One of my biggest pet peeves about us college students (and our generation in general) is our obsession with technology. Obviously I am still a huge fan of technology and recognize that we would be lost without it. But that is exactly the problem- we would be lost without it. I’m not talking about how we would literally be lost without our GPSs (because that would be a real problem), but am referring to the fact that we actually don’t know what to do with our hands if there isn’t a phone permanently glued there. I truly believe that our attachments to our phones has become a really big problem that majorly affects our social lives and shapes many everyday situations.
The fact that I feel awkward in certain social settings if I don’t have my phone is seriously concerning. But that is a story for a different day. Today I want to address the fact that as soon as all of my classes end, I have noticed that everyone automatically whips out their phones. Their faces pretty much remain glued to the screen until they reach their next class or have gotten back into their dorm rooms. I am impressed that we aren’t all constantly running into walls, or each other, because it is rare that we take a peek up from the interesting world of the iPhone.
Now, trust me, I understand wanting to answer the texts you received during class, look over your emails, and check up on the world of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram throughout the day. This is necessary in order to stay connected and sometimes you need to actually do something productive via your phone. However, I think it is problematic that the majority of college students spend their time walking around campus mindlessly scrolling through their Newsfeeds. I honestly believe that this is valuable time we are wasting and there are many other enjoyable and productive activities we could be doing to fill this time. So without further ado, here is my list of suggested activities that we college students can partake in while walking from class to class, instead of being buried in our phones.
1- Walk and talk
Having friends in your classes is a must in college and your walk to and from class can be the perfect opportunity to make some connections. Even if you don’t have any besties in your classes, I am sure that you can find plenty of lovely girls to become friends with. Instead of whipping out your phone after class, start chatting with the girls around you about your homework for the night, their other classes, or their plans for the weekend. You will be thanking yourself later when you need help with your homework or want a study buddy for an upcoming test.
2- Review what you just learned in class
What!? Think about my class after I’ve left class!? Yes, you heard me right. I have a friend who always reviews the material she learned in class right after she leaves and she retains the information much better than anyone else. If the information is still fresh in your mind, it is the perfect time to put it into your long term memory and make sure that you understand it all. This will make doing your homework, answering questions during the next class, and ultimately taking the test much easier on yourself. You are at school to learn after all, so you might as well take advantage of all the down time you have to improve your academic instead of your social life.
3- Call home
If you feel the need to remain on your phone when you’re walking around campus, you could at least take the time to win yourself some brownie points. I know that we are all busy college students and it can often be difficult to find the time to call your relatives. However, it’s important to realize that giving your grandparents, parents, or siblings a call from school can brighten their day. Odds are they spend a lot of time worrying about you and wondering what you’re up to anyways, so throw them a bone and give them a phone call. Walking in between classes is the perfect time to fit in a phone call and can easily brighten both your day and your lovely mom or dad’s.
4- Pray
Okay I promise that I’m not a crazy person. Obviously this will not be the best fit for everyone. But for those of you collegiates that are strong in your faith life, you understand that setting aside time to talk to God everyday can be very beneficial. Everyone’s approach to prayer is different, but I believe that it does not need to be this formal act that you can only do while sitting in church. I see prayer as simply having a conversation with God, which is something you can definitely do while walking around campus. Not only is this an easy way to fit in your prayers for the day, but it can give you a peace of mind and the refocus you need throughout your school day.
5- Stop and smell the roses
Whether it’s the colorful leaves of fall, the snow-covered trees of winter, or the budding flowers of spring, there is always something beautiful to look at on campus. Take some time to look up from your phones and take in the gorgeous scenery out there. My advice is to take the scenic route to class past the lake and try to not be tempted to Instagram its beauty! I understand that once the weather starts turning into the frozen tundra of winter many of us dread our walks to class. However, you can still remain optimistic about the time you spend outside. Don’t forget to take the time to stop and smell the roses (even if they are frozen).
6- People watch
Don’t even try to lie to me right now and say that you don’t enjoy people watching. I am pretty positive that this is a hobby universally enjoyed by most people. Now I’m not talking about people watching as in using binoculars to creep on people, but simply observing those around you. During your walk around campus, take the time to observe all of the other students buzzing around from class to class. I like to compliment people’s outfits (usually in my head, or out loud if you’re brave), notice the students who are struggle-bussing after pulling all-nighters, observe the couple-y couples, or even count the number of girls in leggings or North Faces that I pass. Once you get this going this can easily pass the time.
7- Make a to-do list
If you are anything like me, you spend your day thinking about all of the stuff that needs to get done. Instead of using your class time to make a to-do list, why not use the time in between classes to do so? Making lists is a great way to clear your mind of all of the stressful thoughts bouncing around in your head and to get organized. Many times the tasks become less daunting when you lay them all out and are able to prioritize what to do first. The Notes App on your phone is the perfect place to create your to-do list if you’re on the go. You can even add in the check mark or thumbs up emoji once you’ve completed something!
8- Do something productive on your phone
Alright kids, if you still insist on having your face permanently glued to your phone throughout the day, then we can compromise. Believe it or not, there are actually much more productive things you can do on your phone besides mindlessly scrolling through your Newsfeed. Use the time you have in between classes to reach out to a friend from home that you have been meaning to get in contact with. Send an ugly Snapchat picture to your little sister, who you know you miss a lot! Answer that email from you professor that you keep putting off. You can even watch an inspirational video on Youtube to help power you through your day.
Put your phone down ladies!
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