Whether you have one or 10, roommates, you are bound to have a rough patch or two throughout your time living together. Spending some quality time together can help build roommate relationships. Here are four ideas for bonding time.
1. Cooking or baking
Nothing brings people together like food. Pick a night where you all can plan and cook a meal together. With a quick Google search you can easily find many cheap dinner ideas. My roommate and I like to keep it simple, usually making some kind of pasta.
Don't want to cook a whole meal? Try baking. Head to your favorite grocery store's baking aisle and see what sounds good to you all. Yes, popping pre-made cookie dough in the oven counts as baking.
2. Painting
Grab your brushes and canvases. About once a month my roommate and I would sit at our table to do some painting. Pick a theme, or don't, and start painting. There are a few craft stores in town where you can find all the supplies you would need at an affordable price.
- Pygmalion's Art Supplies
- Michaels
- Hobby Lobby
- JOANN Fabric and Crafts
If you are at least 21, pair your canvas night with a bottle or two of your favorite wine to enjoy.
3. Board games
Roll the dice. Set a night aside where you all can dive into the board or card game you enjoy. Scrabble, Monopoly, rummy, UNO — the list goes on and on. Be cautious if you or your roommates are overly competitive like me and mine!
If you need a change of scenery, take your game to a coffee shop or a brewery to play. Some places even have games on hand.
4. Movies
Pop the popcorn, put your PJs on and fire up your favorite streaming service. Spending a night on the couch with good movie and good friends can be the relaxation time you need. Tell your roomies to bring movie ideas so you don't waste an hour trying to pick.
These are just a few options, and you'll have to figure out what works best for you and your roommates.
