It's that time of the semester, over a halfway through, and no one's quite sure about what to do. Study? Party? Apply for overseas programs? Binge watch Netflix? Stuff my face with chocolate chip cookies? Read an intellectual book? Read a non-intellectual book?
The start of the year frenzy has calmed down, and the excitement of new experiences and new people is not as intense as it was in September. Now, everyone is realizing they want to do good in their classes, or even just pass for that matter. Most people have created their small routines, and are just getting through their days part by part. November has a drawn out, slow pace, and it's only been a week. This is possibly true for November in all years of your life, but college really makes you aware of it. It's post Halloween and pre Christmas neutrality (forgive me for ignoring Thanksgiving, I'm not American, I don't really even know what it is, ignorant European here).
So what to do, when there's nothing to do (besides homework)?
Relax. There are many exciting, busy weeks of the year. Enjoy this simple time of the year, and work on whatever you want to improve. Being productive produces extra serotonin for me. It's a great time to catch up in your classes, even if you're not behind. It's the perfect time to take an extra few hours for your toughest class. Go to office hours, make sure you're in the loop with everything that's happening. It's easy to not be as productive in September and October, when you indulge in all the socializing, so use November to help yourself.
What are some other simple things, available on campus, that are easy to add to your routine? Or to try out to spice up your simple day? Or more like, put salt on it. These are pretty basic, but just enough.
The gym! As you probably know, there is a gym on campus (Pamplin Sports Center), and it is available and accessible to you. Took me two months, but I finally went last week, and continued going every single day this week! Adding exercise to my routine made me so much more motivated for everything else on my to-do list. Just sign up during the day for a timeslot that works for you, and make your ultimate work-out playlist.
Make some appointments... Career center, study abroad office, college advising... So many counselors and opportunities available. It helps you get some feedback, and brainstorm ideas for the next few years. Depending on your age and major, you might even find a job or internship.
Change the places you study. Due to some unforeseen circumstances (a lot of rain and no umbrella), I was stuck at the graduate campus after my work shift. As annoying as it was, I ended up studying in their canteen and I loved it so much. Completely glass walls, sounds of the pouring rain, and autumn colors. It was brief but enjoyable.
Connect with people back home! I miss my parents, I miss my family, I miss my boyfriend, I miss my friends. Keeping in touch with them has been hell, I blame the 9 hour time difference. But this past week, I have really gotten around to talking to everyone a bit more. With the help of my incredible friends, I organized a great birthday surprise for my mom - ordered her a cake and flowers delievered to her by my best friend. Writing a post card or a letter is also a very thoughtful past time activity for these rainy afternoons.
There's a lot of simple stuff to do when there's nothing to do, but whatever you decide on, make sure you're aware it's completely fine that you're not doing much. Soon enough Thanksgiving, finals, and Christmas will roll around, and your days will be busy once again. Getting into a routine is inevitible, congratulations - you're a college student! It's no longer just an exciting intro to college life, you're living it. In all it's sometimes underwhelming glory.
-I'm off to do mundane chores this November Sunday, lots of love, Mia
