Orange After Dark - An Alternative to Parties

Graphics by Anika Dua

Flashing lights. Loud music. Sweaty bodies pressed close on the dance floor, swaying and singing. 

Parties are considered a hallmark of college life. They are set up to be exciting and fun, a place to make friends and socialize. And although that can be true, parties aren't for everyone. Sometimes it seems as if you have to force yourself to attend them just so you can be a part of a crowd and spend time with your friends, but it doesn't have to be that way. 

The activities organized by Orange After Dark are a great alternative to parties. Many of them offer a chance to learn something new from tote bag painting to around the world bingo to celebrating Lunar New Year. Held on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 to 11 p.m., these activities are a great way to socialize safely and easily. I recently had the chance to go to NYC through Orange After Dark and had a wonderful time there. I took the subway and visited Times Square for the first time. It was one of the best days of my life! 

I recommend keeping an eye out for the activities you might be interested in on the Orange After Dark website and signing up for them. You might find something you love. And to those who don't really enjoy parties: this can be a great way to meet new people and do something exciting, without the possibility of beer getting spilled on you.