Social distancing doesn’t have to mean the end of your social life – you just have to adjust it a little.
- Netflix party extension – watch Netflix with friends or your significant other with Netflix Party! There is even a chat room where you can talk live during the movie/show. All you need is a Netflix account and Google Chrome browser.
- Jackbox – Jackbox Games are multiplayer, interactive games that will crack you up. Start a game on your laptop and use the screen sharing option so that players you’re on a call with can see the game. Everyone can play along on their own mobile devices by using a browser and going to Jackbox.tv! While I was abroad in London over J-term, some friends and I started games on Jackbox before going out and exploring one night. We ended up basically staying in because we were crying laughing at the game Joke Boat. 10/10 would recommend Jackbox.
- Houseparty – Houseparty allows for up to eight people to be in a video chat, and it can be downloaded for free on phones via the App Store or Google Play Store. The app also comes with a few games, like “Heads Up!” and trivia challenges, which can be played during the video call.
- Kahoot! Quizzes – Kahoot! isn’t just for educators anymore, guys. Hop on a Zoom or Google Hangout with some friends and create Kahoot! quizzes about each other to test just how well you really know each other.
- Zoom trip to a world landmark – this is one of the coolest opportunities I have seen. Whether it’s a digital tour of a US national park like Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, or a cultural excursion to the Louvre, there are tons of ways to virtually explore landmarks around the world without leaving home. Add friends and family to the mix by inviting a group to chat over Zoom or another app, and have one user share their screen so the whole crew can virtually tour one of many wondrous landscapes or museums available online.
- More into old school games? http://playingcards.io has virtual card games you can play with friends in real time! Yes, it has euchre – a college staple.
Another cool idea I have seen floating around social media is doing a game swap. Have a favorite board game or puzzle and a neighbor/friend you miss? Swap with them! Then send a pic of your finished puzzle or game. Sharing is still caring, even if it means dropping off your box in their driveway and picking theirs up with gloves on!
Missing hanging out with food or drinks with friends? Send a surprise snack to each other on DoorDash or UberEats, and FaceTime while trying it. Personally, I have missed pizza nights with my girls a ton – nothing replaces SDS but we can substitute until we’re back!
There are lots of ways to connect with friends from afar. Keep an open mind, RedHawks. Stay safe and healthy, and support each other! We’re in this together.
Have other ideas to share? DM our Instagram at @MiamiOH_studentlife!
Kathryn Moir | Marketing & IMS
