So the uni term is over and the big events of the year have been and gone. Once again, it’s that time of year: New Years Eve!
New Year might be just another date on the calendar, but our minds always tell us we’re starting over with a fresh, new start. It’s one of those events that appeals to everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, whether you’re a massive party animal or a cosy home person, anybody can celebrate the entry of another year. It’s a time of joy and reflection, of looking at where we were in our lives this time last year, and where we hope to be this time next.
It only comes round once a year, and it’s important that everyone makes the most of it and doesn’t let being strapped for cash prevent them from having a memorable night. But the big question is: how can we leave 2012 with a bang and enter the brand New Year in style on a student budget?
Here are seven different ways to celebrate New Year in a cheap, fun and memorable way.
1. Chilled Girly Night – If you’re a chilled and laid-back person and would like to begin the New Year in more a relaxed way, then why not organise a chilled night with some close friends? Movie marathons are always popular, or you could even try something different and turn it into a pampering party. Get some face masks and manicure kits together – maybe even hire a massage therapist. It’s always good to be creative and try something different: it could help get the New Year’s intentions off into a good start.
2. ‘BIG NIGHT OUT’ – If you’re anything like me and love to dance, why not paint the town red and head for a ‘Big Night Out’? Not only does boogieing the night away burn off the extra calories from that Christmas turkey, it also allows New Year to be an enjoyable, carefree night. Check out clubs for a casual night or book tickets to a New Year’s Eve ball if you prefer something more formal.
3. Host a Party – Hosting a party is a great opportunity to catch up with old and new friends. It can be as chilled (or as crazy) as you want it to be. Plus it saves you the trouble of having to think of somewhere to go.
4. Go to a Party – Why not find out about any local house parties that are going on near where you live? House parties are cheap, and going with a good crowd means a great night should be in the bag. With any luck, it shouldn’t require too much strain on what outfit to wear either, meaning optimum comfort is a guarantee!
5. International Dish Food Party – This is one for all the food lovers out there. You could try organising this party with a few close friends, asking each to bring a different starter, main and dessert of a different cuisine. The night is long, so getting through the different types of dish shouldn’t be a problem. To turn it into a classier night, dress up as your chosen country, and make some cocktails.
6. Family Night – This is for those traditional, home people who love to spend New Year with family. Use the night to watch some classic family movies or play some traditional board games. You could even modernise things a bit with games on the Wii! Experiment by making it into a big competition, trying different team games and having prizes for the winners. If you have a large family, you could try having more than one game station so everyone can play what they like.
7. Go Out in Leeds – Why not stick to Leeds for New Year? Leeds is renowned for its brilliant nightlife, making it an ideal place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. With a fantastic range of clubs and bars there will definitely be something to suit all tastes, meaning a good night is guaranteed. Check out ‘I LOVE LEEDS NYE’ at Mission or ‘The Warehouse’, and Capital FM’s James Barr who will be at Tiger Tiger with Chris Fountain.
Of course, there isn’t a specific set of rules about how to celebrate New Year, so whatever you do, just make sure it’s the best night for you!
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