Binging one show for hours on end has never been my vice. I have never been able to keep my attention span for that long. From getting antsy to wanting to fall asleep, it takes me months to push through shows. When I came to college, I quickly realized that my routine was not going to support streaming or television enjoyment. However, over this past semester, I have begun to lean into the streaming world and found ways to enjoy it. In my opinion, streaming movies and television shows can be for everyone when each person finds their own way to enjoy them.
There are many different forms in which I have discovered that I enjoy digesting large amounts of film at a time. For example, the classic movie theater trip will always be one of my favorite activities when I’m home on a break or just looking for something to do. I don’t know if it’s the novelty of fresh popcorn and snacks or getting to see the movie on the big screen, but I will jump at the chance to go to the movies. While in the theater, I am enthralled for the movie’s runtime.
Additionally, as a newly avid gym patron, I have always needed more than just music to keep me on the treadmill. My Zach Bryan playlist and my thoughts have never been enough to sustain me for more than a few minutes. I began playing shows on my phone during my workouts. It has honestly become one of the only reasons I push through every day and stay active. Now, I am not only taking care of my body but also catching up on shows and finding ways to enjoy them. Being in college, I have limited time. From classes to activities to wanting some downtime, my priority is rarely going to be making sure I have a new show to watch. At night, I’m so tired that I spend most of my time aimlessly scrolling on social media.
However, there are breaks throughout the day in which I have begun to deeply enjoy streaming shows that aren’t just in the Davis Center. Between classes, I sit on the steps outside Falvey Library, or even grab a quick coffee before heading to my next lecture, and I have found small pockets of time that make streaming feel manageable rather than overwhelming. At a place like Villanova, where the pace is both busy and structured, these in-between moments have become the perfect opportunity to press play on something new without committing to hours at a time.
What I have come to realize is that streaming does not have to look like the stereotypical all-day binge session. Instead, it can be broken up into short, intentional moments that fit into a college student’s schedule. Whether it is a 20-minute episode while eating lunch or half of a movie while winding down after a long day, the experience becomes less about finishing something quickly and more about enjoying it gradually. In a way, it mirrors the rhythm of college life itself: fast-paced yet full of small resets.
For many students at Villanova, streaming has also become a social activity, even if it is not always done in the same room. Group chats light up with recommendations, reactions and debates about the latest episode of a trending show. It creates a shared culture that connects people across different majors, dorms and friend groups. Even if you are not someone who naturally gravitates toward watching television, it is easier to engage when it is part of a larger conversation.
Sophomore Communication major Emily Carter shared a similar experience.
“I never used to watch shows in high school because I couldn’t sit still that long,” Carter said. “But now I watch episodes between classes or while I’m getting ready, and it actually helps me relax without feeling like I’m wasting time.”
Her perspective highlights how streaming can adapt to individual lifestyles rather than forcing people into a single, rigid way of consuming media. There is also something to be said about how streaming can serve as a mental break. College can be demanding, and at a school like Villanova, where students are constantly balancing academics, extracurriculars and social lives, finding moments to decompress is essential. Watching a show, even briefly, can provide a sense of escape and allow students to step away from their responsibilities for a short period of time. It is not about avoiding work but about creating a healthier balance.
I have found that my relationship with streaming has completely changed since coming to college. What once felt like an impossible commitment has turned into something flexible and enjoyable. By letting go of the idea that I need to watch everything all at once, I have been able to appreciate shows in a way that fits my attention span and my schedule. It has also made the experience feel more rewarding, as I am not rushing through episodes but actually taking the time to enjoy them.
Ultimately, streaming is not a one-size-fits-all activity. At Villanova, where every student’s routine looks a little different, it is clear that there are countless ways to make it work. Whether it is during a workout, between classes or as a way to unwind at the end of the day, streaming can be tailored to fit into even the busiest of schedules. It is less about how much you watch and more about how you choose to incorporate it into your life.
So, for anyone who feels like they do not have the attention span or the time to sit down and binge an entire series, I would argue that you do not have to. Sometimes, all it takes is a few minutes, the right setting and a willingness to try something new. In a community like Villanova, where students are always on the move, those small moments can add up to something surprisingly enjoyable.
