5 Ways to Still Have Fun if You Go to College in the Middle of Nowhere

Way To Have Fun in College in the Middle of Nowhere

• Host a Movie Marathon
• Take a Thrift Shop Tour
• Plan an Outdoor Adventure
• Take a Long Walk
• Check for Fairs and Festivals

Though many students assume that larger colleges offer more opportunities and ways to have fun, you can have just as much fun at small colleges. These colleges have a number of advantages over larger schools, including smaller class sizes and more chances to interact with your peers. Once you make a few new friends, you can look at some of the best ways to have a little fun.

Host a Movie Marathon

One of the best things about living in a small town is that many still have independently owned video stores that rent movies. Even if you can't find a rental shop, you can head to Walmart and rent a few flicks from Redbox. Invite your friends over for the night, or ask your dorm mates to meet you in the common room. You can pop some popcorn, snack on candy and watch a few flicks. Try to find films centered around a theme like haunted dorm rooms or going away to college.

Related: The 100 Most Affordable Small Colleges in America

Take a Thrift Shop Tour

As a college student on a budget, you can't always afford to run off and buy new clothes when the temperature changes, but you can afford to pick up a few things from a thrift store. Depending on how close you live to the nearest city, you can take a cab, hop on public transportation, walk or arrange for someone with a car to drive you. Map out a route in advance that takes you around all the thrift shops in your area. Marly McNeal also recommends hitting the mall or a downtown area and doing some window shopping.

Plan an Outdoor Adventure

Small colleges often have a close proximity to nature preserves, state parks and other outdoor attractions. Instead of spending your nights at frat parties or hanging out in your dorm room, commune with nature. If you have some free time in your schedule, you might plan a weekend camping trip with friends. All you need is some wood and matches or a lighter for a fire, a sleeping bag, water and some snacks. While a tent will come in handy, it's optional when the weather is nice. A canoeing or hiking trip can be fun too.

Take a Long Walk

When you first move on campus, you probably have no idea where anything is or how far away you are from shops and restaurants. Though some students will check Google for local attractions and then call an Uber, you can have fun and find out more about your home with a simple walk. Grab your most comfortable shoes, pick a side and start walking. You can head in a different direction each day to uncover hidden gems like an international restaurant, roadside attraction or used bookstore.

Check for Fairs and Festivals

Most parts of the United States have a county fair each year that offers fun things to do like checking out the animals in a petting zoo and hopping on some thrill rides. Many of these events take place in the summer, which is a bummer for those heading home on break. Hit the internet to find out about festivals, fairs and other events taking place during the school year. You might learn about a movie festival in the spring or Halloween fairs in October.

Bigger is definitely not always better, especially when it comes to college campuses. Attending a smaller school helps you make friends easier and form relationships that actually last. Small colleges also offer unique and exciting ways to have fun like communing with nature, hosting movie marathons and hitting up local fairs and festivals.