Now that Spring has sprung, it seems like the last thing on anybody’s mind is studying and school. How can a colliegette focus with so many awesome distractions surrounding us? Between perfect tanning conditions, pick-up games of Frisbee and water balloon fights, it is easy to forget we’re even at school in the first place. Here are a few tips to enjoy the gorgeous spring weather without getting too distracted…
- Exercises outside: Instead of getting your sweat on in the hot, crammed gym, try getting your workout while still enjoying the sunshine. The temperatures are perfect this time of the year for an outdoor workout without getting too hot in the process. Bryant has the perfect campus for running with the road that loops all the way around campus. Not a runner? No sweat! There’s plenty of open space to play games like Frisbee, soccer and football. When having fun with your friends, you won’t even realize you’re getting exercise too!
- Grab a Good Book: Boost your brain power while you work on your tan! Lying out in the beautiful weather is a great opportunity to catch up on your required reading that you have been dreading (and let’s face it – it seems a lot more tolerable when you’re getting some color at the same time). It’s also an awesome chance to get up to date with the latest news or to read the bestsellers you’ve been hearing all about (hello Hunger Games!)
- Set Goals: Have a lot of work to get done but still want to take advantage of all the outdoor fun around campus? Set work goals and reward yourself with some chill time when you have completed them. For instance, tell yourself after you finish all your reading and outlining for one class, enjoy 30 minutes outside with your friends, or one game of volleyball. But don’t get too generous with your rewards and over-extend your time outside; after all, your main focus is your studies!
- Avoid the Suite Village: If all your work for the day is done, it is a great place to be. Although, most students hanging around the Village are blasting music, playing games and relaxing which makes it one of the biggest distractions when you have work to get done. It’s easy to get caught up and lose track of time—letting your studies suffer the consequences when there is so many people playing games and making noise all around you. Opt for a quieter spot on campus if you want to work outside. There are some great, quiet spots outside away from the residence halls like outside the library and on the stairs by the Roto where you can get your sun and your good grades as well.
Like we said, staying productive in the warm weather is difficult but crucial. If you stay productive and finish your work on time, you can reward yourself by getting off campus to do some fun things. While the weather is hot, go get Dels lemonade in Smithfield near the ice rink! Besides, Dels lemonade is only in a few selected states so indulge in this opportunity to try something new to drink! Also nearby is Mr. Doughboys which has many fun things to enjoy including Go-Kart racing, mini golf, batting cages, and an ice cream parlor. Mr. Doughboys is located in Burrillville, a couple towns over and can be easily found.
If you are looking to go a bit further away from campus, say a day trip, look no further! Newport, RI is only about 50 minutes from campus! If you have never been to Newport, you MUST walk the “Cliff Walk”. The Cliff Walk is about three and a half miles long which outlines the backyards of most of the Newport Mansions which are beyond beautiful! A few of the mansions hold tours that are relatively inexpensive if you wanted to learn more about the history of the mansion and of Newport. Not only does Newport have the Cliff Walk, but they have beaches, many shops, and places to wine and dine. Along with the shopping sprees and dinner dates, there are many rental options available for kayaks, mopeds and cars, boat tours, helicopter tours, bus tours, and more!
Newport is also famous for their wineries and breweries, entertainment which include concerts, galleries, theatres, dance clubs, and gaming. Before going to Newport you can access their events calendar by clicking this link: http://www.gonewport.com/events-calendar . Here you can view the upcoming performances, any shows, and all of their entertainment and deals. If you live in Rhode Island (even if it is just for school) Newport is a MUST SEE!
The second most popular day trip is the beaches in Narragansett. The two most popular are Narragansett Town Beach and Scarborough State Beach. Narragansett Town Beach is open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend and costs $6.00 per person per day. Another option is a seasonal pass (which can be purchased at the South Pavilion) for $25.00 (resident) or $50.00 (non-resident). Daily parking is $10.00 unless a spot on the street is up for grabs. On the other hand, there is also Scarborough State Beach also located in Narragansett. Weekday parking is $10.00 a day (or $20.00 for non-resident) , weekend parking is $14.00 a day (or $28.00 for non-resident), and seasonal pass for parking is $60.00 (or $120.00 for non-resident). Camping is also available with an additional cost. While in the area, there are a couple of shopping areas and many great places to grab a bite to eat. Soaking up the sun and shopping is what us girls like to do so take advantage of the warm weather and reward yourself!
A trip to Providence is never a disappointment. Whether is a shopping trip at the Providence Place Mall or a gaming trip to Dave & Busters, Providence always has things going on. The nightlife is FANTASTIC because there are many hot bars and a variety of clubs that offer free cover for girls before 11pm. Other clubs are only $10 and are a great time. There are also many concerts held at Lupo’s! Tickets are sold in advance, at the door, on their website, or even at FYE.
Yes, Rhode Island is the smallest state, but with all these options, there’s an endless amount of things to do to reward yourself from academic work. You work hard in school so play hard outside of it! Really engage yourself with the outside world, take chances, you only live once! #YOLO