It doesnt always have to be drinking or movie nights...

Getting used to living at university and with other people can take time, but it can also be fun! Sometimes you might find yourself repeating the same activities, so we've put a list together of different ways to spend time with your flatmates. Here are four alternative ways to bond with your flatmates that don't involve a screen or a hangover.

1. The "Come Dine With Me" (Flat Edition)

Instead of everyone hovering over their own pasta pot at 7:00 PM, turn dinner into an event.

• How it works: Assign each flatmate a night of the week to cook a "signature" dish.
• The Twist: To keep it student-friendly, set a strict £15 budget for ingredients.
• The Vibe: It’s less about the culinary quality and more about the chaos of someone trying to make a gourmet meal with a single frying pan and a blunt knife.

2. The Skill Swap Workshop

Everyone has that one random thing they’re weirdly good at. Use an evening to teach each other.

• Ideas: One flatmate might know basic coding, another might be a pro at crochet, and another might know how to perfectly meal prep for £20 a week.
• Why it works: It’s low-pressure, productive, and you’ll likely end up laughing at how bad you are at each other’s hobbies.

3. The "Found Object" Scavenger Hunt

If you want to get out of the flat without heading to a bar, create a scavenger hunt centred around your university town.

• The List: Create a list of 10 items or photos to find (e.g., "a photo with a local landmark," "the weirdest item under £1 from a charity shop," "a flyer for a niche club").
• The Prize: The winners get to choose the next takeaway or skip their turn on the cleaning roster.

4. The "PowerPoint Night"

This has trended for a reason: it’s hilarious. Everyone prepares a 5-minute presentation on a completely nonsensical topic.

• Topic Ideas: "Rating my flatmates as 18th-century pirates," "Why [Flatmate's Name] would be the first to die in a horror movie," or "A deep dive into why our toaster is haunted."
• The Goal: Pure, unadulterated roasting in a structured format.

How to pitch these ideas (without beingweird)

We get it, suggesting a "Skill Swap" might feel a bit "Summer Camp" at first. The trick is to keep it casual and listen to their suggestions. Work with them to figure out a version of one of these activities that works for the whole group.

The best way to ensure these activities actually happen is to schedule them. Pick one night a month for an "Alternative Flat Night." It gives everyone something to look forward to that doesn't involve a loud bassline or a 2:00 AM walk home.