Let me tell you, I know why people go to frat houses, mixers, and house parties. I did it more than I should have earlier in the year at one of the biggest party schools in the nation. There is alcohol and people you don’t know and (occasionally) cute guys. What isn’t to like? I’ll tell you. That awkward text you get the next day from a number you don’t know asking to hang out. Why is drunk you always giving out your number? The fact that you are too hungover to make it to brunch, or even that embarrassing walk of shame. So many people feel like they NEED to go out in order to make friends, find someone to hook up with, or have any fun. To avoid these events, try this instead:
1. Watch a movie with friends. My friends and I have a huge list of movies that we have to watch before the semester is over and we usually knock one out each weekend. I know some people may find this boring, but you know who your true friends are when you are able to text them saying “Movie Night!” and they don’t hesitate to come.
2. Play late night pool. Or you could play ping-pong or air hockey. Either way it is fun to watch the drunk people stumble in through the lobby. The best part is when someone you know comes in and decides to take a celeb shot. They can barely line the stick up with the ball while. No matter how it goes it is entertaining. ‘
3. Go to a sports event. At my school, hockey is the sport of choice. You go out early so you can get good seats and then “make eye-contact” with the players. It is always fun to participate in the group cheers and chants. It’s nice to see people you know on the fan cam doing bizarre dances.
4. Go to another dining hall for late-night. Often times you see the same people over and over again in the dining hall. If you travel across campus, you may run into new people, like you, that are looking for something fun to do other than going out.
5. Do a fun group activity. Round up some friends and play a card game, a board game, or a video game. It’s fun to get competitive. If you play a bunch of different games, different people have different skills so you are bound to win one one of them.
Choose one, or choose all of them. No matter what, if you surround yourself with good people, you are going to have fun. The most important thing is to go into it willing to be spontaneous and willing to have a positive attitude. If you go into thinking, “This is so lame, I wish I were drinking,” then it won’t be worth your time. Try to make friends that have the same morals as you. I’m not saying never go out, but don’t feel like that is your only option. Switch it up and make some memories that you can be proud to tell later.