How to make friends when living off campus

The dorm lifestyle is behind you and it couldn't be a moment too soon. You're totally over RAs, room checks, and roommates. There's an off-campus apartment with your name on it and you're beyond pumped. It's amazing to have a place of your own, but it can get lonely. Here's how to live alone and never get bored.

Make the apartment your own

This is a space that's entirely yours so take advantage of that. Plan out what you want to do and fill it with furniture and decorations that suit you. Take your time to try and enjoy the process. It can be a long-term project. You could swing through second-hand shops and flea markets to find those cheap little knick-knacks that make it home.

Obviously, Netflix

You've got a lot of alone time so you can finally catch up on that show you've been meaning to binge for ages. This could be a really great oppurtunity to watch those shows and movies that have been sitting in your watch list and expand your horizons a little bit.

You don't have to watch everything alone. Find that friend who's totally obsessed with the same show you are and host weekly watch parties at your place. It'll be something nice to look forward to and routine hangout on the books.

Throw a house-warming party

Show your friends you have arrived and flaunt your new pad. We'd recommend inviting just your closest buddies because an absolute bash might turn your brand new space into a disaster that you have to clean up. You could also make your place a destination for everyone to meet at before a night out. It'd be fun to get the whole gang together in one spot and still get them out the door so you can crash at night.

Make the effort

Just because you're off-campus, doesn't mean you're suddenly too cool for your dorm friends. Go hang after class with buds who live nearby. That way you're kind of killing two birds with one stone. We'd say there should be 50/50 back and forth between you and your on-campus friends. It'll probably be slightly more unequal, but it's still worth keeping in mind.

On-campus organizations & events

Don't become a hermit and only go to campus for classes. It's never too late to drop in on a club or organization you've been interested in. You can make some pals and have another place you have to routinely be.

Structure is the name of the game

It's really easy to lose track of time when you live alone. Give yourself things that you have to do everyday beyond class. Set an alarm so you get up at the same (reasonable) time everyday. Go to the gym or catch up work for class after breakfast. Have friends to meet up with for dinner a few times a week. Putting yourself on a schedule will keep you occupied and productive so the days don't all blend together into one Netlfix binge session on the couch.