Everything You Need to Host a Cozy Dorm Movie Night In
Amid all the chaos of college — classes, assignments, and work-study, oh my — taking a break and spending quality time with friends can feel like a true luxury. If you want to switch it up from your usual “sitting around and doing nothing,” hosting a movie night in your dorm room is a simple, affordable, and fun way to do just that.
I don’t know about you, but my college-student finances are tight. That means going out to the movies isn’t exactly a regular occurrence. However, hosting a movie night at home is more than doable. Not only is it far cheaper, but you also don’t have to worry about transportation, long lines, or dealing with people other than your friends. At home, you have complete control over the entire experience: You can ensure your snacks are on point (and not wildly overpriced), and you can completely relax without worrying about some rando kicking your seat.
To have a fantastic cinematic experience, you first have to start by selecting a film. You could create a poll or questionnaire to figure out which movie or movies (who said you couldn’t have a marathon?) everyone wants to watch. (And if you don’t already have a streaming service in mind, there are several platforms with great student discounts at less than $5 a month, like Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+.)
You could stop there and have a perfectly fine night, but if you really want to go all-out and turn your casual hang into a night of cinematic magic, here are some items you’ll need to turn your space into a mini movie theater — on a budget, of course.