It’s winter quarter here in Athens, and being cooped up inside can really getting under your skin. It seems as though your roommate and yourself are always confined to your room. Although the blustery days and frigid nights may be limiting some of your activities, there are plenty of things going on around campus to keep you two busy, bring you closer, and beat the winter blues.
Get In shape!
The first thing you and your roomie can do is try a fitness class at Ping. There are many group fitness classes offered including zumba, kickboxing, pilates, and yoga. The majority of these classes are free (pilates and yoga require a mat, which Ping provides) and offered multiple times throughout the day to fit anyone’s busy schedule. My roommate and I go to Zumba every Tuesday night, it really gives us something to look forward to during the week, and helps us stay fit during winter. Getting in shape during winter can make you look forward to breaking out the shorts and skirts for spring.
Get out of town!
Nothing screams exciting more than a road trip! Even if you don’t have a car here at Ohio University, you can still get away from campus for a weekend. There is a great service here in Athens called the GoBus. The GoBus, which is a service offered through Greyhound Bussing, takes riders from Athens to Columbus or Cincinnati. Tickets are only $10 each way. The bus is equip with outlets for your laptop as well as wireless service and picks up and drops off riders on West Green, but you can also call and request for it to pick you up wherever is convenient for you. With prices that cheap, it would be easy for you and your roommate to head up to Ohio State or to the University of Cincinnati for a weekend. Get out of Athens with the GoBus, explore a different university for a change of scenery.
Get Involved!
Joining an intramural sports team is a great activity to help winter pass by quickly. Many sports are offered during winter quarter like volleyball, basketball, broomball, and hockey. Teaming up with the rest of your floor is beneficial, because it can bring everyone closer and it’s a bonding experience. Get everyone involved by designing team t-shirts or organizing weekly practices. Intramural sports cannot only tighten the bond between you and your roommate, but also those on your floor you may not socialize with much. And who knows, you may be really good at your team sport!
Get Outdoors!
Winter means snow, and unfortunately the white stuff will be sticking around until March or so. With all of this hills here at Ohio University, why not go sledding? Sledding is cheap, fun, and a great activity to do when it’s too cold to make the trek Uptown. All you need is a laundry basket (or trays from dining halls if you’re feeling risky) and snow. What better to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon or frigid weeknight? Make the best out of a typical winter day by sledding together.
Get Creative!
Lastly, be spontaneous! My roommate and I recently rearranged our entire dorm room—at 1:30 A.M. The experience was one to remember, from thinking our ideas would never work in our tiny room to feeling so elated once we everything in place. Although sliding furniture across linoleum floor at 2 A.M. probably isn’t enjoyed by your neighbors (next to, above, and below you), it can really be a bonding experience for you and your roommate. Combining your creativity and ideas can really help each of you to better understand one another. It’s something I will never forget.
As the chilly temperatures stick around, hopefully a few of these activities will help to entertain and create a bond between you and your roommate. Remember, spring quarter is right around the corner so use these activities to help beat your winter blues!