Parties to Plan and Never Host

By Squire A. Cole and Norah Nijbroek

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If you’re like me, you may find yourself constantly planning for social events that never seem to make it off your Google Calendar. There are so many fun things to do, and only so many hours in the day, and since at least two of those hours have to be dedicated to getting ready in the morning, there’s just simply not enough time. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still dream!

Slumber Party

Slumber parties have not lost their joy! You can host in your dorm room (make sure to invite your roommate or else it could be awkward) or apartment living room. Outsource to people you know and find some extra mattresses, sleeping bags, yoga mats, or the like. Grab some fairy or christmas lights—odds are you bought some in the first month of school that you’ve forgotten about—to add ambiance. If you’re me, accidentally fall asleep before 10:00pm. 

Clown Car Party

Ever heard the phrase “100 clowns crammed in a Volkswagen?” Essentially, how many people can you fit into your dorm room/apartment (without it being a fire hazard). If you have any random decorations or colorful paper, scarves, or posters lying around, put them up to create that ultra-colorful atmosphere! Invite everyone you know (space permitting) and especially people you don’t know as well but want to—the “as many people as I can fit” theme makes it easier to invite people you want to become friends with.

Classic Dinner Party

I’m proud to say that I have hosted a couple of these, and they are my personal favorites. If you can cook (or at least open your microwave), then you have everything you need! Trader Joe’s or Aldi are nearby enough that you can walk or drive to grab some groceries. New York Times Cooking is my favorite place to look for recipes (you can search for “easy” if you’re as bad of a cook as me). Invite a couple people over and that’s that! This is a great type of party if you’re a fan of more intimate conversation than you might get in 19 Basement.

Movie Night

Invite a bunch of people to your apartment, or rent out one of the screening rooms (there are some in VCAM, the DC basement, Union, and the basement of the library). Pick a classic, preferably one that you’ve seen, because it will certainly  be talked over, and have people bring snacks potluck style. A great event to invite friend “potentials” to, not just your close friends, because it’s a lowkey way to get to know people. And you can wear your PJs!

Fancy Nancy Party

Okay, I saw this one on Pinterest. But it’s still cute! You dress super-maximally (a good time to wear all your jewelry at once) and have your guests do the same. For snack inspo, think very sweet, very colorful, and anything with edible glitter. If you want an activity, you can scrape together any old craft supplies you have and bedazzle some paper crowns. A great excuse to wear all your most audacious clothes and eat tons of sweets!

This article was originally published in CHICK Magazine Issue #1 on December 10, 2025