The idea of college used to manifest itself in a single sunny scene: students scattered across across the quad, tossing a frisbee to one another. This practice is not necessarily extinct, but the main mode of procrastination on the part of Kenyon students seems to have evolved from fraternizing on the lawn into a far more solitary activity––Netflix.
Of course there’s nothing wrong with that. I, for one, have never owned a Netflix account, but certainly wouldn’t mind watching old Disney movies and three seasons of House as the snow forms an increasingly unappealing barrier between my dorm and Peirce.
But, if you’re looking to step away from the screen for a bit while still maintaining a fair distance from your work, here are a few ways to do so:
- Read a book!I hate to sound like the posters that were taped all over your middle school library, but settling down with an old favorite or a new find really is a pleasure, and an especially cozy escape from the -25-degree windchill. If you don’t feel like buying any books or visiting the school library, and are up for the walk, the Gambier Community Library will do the trick. It’s not much bigger than the average dorm room, but is welcoming nonetheless.
- Go sleddingI’m not saying I’ve ever done it, known anyone who has done it, or thought about it. But there are removable trays in Peirce, and there is snow outside, and plenty of hills around campus!
- Stay up talking until 2am (not recommended for those with 8:10s)Going to bed at a reasonable time, especially on the weekend, is overrated. If you’re looking for a break from studying, or have just finished a huge load of work, there are few things as relaxing as a simple conversation. My hall pulls one of these at least once a week. We can be found doing anything from cutting paper snowflakes, analyzing concepts from class, critiquing a movie, or just making puns. Of course it’s not wise to resist sleep for too long, but these late-night conversations have helped me realize how fascinating and genuine the people only a few doors down from me are.
- Pick a random club and go to at least one meetingLast week, my friend convinced me to go to a meeting of a new club called Quills. Deemed a “philosophic and adventuring society,” the Quills meet Saturdays at the Village Inn. I was hesitant at first as I had never taken a philosophy class, and barely knew the difference between Socrates and Plato. But the Quills are exactly what they claim to be, a group of curious minds questioning, theorizing, or even just talking over a few drinks and snacks in what is an utterly informal environment. On another note, if you prefer to work with your hands and let your mind wander, the community figure drawing sessions at Horvitz are equally informal.
- Explore a building you’ve never been inside beforeThere has to be at least one building, or floor of a building, you’ve never seen before. Especially if you have half an hour or so to kill in between classes, it’s fun to see something new. Potential adventures include the greenhouse in Higley, the upper floors of Peirce, or one of the academic houses.
- Do not see Disney’s FrozenYou will laugh, cry, fall in love, then submit to an infinite loop of re-watching it. This might not be good for your work ethic. (But actually, go see it, it’s amazing and will teach you a lot of valuable life lessons!)