The end of the in-person semester is upon us who were living on the Elizabethtown College campus. For those already attending remotely, it does not bring as much change, but there will still be some differences. 

For the students moving off campus this upcoming weekend, it may seem sad that until the next semester begins we will likely not be seeing our friends in person. However, you can still have super fun hangouts with your friends via Zoom. So, here I am with more ideas that you and your friends can try so you are able to meet your social needs in spite of the distance.

This week I am trying to give suggestions that would not require any supplies, since we still should not go to the store any more than we absolutely need to. 

Let’s focus on the benefits of being home. Do you have any pets that you have been away from? How about you show them some extra love while also showing them off to your friends. Call it a pet parade, maybe. Or you could all work at teaching a pet a new trick while on a Zoom call. No pets? If you have any siblings you could also bring them on Zoom, just for the fun of it. 

Something else that would not require anything, or nearly anything depending on how you do it, would be to have a little book club with your friends. You can either all read the same book and then discuss it, or can read different books and then share your thoughts. Or you could predetermine a theme and all find and read a book that fits the theme, then discuss. No money to spend on new books? Me neither, but do not forget that Project Gutenberg has tens of thousands of completely free eBooks. If your friend group is not full of book loving folks, you could also start a discussion group about shows, movies, podcasts or any other media format you favor. 

Just because you are not in the same square mile as your friends does not mean you cannot spend time having fun with them. Safe travels!