When you live off campus it isn’t every day that you can go out. You need to make arrangements now. Going out quickly changes from a spontaneous decision to having to plan well in advance.
It is good practice for the post grad world, but it definitely puts a damper on the college experience.
Recently, I went out and it was (sort of) spontaneous. With only a two day notice I figured out my plans on how to safely have a night out. There are many little things that go into deciding whether or not to go out–money, schoolwork, etc.
However, the most important question that needs to be solved before going out is: how do I get back home?
There are a few options to safely get back home after going out.
- Staying sober and driving home.
- Having a friend or family member drive you home.
- Paying for an Uber.
Having to rely on loved ones to bring you home all the time can be difficult and Ubers can be costly. Staying sober is always the most responsible decision, but sometimes you want to let loose with your friends.
Luckily there is another option–couch crashing. This one also can involve the least amount of planning (depending on person to person) and therefore the nights can be spontaneous once again.
Here is a quick breakdown on how to properly couch crash.
First find a friend with a couch, or at least an apartment- there is always the floor. Then of course ask if you can stay the night. Never assume, especially in Boston where most people have at least one roommate. Some roommates aren’t going to want a stranger on their couch.
Next, see what your friend has and what you need to bring. In other words, figure out if they have a pillow and blanket that you can borrow. If not, I highly recommend bringing at least one or the other, both are best. You are already going to be sleeping on a dorm or cheap apartment couch, so it is best to have something comfortable. You also don’t have to bring much to these sleepovers. I went straight from classes, but was able to fit everything in my backpack.
The most important items I brought were:
A water bottle
A second pair of shoes (you don’t want to be walking home in pyjamas and heels)
Pyjamas
I didn’t find I needed much else. Everyone is different, but I recommend not overthinking when packing for an overnight stay. It makes the morning much easier when you have just one bag to bring home.
For me an Uber trip from home to the city (and vice versa) can cost anywhere from 40-70 dollars. This adds up quickly. Having to pay for an Uber has convinced me to stay at home multiple times.
Now you may still be thinking it’s worth paying the money to Uber back. Uber costs can vary, so it may be inexpensive to get home and sleep in your bed. Sometimes Ubers are long, expensive, uncomfortable, and not guaranteed.
Having a guaranteed place to stay allows the night to be carefree and fun. Not worrying about when you have to leave and how you are going to get home.
Couch crashing doesn’t need to be complicated, but it can be really fun.
Part of the fun of couch crashing is it can be like a nostalgic sleepover. My friends and I got some food, chatted, and watched a show before we all went to sleep. It ended up being one of the best parts of the night. It is almost like an opposite pregame where instead of getting ready with your friends, you wind down with them.
Everything is an experience. Try to make the most of everything in college, even if it is sleeping on the most uncomfortable couch ever created.
