Spring term is upon us, bringing to campus warm weather, beautiful landscapes, new classes, new hobbies, and less clothes. However, if you’re still recovering from the dark and dreary winter term (or if you just need some inspiration to kick spring off right), here are a few suggestions to help you make spring term the best term of the year. More to come!
1. Take a workout class. If your schedule permits, consider taking a one-credit workout class. Bikini season is just around the corner, and the University offers a wide variety of physical activity classes to cater to your personal interests and goals. From dance classes like hip-hop and Zumba (which I would highly recommend), to weight training, swimming, body sculpting and aerobic classes, finding a workout class is extremely easy – no matter how last minute. These classes are usually twice a week for 50 minutes. If you take a workout class for credit, you’re only allowed a certain number of absences, so it’s a great way to ensure you stick with a regular workout routine. However, you can also take it for non-credit, if you think you’ll have more absences.
If you don’t have room in your schedule for an extra credit (and you don’t have time during the day to take one non-credit), the Student Recreation Center also offers workout classes. Although you still have to pay for them, they’re still usually cheaper and are often later and more flexible, so they can easily fit into your schedule – and your friends can take them with you. Working out makes you look good and feel better, and with all the University resources at your disposal, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
2. Study…OUTSIDE! On sunny days, you may notice the library to be uncharacteristically empty. If you haven’t figured out already by the dozens of students sprawled out on the lawns across campus last week, many students enjoy taking their work outside to get a dose of vitamin D while finishing up assignments. While there are advantages to doing your homework in the library (less distractions), by spring term, you may need a change of scenery. So take your books, and find a vacant place on the lawn in front of the Knight Library or next to the Hamilton dorms. While you’re at it, break out a pair of shorts and a tank top, and kill two birds with one stone by getting your tan on while doing your homework. (In late spring, a lot of girls wear their bikinis while laying out at Hamilton Lawn, but not so much on the lawn in front of the Knight Library). Since you’ll find a lot of students hanging out on the lawns, studying outside on campus can also be a social experience. However, if you make it obvious that you’re trying to concentrate, most people will leave you alone. Sunshine enhances your immune system, stimulates your metabolism, and improves your mood, so take a break from the library and head outside to one of the university’s well-kept lawns or the patios of nearby coffee shops.
3. Get off campus. Spring is the best time to get out and explore everything Eugene has to offer. If you’re a runner (or a walker), Pre’s Trail in Eugene is beautiful in the spring, and with all the other joggers, it’s as much a social experience as it is a workout. Named after the track star Steve Prefontaine, the bark-covered trail runs through a huge nature preserve. Pre’s Trail was even rated among the top five best running trails in the U.S. and best city trail by Men’s Journal magazine. If running isn’t your thing, Eugene has several renowned hiking trails as well. Spencer’s Butte is probably the most popular place to hike as it’s close to town (about a ten minute drive from campus) and not as steep as some of Eugene’s other hiking trails, such as Mount Pisgah. While it’s not the steepest hike in Eugene, it definitely is a workout. However, the view from the top of the butte is definitely worth the effort.
If you’re looking for something a little less physically active, drag yourself out of bed early one Saturday morning, and visit Eugene’s Saturday Market, located on 8th Ave. and Oak St. The Saturday Market is the oldest weekly open-air crafts festival in the United States, and with a large variety of vendors, you’re sure to find something you like, even if you’re not into tie-dye. Also, while you’re downtown, be sure to spend some time on Fifth Street at the Fifth Street Public Market. With numerous shops, popular restaurants (I highly recommend Sushi Station), and coffeehouses, it’s sure to keep you entertained for at least a couple hours.
4. Attend campus events. Every term, there are numerous interesting speakers, events, concerts, exhibits, etc. that come to campus. Make sure you keep an eye on the University’s social calendar and our own event section for special events that may interest you.