If you just read the words “college night in” and cringed at the thought of being alone on a Friday night, I feel you. There have been MANY weekends I’ve spent by myself, scrolling aimlessly though Netflix, wondering if I am the lamest person who has ever attended college. It took the first half of college to realize no, I’m not incredibly lame, I just don’t know what makes me happy. From there, I could craft the perfect night alone focusing on the things I love.
Today, I want to talk all about how to have the perfect college night in! With four years that are supposed to be jam-packed with action, adventure, and night’s out – it’s important to feel happy alone doing the things you love, even if it’s just once in a while.
Rules For A College Night In:
Although there should be no rules for what brings you joy, I’m incredibly Type A and thrive on structure. So, for my college nights in alone, here are a few rules I live by:
- Phone on do not disturb. For absolutely obvious reasons, I do not want notifications coming in from the things I’m missing out on. If being alone is something that makes you uncomfortable, just trust me and turn it off.
- Acknowledge how you’re feeling, then let it pass. When I first started embracing my college nights in alone, loneliness would always tend to creep in. If this happens to you (and I’m sure it does because I still feel it too), instead of ignoring it, just acknowledge how you feel and move on. You have a great night ahead of you, so don’t put a damper on it by feeling sorry for yourself.
- Let yourself have fun! There’s this weird notion we all seem to believe that’s having fun on your own is wrong. Screw that. Nights alone are nights with yourself, keeping everything you love at the top of mind.
How To Have The Perfect College Night In:
1. Set The Mood
If you take anything from this post, it’s to turn your overhead lights off. Nothing kills the vibe of a relaxing evening more than fluorescent lighting. It ruins absolutely everything and hikes up your electric bill like nothing else. While you’re at it, clean your room to really make your space feel relaxed.
Now that the initial mood is set, light a candle and let it burn for a while. Usually, I burn my candles for short stints to not waste it, but a night alone calls for a lengthy candle burn. We are doing absolutely everything to bring us joy tonight. I also am a HUGE fan of linen spray and since the majority of this evening is in my bed, it feels especially appropriate to use it.
2. Take An Everything Shower
Some dread an everything shower. Some love it. I’m a little bit in-between. On a college night in that I spend alone, an everything shower is my absolute favorite thing to do. Once the candle is lit and the scent starts to permeate, get all the essentials set up for a perfect start of self-care. If there’s any night to really take your everything shower to the max – this is it. I’m talking dry brushing, hair oiling, the works.
3. Order Take-Out
Although I never try to advocate for taking out food (since the majority of my college budget goes to this), I do think this is the ideal time to treat yourself. If I know I’m having a night alone in advance, I’ll pick up a Trader Joe’s frozen meal, but if it’s more unexpected, DoorDash it is. Take-out is something we typically reserve for friends, viewing a night in as time with a friend (yourself), it really emphasizes that extra level of care. You deserve to make yourself feel special too.
4. Watch A Classic Movie
A night-in calls for a movie. No questions asked. Whether it’s a 90’s rom-com or that classic Disney movie (Parent Trap for me) pick something that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Nostalgia is an excellent addition to any night-in alone. If you’re looking for inspiration to find the perfect movie, read my post on the Top 15 Best Rom Coms Of All Time.
5. Read The Book You’ve Been Putting Off
To those of you that read this and instantly looked over at your nightstand, I see you. Brush the dust off that book sitting there and pick it back up! You bought it for a reason. One thing about reading a book (Colleen Hoover included) is you just feel like a hotter, more educated version of yourself. I know I do.
Since a lot of having a good night-in is changing your mindset, reading is a great activity to relax and feel good about yourself. My current obsession is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow – to read a complete analysis click here.
6. Remind Yourself Loneliness Is A State Of Mind
There’s such a difference between being alone and being lonely. Although it took me waayyy to long to figure this out, as a washed up junior in college, I’ve learned it all comes down to your mindset. If you set your intentions before your night alone to be full of care, wellness, and things that bring you joy – nothing else matters. No bar, frat, or night out is as much fun as time spent doing things that bring you joy.
Do a night in alone for the hell of it. I promise, it’s not as scary as it sounds. You may even fall absolutely in love with it. Do you have any college night in essentials or tips on how to not be lonely? Let me know in the comments!