Moving into a new place of your own is one of the most exciting parts of student life at Ohio University. Whether you’re in a cozy 3-bedroom house or a six bedroom rental home in Athens, there’s no better way to celebrate the start of a new school year than with a housewarming party. It’s your chance to welcome people into your new home, bond with roommates, and kick off the start of a new semester.
Here’s your comprehensive step-by-step guide to planning and executing a fun housewarming party that everyone will enjoy:
Depending on Your Space, the Kind of Gathering You Throw Will Vary
The type of house you’re renting will shape the kind of party you throw. If you’re working with a smaller space, such as a one-bedroom apartment, the number of people you’ll be able to invite will be limited. For certain house/apartment sizes, these are just a few ideas for the type of party you can throw:
3 Bedroom House in Athens
The amount of space a 3 bedroom home offers is perfect for smaller, more intimate gatherings with close friends. Plan game nights, movie marathons, or a potluck dinner.
5 Bedroom House Within Walking Distance of OU campus
These houses offer a bit more space, making them ideal for accommodating a larger number of guests. You’ll have space for multiple activities, like a snack station in the kitchen and music in the living room.
6 Bedroom Rental Home on N Congress
With a six-bedroom house, you have plenty of square footage to work with to host a larger party. This setup is made for larger friend groups. And, having multiple common spaces means you can comfortably host a larger crowd.
Spacious Athens Rental with a Yard and View
A large multi-bedroom home complete with a yard is a game-changer. With outdoor space, you can host a BBQ party and other fun activities without bringing mess inside the house. Add some string lights to elevate the ambiance of your house party.
Before you start inviting people over, consider how many people your house can realistically accommodate. It’s better to invite fewer guests and have a comfortable, fun atmosphere than to overrun the space with as many people as possible. One of the best things about renting a multiple-bedroom house is the flexibility you get with how you want to use your space.
Plan Food, Drinks, A Music Playlist That Will Have People Dancing + Entertainment
No housewarming party is complete without snacks. Keep it simple but satisfying with these easy-to-eat foods. Easy-to-eat foods like chips, veggie trays, pizzas, and nachos are always a hit at parties. If you’re feeling a little extra, you can also set up a DIY food station (taco bar, build your own sandwich table). For drinks, prepare everyone’s favorite sodas and juices. Don’t forget about plain-old water, too. If your guests are of legal drinking age, consider adding a themed cocktail or punch.
For your party, try to stick to a budget and plan it so you can buy things earlier and score a few sales. Also, don’t forget to put trash bags in accessible spots around the house so cleanup is quick and efficient.
A huge part of the vibes at your gathering is the music, décor, and lighting. Days before your party, create a shared playlist with your roommates and guests so that everyone’s favorite songs are included. A party also wouldn’t be complete without festive décor, such as balloons, banners, and fairy lights, strung up around the place.
As the night progresses, you can keep your guests engaged with fun activities. From board games to fun party games, find out what everyone would like to do for this chill gathering at your house.
Don’t Forget about the Cleanup After Your Athens House Party’s Over
When the party’s over, it’s time for cleaning. Have trash bags, rags, recycling bins, and your vacuum ready. Enlist your roommates’ help for a cleanup session the morning after, and your house will be spic and span in no time.
Finding a Place That’s Perfect for Your Student Life is a Reason for Celebration
Everyone knows how cutthroat finding a cool Athens rental can be. Finding a well-located house or student apartment to move into is a challenge that takes at least a few months. That’s precisely why, once you score a nice multi-bedroom place with your friends, you should definitely throw a housewarming party. This event can become a fond memory for everyone to look back on.
And, if you’re living in an Athens rental with a yard, that’s all the more reason to throw a celebration and fully utilize all the space you have.
With Kleinpenny Rentals, you can find an Ohio University student rental to call home after living in the school dorms for semesters. Check out our list of available rental houses and apartments to secure a home that’s just a few minutes away from the OU campus.