Believe it or not we only have a little over two weeks of classes left before finals! I know, it’s crazy! It seems like Spring Break was just last week… oh wait… But before you go off and do whatever you are doing this summer you should make the most of the time we have left. Whether you are a freshman or a senior it’s important to take some time away from worrying about finals or planning what you are going to pack for birthright. Because no matter what every year you have at bing is going to be very different. And who knows what you are going to be doing next semester. So Carpe Diem, Collegiettes! And try five fun things before the end of the year!
1) Visit the Nature Preserve:
A suprising amount of bing students have yet to visit the nature preserve. I have been a couple of times and if I could I would probably go every single day. We are so lucky we have over 900 acres of wilderness in our backyard. So many people fail to take advantage of it and it is really a shame because it is beyond beautiful. Especially in this lovely spring weather. Even if you aren’t into intense hiking the nature preserve has all types of different trails, if nothing else at least go to the lake and chill on the bench, bring a picnic or go for a run! But whatever you do just make sure that you go and of course don’t forget to wear some bug spray!
2) Go to Trivia night at T&M’s:
Tom and Marty’s is my personal favorite. But just in case you don’t get enough of it during the weekend every Wednesday T&M’s has a trivia night. I actually have not been yet but I just made plans to go with my roommates next week! I’ve heard that it is really fun and chill. This is definitely a cool thing to do because the vibe on a Wednesday night on State Street is probably a little bit different than what you’re used to and will definitely be interesting to experience. What better way to spend a night than with a couple of your closest friends, a beer, some delightful trivia and of course Larry (the friendly neighborhood owner of Tom & Marty’s and one of the most awesome guys around).
3) Have a fun night in with your roommate(s):
I’m sure you’re probably thinking but I already see my roommates all the time! But this is different then casually acknowledging their presence by grunting at them before you crash into bed when you’ve just come back from studying in Bartle all day. I’m sure if you really thought about it you would be surprised how many other things got in the way of the Mean Girls movie night you had been planning to have forever or the Wine and gauc night you swear you’ll make happen this weekend. You might not be living with the same people next year so take the time out to actually spend some quality time with them. A movie night and some take out is always a great way to go!
4) Explore Downtown Bing during the day:
I know that State Street is the best street in the history of forever but as much as I hate to say it, there is actually more to downtown bing than the bars (*gasp). If you have a free Saturday or Sunday grab a couple of friends and walk around a bit. Maybe try a new restaurant you haven’t been to yet or hit up a coffee shop or check out the beautiful library building that looks really pretty but you’ve never actually been in. Binghamton does have some hidden gems if you give it a chance. I know there’s not really much for shopping but I’ve heard of people making some good finds at a couple of thrift stores and if that’s not up your alley there is still plenty to do, take a walk near the water maybe check out and support the local bookstore River Read Books. Basically just embrace the community and explore a little bit, after all that’s what college is for, is it not?
5) Hang out with an old friend:
No matter what year you are you probably have a couple of friends that you haven’t seen since at least last semester. And this is most likely just because you both have been really busy, but if you don’t want them to fall out of your life for good then there is no shame in texting them for a coffee date to catch up. It will be a lot harder to do this after summer passes, when it’s a whole other year, so reconnect with them while you have the chance! Everyone’s busy and I’m sure they have been meaning to text you as well and they will be really happy you made the effort. It never hurts to be friends with too many people and when you see them back on campus in the fall you will be happy you put in the effort so you don’t have to awkwardly wave to “that girl I used to speak to during Biochem”.