Vanderbilt’s “work hard, play hard” culture, combined with Nashville’s vibrant music scene and the endless bars along Broadway, can make going out an appealing way to unwind. While I’m not personally a huge fan of the honky tonk vibe, I’ve certainly found myself succumbing to the peer pressure more times than I’d like to admit. However, if you’re tired of the long lines, the bachelorette crowds, are under 21 or simply don’t enjoy going out, this guide is for you. Let it inspire you to create your own fun nights in, whether it’s with friends or just enjoying some much-needed alone time. After all, quality time with yourself can be just as fulfilling as a night on the town.
Trivia night
Trivia is one of my favorite team-building activities because it brings people together by encouraging them to combine their knowledge to achieve a common goal. Playing with friends adds an extra layer of fun, sparking friendly competition and plenty of laughs. Traditional trivia is great for showing off pop culture and history knowledge, but a “How well do you know me?” trivia night can take things to a deeper level, strengthening your relationship with your friends in unexpected ways. No matter how long you’ve known someone, there is always something new to discover.
A few questions you may want to include: Who would I be if I could be any character in a book, TV show or movie? What is my favorite childhood memory? If I had to choose a place to live, where would it be? When I travel, how many suitcases do I pack?
Clothes swap
Escaping the cycle of overproduction and overconsumption is no easy feat — especially when it comes to fashion. Fast fashion not only undermines individuality but also carries a heavy environmental toll, all while relying on exploitative labor. While cleaning out my closet, I found a pile of what I call my “what if” clothes — pieces that sit untouched, waiting for a perfect occasion that never seems to arrive. Instead of letting these items gather dust, why not give them a second life? Organizing a clothing swap with friends is a fun, cost-free way to refresh your wardrobe while embracing sustainable fashion. It’s a simple shift that reduces waste, promotes mindful consumption and lets you find new treasures without feeding into the fast fashion cycle.
Book exchange
As the semester picks up and free time becomes scarce, finding moments for leisurely reading can feel like a challenge. However, setting aside time to read something purely for your own enjoyment — outside of class requirements — can be incredibly rewarding. If you enjoy being around others but also appreciate quiet moments, consider planning a reading date with friends. You can relax together, each immersed in your own book, or take the opportunity to exchange thought-provoking reads. Have you come across a book that shifted your perspective or tackled issues that resonate with you? Exchange it with your friends and share your insights.
Writer’s pick: “Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men” by Caroline Criado Perez and “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Game night
One of the most hilarious games to play with friends is paper telephone — a simple yet endlessly entertaining activity that only requires paper and pencils. To start, each player writes a sentence at the top of their paper and passes it to the person next to them. That person then brings the sentence to life through a drawing, doing their best to illustrate the words. Here’s where it gets interesting: they fold the paper to hide the original sentence and pass it along again. The next person, seeing only the drawing, must write a description of what they think it represents. This process repeats until the paper reaches the bottom — leading to wildly unpredictable (and often ridiculous) results when the original sentence is compared to the final interpretation! It’s one of the funniest games I’ve ever played because there are no limits — just creativity and laughter. Of course, classic card games like Speed and Spit, as well as traditional board games, are great options too if you have them on hand.
Open mic night
Vanderbilt’s academic rigor can sometimes feel limiting to artistic expression. However, creativity thrives in community, and an open mic night is the perfect way to bring it to life. Whether it’s poetry, music, spoken word, comedy or something entirely unique, sharing your art — or simply being part of the audience — creates an intimate and often hilarious atmosphere that strengthens friendships. Even if you don’t see yourself as an artist, remember that you are the artist of your own life. Grab the mic and share a story. You might be surprised by just how much you have to say.
Cooking
Food is truly a universal language — it has the power to connect people across all backgrounds and cultures. Every family has its own traditional dish, often tied to special occasions and memories. Sharing that dish with friends is a great way to give them a taste of your childhood and the flavors that shaped you. If you’re on a tight budget, get creative and try making a recipe with ingredients from the Munchie Mart. It’s a fun and affordable way to share a meal with your loved ones and make new memories around the table. Food has a way of bringing people together, no matter where you come from or what you have to work with.
