GUEST EDITORIAL: How a College Student Can Plan an Epic Movie Night

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How a College Student Can Plan an Epic Movie Night

by Devin Caldwell

The college years are often touted as the best ones in life, but that's usually said by someone who left college behind years ago. The truth is, being a college student can be challenging on many levels — intellectually, physically, and emotionally. One of the best ways to handle the stress is by getting together with friends for some quality social time. Everyone loves a good film, so why not put together an epic movie night?

Choose the Right Night

The first thing you'll need to decide is when to have your movie night. Keep in mind that your party is going to be so epic it'll probably go on until the wee hours of the morning, and your friends are going to want to sleep in afterward. Try to pick a time when everyone has a light schedule the next day so that no one is stressing about an upcoming exam or work shift.

While college students do have a reputation for pulling all-nighters without a care, the truth is that sleep is vital to health and performance. Experts have tried to answer the question, how much sleep does a student need? It turns out the answer is somewhere around seven hours each night, which is more than most college kids get. Do yourself and your friends a favor by picking the date for your movie night carefully so that everyone can get plenty of shuteye the next day.

Select the Ultimate Movie

Perhaps the biggest decision you'll make is what film to show during your movie night extravaganza. This choice will affect almost everything else, from the mood of the crowd to the theme of the night, including decorations and maybe even how everyone will dress. 

A horror or suspense film like The Silence of the Lambs creates a totally different vibe than a romantic comedy like Pretty Woman. So, decide what you want the experience to be like and then select a film that evokes it. There are literally millions of movies to choose from, so you're bound to find one that fits. You might even go for a double feature, selecting two titles that complement or contrast in some interesting way. Just be sure to plan for an intermission between movies so everyone can get up, move around, and socialize a bit.

Check out this list of the 100 greatest movies for inspiration. Keep in mind, though, that the movie itself is less important than the experience. Do your best to make a good selection and then focus on making your guests feel welcomed, pampered, and appreciated. A relaxed host who ensures everyone is having a good time is what makes any party truly epic.

Create the Ideal Ambiance

Where to hold your movie night is another key consideration. It could be as simple as your dorm room or lounge, the living room of your apartment, or even outside with a projector and screen. Wherever you decide to hold the party, make sure there is plenty of comfortable seating arranged so that everyone can easily see the screen. Consider creating a stadium-typesetting by organizing seats by height, for example, bean bags in the front, followed by armchairs, and then a sofa or two set on cinder blocks to rise above the rest.

What movie night would be complete without snacks and more snacks? Of course, you'll need popcorn and soft drinks, but since you're going for epic, why not try some of these next-level snack ideas? You might also incorporate your theme into the food you serve. For example, if you're showing a sports movie like The Blind Side or Field of Dreams, create a stadium-like feel with hot dogs and soft pretzels.

College is full of opportunities and challenges. In the midst of it all, be sure to take time out from studying to let loose and have fun with your friends. A well-planned movie night will be an epic experience you'll all remember for years to come.