Dorm Alone: 10 Thanksgiving Ideas for College Students

You're not thinking of channeling your inner Kevin McAllister (and doing your own version of "Home Alone") on Thanksgiving. Solitude is a state of mind. There are many ways to keep you from feeling the blues when you're dorm alone.

Checking your Twitter account may be one of the things to do during a quiet morning, but it won't be good to unfollow users whose recent posts aren't funny to you. Can it be traced to your bitter feelings? You have limited money, which won't allow you to take the long trip to home. (And you're too proud to consider hitchhiking as an option.) Your mother would assure that your absence won't affect the household, as you guarantee your presence on the dining table on Christmas Eve. You must think of better ways.

Here's your opportunity to have a "me time"

Clean your room. You don't recall the last time you dusted off your desk. You also keep on forgetting to polish the window. You have no idea what can be found under your bed. (You become afraid of it after watching "The Grudge". The thought of having Kayako under your covers would cause you sleepless nights.) Open the lights, if not turn away the curtain (and let the sunlight in). This chore might take you hours, but you don't have to worry about the time. (It's Thanksgiving!) You'll feel good afterward, even inspire you to write an essay. If it's way ahead of the deadline, then hold it off until the night before the resumption of the semester. You earn your break.

Buy your Christmas gifts. You don't want to be caught in the mad rush, Black Friday included. You might be lucky during Thanksgiving, as the nearest mall is not crowded with shoppers. Don't miss this chance.

Experiment with cooking (or pizza). You don't have time for cooking or you're simply too lazy to try it. There's no alibi to keep you away from the portable stove. If you still don't feel like it, then you can think of a different topping for your pizza. (Your taste buds don't like Papa John's. You might want to switch to Little Caesars.)

Put those Christmas decorations on display. You can surprise your dorm mates upon their return, which would prove that you didn't wallow in self-pity. It can be your Lego blocks, which you haven't outgrown yet. It can be a printed image of New York (or your hometown) on Christmas Day. If you're in a creative mood, then you can make decorations using papers and scissor. A set of colored pens is a nice addition.

Visit YouTube. You won't be thinking of "Home for the Holidays". (It was set during Thanksgiving.) You'd rather check out the Taylor Swift's latest videos, as you can't wait to get your copy of her upcoming CD.

Check out what you're missing in your list. You might need to look for a book, which your professor recommended for your next lecture. You can't find a copy in the library, so you plan to go around (and ask for it). It may be high time to stock up on chips and fruits. (You almost forgot cans of beer.) And you're thinking of buying a new scarf.

Call relatives you haven't spoken with in a while. You can ask your parents, as a kin might be living nearby. You might be spending Thanksgiving in a relative's house, which is more than good enough.

Update your iPhone (music) list. You're getting tired of listening to Ed Sheeran while you don't want to know more of Post Malone. (You're addicted to "Rockstar", which your dorm mates have noticed immediately.) Cardi B will follow next.

Look at your photos. It will keep you from loneliness, and it won't cost a thing. If you guard your feelings often, then you must not have second thoughts about laughing out load or getting teary-eyed (and crying silently all of the sudden). You're dorm alone.

Go to Tinder. You wonder about other students who may be spending Thanksgiving away from home, and there's one app that can help you in no time. Don't spend too much time stalking others, as nothing beats the real thing. (You may be thinking of a simple Thanksgiving dinner.)

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

If you have an assignment that is due after Thanksgiving, then you have a good excuse to keep yourself busy during the holiday. Don't think about your mother's delectable turkey until you're done with the proofreading. And don't feel sorry for yourself. (Thanksgiving happens every year.)

If a coursemate is inviting you to Thanksgiving dinner, then make sure that you show your appreciation. You may want to drop by the store. (It won't look good to go there empty-handed.) Don't try to think too much of how the evening will turn out, of what you should do (or say) to your hosts. And there's nothing wrong on turning down an extra slice of turkey. (If you're full, then don't push it.)

Don't sit there. Prepare for the holiday.