Alas, you are alone on your special day. Maybe this is what you wanted, to spend time with your favorite person in the whole wide world (you). Maybe your situation is less than ideal, and you crave the human connection fate has withheld. Whatever your mental state is surrounding the day, you are alone, and you might as well have some fun.
Movie marathon
A basic option, but a satisfying one nonetheless. Find your favorite movie or series, a comfy seating arrangement, and FOOD, and enter sweet oblivion. Who cares about the rest of the world when yours is right here on the screen?
If you’re feeling adventurous, go to the movies alone. However, you run the risk of not enjoying the movie, which is why it is recommended to watch movies you’ve already seen and ones that you know put you in a good mood.
Shopping
Head over to your favorite store, shop, or market and go crazy. A little bit of retail therapy never hurt anyone. Feeling a bit shy or homey? Treat yourself to some online shopping and buy those things on your wishlist that have been sitting there since 2020.
Hiking
Have you seen where we are? The Seattle area is home to so many fantastic hiking spots and quick day-trip places. You can check out the Washington Trails Association for hikes near you.
Rather just walk around than hike? Head over to Discovery or Gas Works Park in Seattle to feel like a kid again.
Exploring via water
The U-PASS covers King County Water Taxis and Kitsap Fast Ferries. This opens you up to a whole bunch of new towns, only a couple of minutes away. Even just riding the boat is an experience every UW student should have. Have some cost-free fun on your birthday, and explore some new places!
Writing a letter to future you
The classic high school assignment- writing a letter to yourself, 10 or 15 years in the future. And yet- an underrated experience. When writing your letter, be sure to let your true feelings shine through. Dispose of your anxieties, your uncertainties, and package them up in a question for the future you. Ask the real hard-hitting questions (do we finally have a cat?) and the questions you hope will come true (did we get our degree yet?). Write your goals, your aspirations, your hopes and dreams. Write about your day, and include the really mundane details that, after 10 years, you would have definitely forgotten. Tell future you that you love them, and that you hope they have a happy birthday.
Happy birthday, Huskies!