The Art of Doing Things Alone
“How do y'all go to the cinema alone? 😭” The tweet popped up as I was scrolling through my timeline, and I couldn’t help but think to myself, “It’s a pretty normal thing to do.” While many may find the idea of doing things alone—like going to the movies, grabbing dinner, or attending concerts—terrifying, there’s an undeniable confidence and allure in embracing solo experiences. Having always been independent, I found that going to a college with over twenty-two thousand students gave me the space to embrace these moments even more—and I came to realize there’s something incredibly freeing about it.
Screenshot from @sylveeya01's tweet
Going to the movies by myself has become one of my favorite and easiest ways to enjoy time alone. I walk into the theater with my prepaid ticket in my iPhone wallet, order some snacks, find my seat, revel in the film for two to three hours, and leave. Like Aaliyah, who replied to the tweet, “It is super easy and fun to do because you get to focus on your own experience seeing the movie instead of with others.” The beauty of going solo is exactly that—focusing on the film, free from the distractions of anyone else’s reactions or opinions. It’s just you, the story, and the big screen.
Just two months into my freshman year at Syracuse University, I attended my first solo concert—which also happened to be my very first concert ever. Having recently moved back to the U.S. after living abroad since I was eight, I was boarding a four-hour Greyhound bus to Newark, NJ, to see BTS live at the Prudential Center. I was 18, freshly back in the country, and determined not to miss this experience, even though it meant staying overnight in a $65 private room Airbnb.
Kim Namjoon of BTS live at the Prudential Center
The day of the concert was a mix of nerves but also pure excitement. As soon as I got off the bus, I headed straight to the concert venue, soaking in the electric atmosphere and partaking in the pre-show activities. The great thing about going alone to places is that there will always be other people there solo, and it’s easier than you’d think to make friends. I connected with four other solo concertgoers, and we kept in touch long after the night ended.
Since that experience, I’ve embraced solo concert experiences, seeing Harry Styles, the Jonas Brothers, and Agust D by myself. These days, I occasionally go with friends or family, but for me, concerts have always been more of a personal, introspective experience. While I’m far from extroverted, stepping into a venue with thousands of fellow fans creates an instant, unspoken bond. The unexpected camaraderie among other solo concertgoers, in particular, feels like a special connection beyond the music.
Harry's House at the Kia Forum
Going to a school like Syracuse University with its vibrant community of over 22,000 students often means embracing solitude. As someone once deeply involved in extracurricular activities, student organizations, and a resident advisor for freshmen, I was frequently surrounded by familiar faces on campus whenever I went. Yet, I found great value in those moments of solitude, particularly when dining alone.
There’s something refreshing about claiming a seat in one of the bustling dining halls or a campus café, savoring a meal in my own company. Sure, I could have easily waited for a friend to join me, but why should I miss out on an experience because someone wasn’t available? Most of the time, I turn into an iPad kid while eating; I find myself watching something on my phone or reading a book. While sharing a meal with friends is always a fun time, I’ve learned that indulging in my own interests—whether attending an event or watching a new movie—should never be contingent on someone else’s willingness to join.
Many of us hesitate to venture out solo, often held back by the fear of being alone and looking out of place. Going anywhere with just one person brings comfort as you have someone to rely on. I get it; anxiety can loom large, especially before stepping into a crowded space without that safety net. But once I immerse myself in the experience, like swaying to music at a concert, I find my nerves dissipating. It’s in those moments of self-discovery that I realize the joy of embracing life on my own terms.
