By the time midterms roll around, it can start to feel as though you’ve become trapped in the monotony of your daily routine. Between classes, studying and club meetings, it may be days before you actually step foot off campus for a change of scenery.
So, now is the perfect time to shake things up and do a little exploring around your local town or city! Consider one of these tips for getting acquainted with your area’s local hotspots and hidden gems so that you’ll be ready whenever you feel the need for an off-campus getaway.
1. Taste test local restaurants
Exploring your town’s dining scene is a great way to get familiar with the local flavor. Research nearby restaurants and make a list of favorites to try throughout the semester. Collegiette Alexandra Follman also suggests “going to places around campus and town that have deals for students of the university.” It’s a great way to save some money, and you may even run into some other students you can mingle with while you’re there!
2. Find a new study spot
When the library starts to feel gloomy and claustrophobic, consider scouting out new study spots around town. Donna Amore, a student at University of Scranton, says she enjoys “studying at small coffee shops off campus… for a change of scenery.” Cafes, parks and bookstores can be great places to relax and block out the distractions of bustling campus activity. Think about the spaces you work best in, then go on a hunt for that cozy study corner of your dreams!
3. Organize a scavenger hunt with friends
This one might take a little planning, but a scavenger hunt is a totally unique, interactive way to explore your city. Do some research ahead of time and establish a list of items or photos that participants should get throughout their hunt. This might include gathering pamphlets or business cards from local shops, taking pictures with landmarks or statues, or grabbing a coffee or drink at a certain place. At the end of the hunt, everyone can come together and chat about what they discovered!
If you’re not into making your own scavenger hunt, check out companies like Urban Adventure Quest and Watson Adventures, which facilitate elaborate scavenger hunts in various cities around the country.
4. Join an off-campus organization
If you want to get involved off campus on a deeper level, explore the organizations and volunteer programs available in your local community. Websites like Meetup offer unique social activities for every interest and are tailored to your specific geographic area. In addition, many cities have club teams for a variety of sports, which are perfect for the sports fan who enjoys an occasional pick-up game but doesn’t want the commitment of a college league.
Alaina, a former student at Westfield State University, also suggests volunteering. “I helped out several local nonprofits, including a foster children’s advocacy program,” she says. “It was so incredible to get involved and see how helping out can make a difference, and it allows you to feel connected to the town and explore a little, too.”
5. Go on a bar crawl
If you and your friends are 21 or older, bars are great places to hang out and soak up the local culture! Gather your girlfriends for a night of bar hopping and figure out which locations you like best. You could also consider setting up a weekly happy hour. It’s the perfect way to meet new people and engage with friends from on and off campus.
6. Rent a car (or bike) and go for a ride
Whether your college town is super small and you need to escape, or you’re simply looking for a good mini-vacation, heading outside of the city limits is a great way to refresh and recharge. Rental companies like Zipcar and Car2Go are great for day trips and are usually quite affordable. Research some nearby towns, cities or parks and enlist friends for a quick getaway.
Valeria Alvarez also suggests taking a bike ride to neighboring areas. “My campus has a bike club and they explore the town and other nearby towns as well,” Valeria says. Biking will save you a bundle of money, and you’ll get in a great workout while you’re at it!
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice
It may seem obvious to ask for advice from people who are more familiar with the area, but making an effort to reach out to even the most unlikely of sources can pay off. For instance, talk to your professors about their favorite parts of the city; they’ve likely been living there longer than any student and might divulge some great hidden gems.
There are also tons of great online resources that allow you to connect with locals and review their opinions. American University student Dani Weisfeld says, “When in doubt, Yelp! I’ve found it really helpful trying to find anything I need.” Websites like Localeur also offer an amazing selection of recommendations from area natives, while sites like Chowhound are perfect for discovering new restaurants.
Change is rarely easy, especially when it means leaving friends and family for a whole new experience in an unknown place. In order to ease the transition and make college living a little more comfortable (and exciting!), try to get a feel for the town or city you’re in, and don’t be afraid to explore. You’ll never know what kind of treasures exist right in your new neighborhood until you venture off campus!