Being away from home and having to make new friends while also juggling a schedule full of classes is tough. So, at the end of the day, sometimes all you want to do is hang out in your room. However, secluding yourself to your room only makes it harder to make friends and focus on your assignments. Try exploring different places around your apartment and campus to find a place where you can hang out to make new friends or study.
Apartment Lounge
Many college housing complexes feature a lounge where their tenants can relax, mingle, and play. Some lounges have theater rooms, kitchens for parties, or games like pool. Lounges are a fun place to hang out because there is usually more space than in your room and fun things are going on. That is… unless someone has the room reserved for a private party. Some lounges also have a private area with whiteboards and tables for working on projects.
Library
Studying is so much easier when you do it on campus. Being close to your bed or a comfy couch makes it tempting to sleep instead of doing your homework. Plus, it’s easier to spread out at a desk than at the dining table where your roommates are trying to eat dinner. Most university libraries have different areas for group projects, single studying, and silent studying. Being around other focused students in the library can help you stay focused and avoid procrastination or sleeping. Plus, campus WiFi is more reliable than some apartment complexes.
Student Union
The student union, or cafeteria, is a busy area—which makes it prime for meeting new people. Student unions have busy rushes around lunchtime, so you may have to sit next to someone you don’t know. This can help you branch out and break out of your comfort zone to make new friends. Even when the lunch rush ends the student union is a popular spot, but instead of people mingling, you start to see more people pulling out laptops and notebooks to study. Just know that if you hang out around the student union, you’ll want to buy yourself a treat now and then! So if you are trying to spend less money or eat from home, find a different spot or bring a snack from home.
Outside
Depending on where you go to school, it can be nice to spend some time outside—though it depends on the season. For example, if you live in a place where it’s cold, take advantage of warm days by going to a nearby park or relaxing in your college’s courtyard. Spending time outside can lift your spirits by getting the fresh air your body needs. You can find a picnic table to study at or some trees to set up a hammock and relax. When warm days are rare, you can be sure to find other groups of people to spend time with.
Don’t make college a boring experience by only ever spending time in your room. Go out and explore your campus until you find a spot where you can study, make friends or people watch!
