College is full of stress and responsibilities. You go to college to prepare yourself for the real world, for life as an adult. But, what they do not tell you at orientation is that before you grow up, you have to become a kid again. You may have class, clubs and other responsibilities, but all of this talk about growing up brings out the little kid in you. College is for being a kid again, and this is why Kent State is the perfect place to find you inner child.
1. Naps
In kindergarten, naps were the worst part of the day, and I’m sure you cried when the teacher said “nap time!” I know I did. But here at Kent State, naps are cherished and we try to take as many naps as our day will allow. Whether you are in the library between classes, or you actually make it back to your own bed, students fall asleep wherever they can. We often plan our naps ahead of time. In college we nap by choice, not by force.
2. Arts and Crafts
Whether you’re painting a canvas for your sorority’s big/little reveal or coloring to relieve stress, arts and crafts are found all around campus. During finals week Kent even planned stress-relieving events like drawing and other crafts. Painting and coloring are perfect ways to relieve you of the stress of school; adult coloring books are also the perfect “poor college kid” present for friends and family.
3. Themed Parties
Although there isn’t a cake or a bounce house, playing dress up is always fun. Kent is known for its fashion school and, being a fashion student myself, I constantly get asked, “Why are you going to school to learn play dress up for the rest of your life?” While I wish it were that easy, I may as well enjoy the opportunities I have to “dress up” for fun while I can. Themed parties occur all over campus: from sorority date parties to this weekend’s fraternity parties. Dressing up is not just for Halloween anymore. Toga parties, America themed parties, pajama parties and others are among students’ favorites. I’m sure you could even find a party to wear your favorite onesie to.
4. Playing in the Snow
When Anna asks, “Do you want to build a snowman?” the answer is always yes! Building snowman, giant snowball fights and sledding down hills are all things that happen when you are a kid…and when it snows at school. Even though we dread walking to class in the snow, ice and through the wind tunnels that they call Kent State University, impromptu ‘snow days’ are always nice. However, messages that another Kent campus has a snow day bring mixed feelings. Kent’s campus is covered with hills perfect for sledding or falling down, whichever comes first. Maybe you’ll even ride your sled to class. Who knows? Its college.
5. Never-Ending Sleepovers
As a kid, we always had to beg our parents to let us stay the night at a friend’s house. Now, every night is a sleepover with your roommates, whether you like it or not. It may not feel like it all the time, because of homework and the many responsibilities that come with being a college student, but those movie nights, junk food and late night talks with your best friends make you feel like a kid again. Your RA may even yell at you to be quiet, just like your parents did at home.