If you feel like taking a break from the party scene, or are like me and would rather have a relaxing night than go out to a party, then this list is for you. Although Storrs is located in the middle of nowhere, there are still lots of ways to have fun! Some nights, my friends and I enjoy going out on campus and exploring, and other times we like to just hang out in the dorms for a chill night. Here are nine things to do at UConn at night with your friends!
1. Go to Late Night
Late night is a great way to have fun with your friends at the Student Union every weekend. On most Friday and Saturday nights, they have themed events, ranging from boy bands to sports, stranger things, relaxation, animal kingdom, and more. They give away free goodies and snacks and have different activities such as crafts, trivia, and games. Every Friday, there is always karaoke in the food court which is always fun to watch or participate in. I love how it is close by on the center of campus and is a great way to socialize and try new things!
2) Have a game nightÂ
One of my favorite things to do with my friends is have a game night and order Insomnia cookies. Everyone brings a different game, and it’s a fun way to relax and spend time together. Uno, Apples to Apples, and Jenga are definitely some fun classics. If you don’t have board games, the game room in the Student Union has board games you can check out. Insomnia is always our go-to late night snack as they have a convenient delivery service and the cookies are so good.Â
3) Go to a lecture hall and have a movie night
At night you can check out different lecture halls and classrooms that are unoccupied and create your own movie theater. Put up a movie in one of the lecture halls, grab some friends and some snacks, and you are free to watch a movie at no cost!
4) Go ice skating at Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum
If you are feeling a little more active, go ice skating at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum. There are general skating times and time slots open for UConn students only. They also have skate rentals, so don’t worry if you don’t have a pair. Skating is a fun activity to do with friends, especially in the winter months.Â
5) Bake Something
Nothing is better on a Friday night than homemade sweet treats! Even if you are living in a dorm, take advantage of the kitchenette in your building. Take a bus down to the Price Chopper and get all your necessary supplies and you’ll be ready for a baking night! Homemade cookies or brownies are the perfect treats for a movie night or a game night, too!
6) Check out SUBOG MoviesÂ
Most weekends, the SUBOG film committee presents movies in the Student Union theater. Some days they provide snacks as well, or you can grab some food at the food court. Head over to the theater at 8:00 p.m. for a good movie!
7) Go to a game roomÂ
Play a match of ping pong, pool, or air hockey with your friends! There are different game rooms around residential halls and the game room in the student union that are always bustling with games and activities. My friends and I will do competitive tournaments or just play casually depending on the night. In the union game room, they also have TVs and video games which can be fun to play too.Â
8) Look Out For events
UConn Student Activities and SUBOG host different events on campus depending on the season. They have had different holiday-themed events such as Pumpkin Fest or “Lit 23” this year, which were fun to attend. I would recommend following these organizations on Instagram to stay up to date on different events.Â
9) Watch a sunset at Horsebarn Hill and go on a walk!
If you are feeling adventurous, go on a walk around Horsebarn hill and watch a sunset. Bring a blanket, your friends, and some snacks, and you will be good to go! If the Dairy Bar is open, end your walk with the best ice cream.
I’ve done all of these activities, and I think they are a lot of fun. During the cold months, I would recommend doing a lot of game nights and movie nights. Also, take advantage of different UConn-run activities that are happening on campus. There is always a lot going on, so I would recommend following all the activity page accounts on Instagram to stay up to date. Hopefully, this list gave you some ideas if you are interested in a relaxing but fun Friday night.