I’ve found that late nights are a staple of adolescences, whether we want it to be or not. The late-night studying, partying, and reflecting, it all kinda makes up the college experience. And all the movies and shows that have romanticized this stage in life, even though they might take it a bit too far sometimes, might have gotten it right. The unencumbered, free-spirited character that we are in this stage of life is unlike anything else we’ll ever experience. And it’s funny because we don’t think it’s that deep while we’re in it. But just as we miss the simplicity of childhood, we’ll miss the passionate emotions we feel now. How everything is the end of the world and how everything is still so big, and we still feel small. It’s the parties and dinners with friends and the grocery shopping for the first time alone.
Plus, were all so busy during the day, we have work and classes and homework and meetings. There’s rarely a time to do stupid adolescence stuff. Night is where we have the chance to feel alive, away from the day-to-day routines. So, what can we do with these precious hours? When the rest of the world is asleep, and we feel free to do whatever we want.
Things to do with friends
- Stargaze and go dancing outside
- Drive up to the mountains, take a blanket or four, blast some music and dance around in the headlights of your car
- Late-night fast-food run then drive around the city
- Create a driving playlist while exploring the city and enjoying the simplicity of fast food
- Stay in and watch each other’s favorite movies/shows
- Popcorn, snacks, cozy environment, and favorite movies
- Late-night book club
- Gather some friends and pick a book to read together, then come back to talk about it
- Video game tournament
- Snacks, player tier list ready to go, have a prize for the winner
- Game board night
- Start off with card games and then build up to a big board games, snacks and music
- Cook or bake a new recipe
- Music playing, bake or cook something new!
- Build a fort
- Gather all the blankets and pillows and build a fort, watch movies or play video or board games inside. Color? Puzzle? Sleep in there if you want to!
- Find a party and get all dressed up
- Getting ready with friends is always fun and then you can go have fun afterwards
- Karaoke with friends!
- This is one of my favorite things to do with friends!
Things to do alone
- Watch a new movie or start a new show
- Do you have a list of shows or movies you want to get through? Use the late night to cross one off your list
- Binge watch YouTube
- Classic use of time, watch documentaries or fall down the rabbit holes
- Cook or bake something for yourself
- Music and recipes go together and go together magically.
- Read
- Find something to read! A book from the library, online, an audiobook, or articles
- Journal or scrapbook
- Start a journal, talk about whatever: reflect on the day, free write, creative write, gossip, recipes, lists, keep pictures and songs that you’ve been listening to, drawings, movie reviews, show reviews, book reviews, etc.
- Have a spa night
- Do your nails, take an extra-long shower, light some candles, do your skin care routine with added steps, take the time to take care of yourself
- Take yourself to the movies and then write a review
- There are late night showings: Go! Go alone! Watch a new movie and write a review afterwards.
- Rearrange your room
- Do a workout at 2am
- you’re already awake, may as well!
- Reorganize your stuff or clean your room
- Play a new video game
- Take up a new hobby
- Learn how to crochet, knit, journal, learn to play an instrument, etc.
A lot of the things we do with friends, we can do them alone. Now, I wouldn’t recommend going on a walk, run, or going into the mountains late at night alone because that’s putting yourself in dangerous situations. But most of the things that are fun with friends can be just as nice alone.
So maybe if you’re not super close with people here and you still want to take advantage of your college nights: do these things anyways and document it and have fun alone! If you’re scared of looking like a loser alone at dinner or out in public take something to do with your hands: a book, journal, laptop, anything that makes you feel a little more comfortable. (but people probably aren’t going to think you look like looser anyways) If there is something you’ve been wanting to do but feel like no one else will want to go with you or you have no one to invite, do it alone! You will feel a lot better knowing you did it rather than regret not going at all. Plus, you’ll probably meet someone there and it’ll be just fine in the end! You’ll probably walk out with a new friend, and if not a friend, a new acquaintance.
Find ways to make life fun apart from classes and work. Because while yes, we are here for school, it’s not our sole reason for existing. So have fun and skip a couple classes and call in “sick” for work a couple times. It’ll all work itself out. Go enjoy life!