The holidays can be a bittersweet time for college students, especially for those who are far away from home. Thanksgiving, in particular, is a time for family gatherings and traditional feasts, which can make it difficult for those who are unable to travel home. However, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in dorm life and create your own special traditions with your newfound college family.

Host a Friendsgiving

One of the most popular ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in college is to host a Friendsgiving. This is a potluck-style dinner where you and your friends each bring a dish to share. This is a great way to try new foods and to spend time bonding with your friends.

To host a Friendsgiving, you'll need to do a little bit of planning. First, you'll need to decide on a date and time for your dinner. Then, you'll need to send out invitations to your friends and ask them to bring a dish to share. Be sure to specify what type of food you would like them to bring, such as an appetizer, a side dish, or a dessert.

On the day of the dinner, you'll need to set up your dorm room or common area for the party. This may include putting out decorations, setting the table, and making sure you have enough seating for everyone.

Once the party starts, be sure to relax and enjoy the festivities. Take some time to socialize with your friends and to reflect on all of the things that you are thankful for.

Volunteer at a Local Soup Kitchen or Shelter

Another great way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to give back to your community. Volunteering at a local soup kitchen or shelter is a great way to make a difference in the lives of others and feel a sense of pride in yourself.

There are many different ways to volunteer on Thanksgiving. You can help to prepare and serve food, clean up, or simply spend time with the guests. No matter what you do, you'll be making a difference.

Attend a Campus Thanksgiving Event

Many colleges and universities host Thanksgiving events for their students. These events can include traditional Thanksgiving dinners, movie nights, and games.

Attending a campus Thanksgiving event is a great way to meet new people and to get involved in the campus community. It's also a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving without having to cook or host a party yourself.

Watch a Thanksgiving Movie or TV Marathon

If you're not feeling up to hosting a party or volunteering, you can always curl up on the couch and watch a Thanksgiving movie or TV marathon. There are many classic Thanksgiving movies and TV shows to choose from, such as "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" (for your inner-child!), "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles," and "Friendsgiving with Monica and Chandler." Don't forget about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, too!

Watching a Thanksgiving movie or TV marathon is a great way to relax and to get into the Thanksgiving spirit. It's also a great way to spend time with your friends or roommates if they’re staying on campus, too.

Take a Walk or Go for a Hike

If you're looking for a way to get some exercise and fresh air on Thanksgiving Day, you can always take a walk or go for a hike. Many colleges and universities have beautiful campuses that are perfect for exploring.

Taking a walk or going for a hike is a great way to clear your head and to get some perspective. It's also a great way to spend time with yourself or with a friend. There’s likely a local Turkey Trot 5k nearby that you can join in on, too!

No matter how you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving, be sure to make it a special time for yourself and for your friends. Check with your college ahead of time to make sure that you’re still able to access your dorm room during Thanksgiving. If not, alternative arrangements must be made so you’re not left out in the cold! Remember that Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for all of the things that you have, and that there are many ways to celebrate even if you can't be with your family.

Happy Thanksgiving from our Senior Class family to yours!

Cover photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash