
Hit the dance floors with a drink (or two) in hand, rock a killer outfit and live the high life! But let’s not forget about the homework grinders and the introverts. For some, the fun kicks off after 10 p.m., while others prefer an earlier, quieter night. You either love it, hate it or don’t care—hey, no judgment here! Inside Fullerton wanted to understand how students navigate nightlife in 2025 and whether their perspectives have shifted in the post-pandemic years.
COVID-19 definitely shook-up nightlife, and most students think things haven’t been the same since. Some feel like everyone’s trying to make up for lost time, while others say going out has gotten pricier and more exclusive. A lot of people have also gotten used to smaller, chill hangouts because of lingering health worries or just a shift in what feels fun now.
With concerns about safety still present, many prefer the ease of a cozy night in, free from worries about drinking, spiking or the chaos of crowded venues. While nightlife can be exciting, many students are perfectly happy staying in—whether for comfort, safety or simply because they don’t feel pressured to go out.
This appeared in the Summer 2025 print issue of Inside Fullerton.