: the virus that causes mono can hang out in your saliva for up to 18 months after you stop having symptoms. Aren’t you glad you’re not sharing a drink with anyone but yourself tonight?

8. It’s easier on your wallet. Alcohol and snacks — whether in your dorm or at the bar — usually rack up the bill. A night in means more money to spend on other stuff, like that dress you’ve had your eye on or the spring break trip you’ve been saving up for.

9. It’s better for your skin. Think about all that sweat, paint, makeup (and slobber?) you sometimes “forget” to wash off after a night out.

10. You can make yourself truly edible food, rather than ordering greasy pizza at 2 a.m.