Birthdays at Oberlin

I’ve always been a family dinner kind of birthday person, so when I got to college, I had no idea what to do on my eighteenth birthday. Honestly, it was stressing me out a bit: college years feel like some of the most important birthdays! However, my friends pulled through and made it one of the best yet, and here are some fun things we’ve done on my and others' birthdays to make the day special!

Birthday picnics

If the weather allows, this one is hands down my favorite medium for celebration. Whether in the arb, Tappan Square, or on one of the lawns, picnics are an excellent way for everyone to contribute and create a feast. There’s nothing better than sitting on a blanket surrounded by friends, food, and cartwheels.

Birthday dinners in town

I considered titling this section birthday dinner at Thini Thai but felt empathetic and realized that people have different palates. Thini Thai has exceptional food and a fun, celebratory-feeling interior, so it’s my favorite birthday meal. However, many options depend on the birthday person’s taste: Mexican, deli, pizza, American--and many more places in surrounding areas.

Movie Night

Movie nights are the perfect fun, low-key gathering for someone who doesn’t like a huge commotion. Recently, I did a White Lotus viewing party for a friend’s birthday in the Kahn TV room. Make sure to find yourself a friend with a projector!

Out-of-town adventures

So many fun activities are nearby and in Cleveland to make a special day. Besides restaurants, a favorite of mine is indoor golf, which is super fun, even if you’re a beginner! For the nature type, there are fun hiking spots within driving distance. For next year, I’m thinking the trampoline park twenty minutes from campus looks super enticing!

Of course, none of these activities have to be birthday-specific! But with some added cake, candles, and maybe some balloons, these are all great ways to celebrate friends and make the day special.