So, you’ve cooked up a storm in your round of ‘Come Dine with Me’, taken a stroll to your local park and made a stash of handmade Christmas cards…now what? In part two of our Lockdown 2.0 guide, we explore nine more fun activities to keep you and your fellow flat members occupied this November.
Missed part one? View it here!
*Remember, these activities apply to households that are not self-isolating – for tips on how to manage your mental health if you are isolating, view our recent blog: Managing your wellbeing during self-isolation.
1. Hold a games night
If you’re bored of virtual quizzes and games, get back to basics with a traditional board game or party game. There are plenty of fun options out there, from Cluedo to Charades – and, of course, the godfather of all board games: Monopoly (but be quick to bag your favourite playing piece…or you might be left with the iron!). If you’ve loved recent Netflix show The Queen’s Gambit, how about investing in a chess board for the flat?
2. Watch some old movies
Does it sometimes feel like you’ve “completed” Netflix? If you’re fed up of scrolling to find the latest cool streaming trend – or, at least, something you haven’t yet binged on – why not turn to the golden oldies? Sure, some of the special effects might look a little dated, but if you ask us, a bit of nostalgia is the perfect cure for lockdown blues.
The IMDb Top 100 has lots of inspiration, and now’s the chance to gen up on some classics, so you no longer have to live in fear of the “Wait, you’ve NEVER seen The Green Mile?” comment!
3. Have a karaoke night
You might have solved a crime when taking part in a flat-based murder mystery game, but that doesn’t mean you can’t murder your favourite song. Karaoke is a great way of raising spirits and bonding with your flat. It even releases those 'feel-good' endorphins. Hairbrush microphones and jazz hands at the ready…
4. Cook a Sunday roast
It’s the ultimate weekend treat – and, chances are, it’s also something that no-one will have braved for your flat-based ‘Come Dine With Me’. Cooking a roast may seem like it’s a job for someone with a specific set of skills (no, not Liam Neeson) – but, with a bit of teamwork, there’s no reason why you can’t create a culinary masterpiece with all the trimmings!
Here are our favourite roast recipes:
- One pan roast dinner visit BBC Good Food
- Vegan Sunday roast visit Lowly Food
5. Do a flat-based workout
We might have gone from gym bunnies to homebodies, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still work out (plus, we need to burn off that roast dinner!).
Exercise can lift your mood, and there are plenty of ways you can incorporate movement into your life sans gym. In our November lockdown part 1 blog, we mentioned taking a walk around the local park, but there’s also plenty you can do in your flat. Why not try some group exercise videos on YouTube, have a go at yoga or even get dancing to music? And, as always, don’t forget to support your exercise endeavours with a healthy and balanced diet.
6. Create a flat book club
A more sedentary affair than the last point, but a fun one, nonetheless! If you’ve discovered your flat is full of likeminded lit-lovers, it might be fun to create a flat book club to discuss winter’s top reads! Find a genre you all like and get stuck into book number one – who knows, the fun may continue after lockdown!
7. Hold a video games tournament
If one of your flatmates has a games console, how about trying to find a fun multi-player game that everyone can enjoy? If you’re all keen gamers, why not run a FIFA tournament with an ongoing leader board? Or you could try something like Mario Kart – watch out for those pesky banana skins!
8. Make some themed cocktails and mocktails
As well as themed cookery nights, have you thought about creating some fun beverages? There are lots of fun cocktail and mocktail recipes out there to try, from Harry Potter ‘potions’ to Stranger Things-inspired ‘Upside Down’ drinks.
9. Try some local delicacies
Discovering local eateries is a big part of feeling ‘at home’ in a new place, and although we can’t eat out at restaurants right now, many are operating a takeaway service. Get together and try some different places – you never know, you might discover your new favourite hangout for when lockdown ends!
Need extra support?
We understand that the prospect of not leaving your student accommodation much for the next month could be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re away from friends and family. It’s important to know when to ask for help. Don’t suffer in silence – talk it through with someone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, your GP or university tutor, sharing your feelings will help.
There are plenty of avenues of support you can turn to, including our Student Advice Line from our partners at Health Assured. At Sanctuary Students, your health is our priority and that’s why we offer professional support to help you with any problems you may face from stress and depression to financial issues and coping. The phone line is open day and night, 365 days a year, and everything you discuss is kept confidential, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Call the freephone number on 0800 030 5182 – we’re here as often as you need us, for as long as you like.