What to do when all your flatmates are out
Most people decide to live in a flatshare because a) it’s cheaper, and b) you’ve got company. While some evenings all you want to do after a long day at work is sit on your own and watch the telly, it’s nice to have the option of someone to chat to or play a game with when you want to socialise without leaving the house.
But then the weekend rolls around, and one flatmate’s off at his girlfriend’s again, another had to go home and see their parents, and the third’s got super exciting plans that you’re not going to. Cool.
Being home alone isn’t all bad, though. It’s a chance to choose whatever you want to watch in the living room, practice a bit of self-care, and to check in with yourself.
Someone once told me “you can’t be a good friend if you’re not friends with yourself first,” and I think that’s 100% true.
So with that said, here are some great things to do when you’re home alone!
Treat yourself
- Have a bath
There’s no one around now to accuse you of hogging the bathroom, or bang repeatedly on the door shouting how much they need to pee. - Skincare
Everyone, regardless of gender, can benefit from a good skincare regime. But it’s hard to find the time when you’ve got flatmates insisting you order pizza again or sticking on another guilty pleasure re-run of Don’t Tell The Bride. Take this time to use those fancy products you bought at Clinique but never found the time to find a good routine for. - Meditate
Meditation is great for your mental health. It’s really simple, and just involves taking a few minutes to focus on your breathing, letting your thoughts pass you by. I find it helpful for figuring out my priorities when I’ve got so much on my mind, and it’s also just a good way to unwind. - Take a nap
Without anyone in the flat to disturb you, it’s amazing to get under a blanket and have a snooze. Top tip from a napping pro (me): only nap for 20 minutes so you don’t wake up too groggy! - Cook an extravagant meal
We’ve all got those fancy cookbooks lining our kitchen shelves that we’ve barely opened, let alone had the time, energy or space to cook anything from. Now’s your chance: no flatmates to share a kitchen with, and all the available space to make a mess without anyone complaining!
Get productive
- Read a book
Novels are great to sink your teeth into, get invested in a story, and pass the time. Plus, reading boosts your brain power and can actually make you more intelligent, while also being super relaxing. - Tidy up
Without flatmates getting in the way and making things messy again right after you’ve cleaned up, now’s a great time to crack on with some housework. You can also lord the sparkling flat over everyone when they come home and it might get you out of chores for a little while! - Do some exercise
Always wanted to try yoga but still petrified of accidentally letting one rip in the crowded studio? Stick a YouTube tutorial on, and turn your living room into a yoga studio while there’s no one around to judge you.
Alternatively, use the opportunity for an extra sweaty run or gym sesh safe in the knowledge that no one will have used all the hot water while you’re gone!
Looking for a chance to try out yoga, and meet some potential flatmates at the same time? Come to our Buddy-Up Yoga event in Clapham!
Take yourself on a date
- Cinema
I honestly don’t know why the cinema is seen as a social outing. Yes, it’s great to get together and discuss the film afterwards, but it really just involves sitting in a dark room for two hours and not talking to eachother. Going to the cinema on your own is a great way to unwind and enjoy a good movie – and you get to choose whatever you want! - Go for brunch
Going out for dinner on your own isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s a really social activity, and unless you’re sitting at the bar or eating from a sushi conveyor, I find it’s pretty awkward. Going for brunch, however, is a breeze – take a book or magazine to your favourite cafe, order some beautiful avo toast and poached eggs, and relax (or people watch). - Go for a walk
It’s so nice to get some fresh air, spend some time in your own head, and explore your neighbourhood. There’s also no better way to up your Instagram game than by taking a walk by yourself, with loads of time to work on whatever shots you like!
