With the second lockdown well underway, it’s natural to be feeling down about not being able to see your friends and family. However, in a more positive mindset, the current situation provides the perfect opportunity to really get to know your flatmates and spend some quality time with your social bubble.
While you can’t go down to the pub or out for a meal, there are still plenty of ways to have fun whilst staying safe within your student accommodation.
Here are some ideas for how you can spend some quality time indoors with your social bubble over the last weeks of lockdown.
Movie Marathon
With the weather getting a lot cooler, especially in the evenings, there is nothing better than getting cosy on the sofa, with popcorn and blankets, to watch some of your favourite films. Take it in turns to decide who gets the pick of the film or consider doing a marathon of some of your favourite franchises, like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. Turn off the lights, sit back and enjoy your very own cinematic experience from home.
Bake Off
Who doesn’t love baking? Baking is a great activity that you can do together or turn into a friendly competition. Take inspiration from the hit show Bake Off and have your own baking battle to see who can make the best genoise sponge or choux pastry. And if there’s someone in your flat who really doesn’t like baking, great! They can do those all-important taste tests.
Murder Mystery
For a fun-filled evening of mystery and role-playing, consider setting up your very own intriguing murder mystery game night. There are plenty of online resources for murder stories, including character sheets and clues or, if you’re feeling creative, you could even write your very own.
Everyone gets assigned a character; there’s a story to follow, a theme complete with costumes and even a meal. Spend your night trying to figure out who did the murder; let your imagination run wild!
Games Night
If a murder mystery seems a little too hard work for your flat to arrange, then regular board games or video games work just as well. There are so many games to choose from, including classics like Monopoly and Uno, and don’t forget student-loved favourite Cards Against Humanity.
But if you prefer the action and excitement of video games over board games, consider a gaming tournament with Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. Everyone in the flat can get involved, regardless of ability level, and have a great night in.
Study Sessions
Remember studying? It might feel like the last thing on your mind right now, but you still need to get that degree at the end of the day. If you feel like you’re falling behind or you’re worried about an upcoming deadline, suggest a study session to your flat.
Chances are everyone could do with some help learning their material or another pair of eyes to look at their essay. It can really help your studies to have someone lend a hand or just to support your progress, so while it may not be as fun as some of the other suggestions, it’s a great way to spend an evening and help each other out.
Dinner Party
If you have room after all those takeaways for a nice, homecooked meal, consider throwing a dinner party for your flat. Go all out with a three-course meal and some nice wine, get dressed up and put on a sophisticated dinner party playlist. Everyone can pitch in by either making one of the dishes or contributing money – maybe the winner of your Bake Off competition could supply the dessert.
Enjoy a restaurant experience right from the comfort of your own home – without the pricey bill.
Pub Quiz
Everyone loves a pub quiz, and they have certainly been sorely missed during lockdown. Well, if you fancy yourself a bit of a quiz master, why not write your own pub quiz for you and your flat? You can either take it in turns writing the quiz each week, or you could each write your own specialist round.
Get the drinks in and settle in for a fun-filled night of bizarre questions (there’s always that one flatmate who knows far too much about the Spice Girls).
Spa Day
After all that eating, gaming and drinking, you’re going to need a nice, relaxing day off. Get out those manicure sets, facemasks and washing up bowls full of warm, soapy water and enjoy a day at your very own spa. You could combine it with a movie night, just make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks to go with your chill evening in.
We hope you’re not struggling too much with the second lockdown and are making the most of your time with your flatmates. If you are struggling, you can always talk to a member of staff in your CityBlock accommodation. We have student accommodation in Lancaster and student accommodation in Reading.
Contact us today to find out more about our range of en-suite student accommodation.