I’m pretty sure everyone has heard the spiel about the Drexel Co-Op program being the best thing to happen to your resume, but no one ever said that co-op is the best thing to happen to your social life. Kiss thirsty Thursdays goodbye! You have to be up at 7 a.m. sharp to get into work on time on Friday. That promise you made to workout every day after work has slowly dissolved into hours of Netflix. Before you throw in the towel on staying involved, read my 5 tips on how to maintain a social life during co-op.
Friends
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Sometimes it feels like your company owns you. If you feel like you’re losing touch with friends by constantly being at work, it’s time to make time for them. In my weekly planner, I keep a list of names of friends I want to keep in touch with. Next to the names, I put a checkbox. The goal here is to make sure I text, call or see each of the friends on that list one time that week.
Clubs
Remember the hours of Netflix I described? They have a time and place, but that does not need to be your nightly routine. Drexel has tons of clubs to offer, and most of them host meetings after 5 pm to specifically accommodate co-op students. Find one you like, get some friends to join you, and commit to going to all the events that you can. Not only will you make new friends, but you will also feel more active on campus.
Significant Others
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You care about them, but the last thing you want to do is go to a movie at midnight when you have to be up early the next day! To make sure you’re still spending time with them, come up with more low-key hangout options. Some of my favorites include cooking a new recipe together, playing a board game, going for a walk, or visiting the gym together.
Family
Don’t let your parents think you fell off the planet. Text them back! I know at the moment it may be so tempting to not reply to their “How’s it going?” text, but you really shouldn’t ignore them. If you’re in the middle of something, just shoot them a text letting them know you’re busy. Respond to them when you have time. Planning time to talk to your family is also a great idea. If you know you are free every Wednesday night at 8 pm, plan a weekly phone call.
It is so easy to retreat into a set routine where you keep to your self during co-op, but you do not have to let that happen. Using the above tips, I’m confident your social life doesn’t have to suffer during your co-op.