Are you caught up in the inevitable search for the perfect college romance? It can seem like everyone has already found their future spouse or is busy looking for their ring by spring. College can be the place where you meet the one, but it’s also a place to meet the greatest friends you will have for the rest of your life. Sometimes we can forget that our friends are important too, and just because someone isn’t a romantic partner doesn’t mean they won’t be in your life forever. Plenty of people meet lifelong friends in college. Maybe you already have a friend you know is your ride or die, or maybe you’ve met someone recently who you want to get to know better. Either way, here are some “friend date” ideas on and around campus to help your friendship grow.Â
Coffee and a Campus Walk
Sometimes the best hangouts are just the simple ones. Grab a coffee from GCBC or make one at home, and take a walk around campus to catch up. Some spots to pass by are the baseball stadium, the Grove fields, or the skatepark by the CAC.Â
A Picnic on the Quad
You can stop by the Herd Stop to pick up picnic supplies; bring a blanket or even some towels, and head over to a quiet lawn for the perfect picnic spot. If you’re not sure where to go, the quad, the CAC lawn, and the grass by the soccer fields are all good options.
A Little Thrifting Adventure
If you have a car or a friend to drive you, a thrifting spree might be the best option. Goodwill is about 15 minutes down the road, and who knows what hidden gems you’ll find there. If you’re looking for more cute resale clothes, Plato’s Closet is my personal favorite. It’s a little further away, about a 30-minute drive, but definitely so worth it. Going-out outfits are overflowing there: sets, halter tops, anything you can imagine, and most of the clothes there are very affordable.Â
Boba and a Barkery Shop
If you don’t have access to a car but want to get a little off campus, you can walk down to the Boba Shop on Camelback called YobaHut. It’s tucked into a strip mall, and right next to it is a bakery with fresh-baked goods. This is an easy way I like to get off campus without having to drive anywhere.Â
A Cozy Girls’ Movie Night
Sometimes staying in sounds much better than leaving your dorm or apartment. If you’re feeling homey, set up the TV or, if you have one, a projector, and grab every blanket and pillow you own. Choose your favorite comfort movie (I recommend 50 First Dates if you’re looking for a Rom-Com, or Project Hail Mary if you’re looking for a more adventurous action movie) and have a cozy night in.
Sunset Picture and Memories
If you’re looking to spruce up your Instagram, some golden hour photos might just be the perfect hang out that’s also productive! You can get ready together to your favorite music, head up to the rooftop or a pretty area during golden hour, and take some stunning pictures. If photoshoots aren’t your style, you can just try to catch some photos of the sunset or the cityscape of downtown Phoenix.
At the end of the day, college isn’t just about finding that special someone; it’s about finding your people too. No matter what you do, spending time with your friends is very important, and one of the best ways to make memories that will last until graduation. So, the next time you can’t think of what to do, check out these ideas for a fun “friend date”!