The semester is now fully underway, and for many of us, this means we’ve fallen into routines. We know when we have classes, when we’ll eat in relation to those classes, when our clubs meet, and when we do homework. In the spare time we do have, we tend to do the same things there, too. And most of these activities tend to take place on campus, where we all live in a college bubble. However, it is far too early to enter into complete campus hibernation mode; there’s a world out there and it wants you to be in it! So take advantage of the awesome fall weather and get out there for a day or just a few hours and remember what it’s like to be in the real world. Here are just a few ideas:
Visit a Farm Stand:
This is prime apple and pumpkin picking time and we’re here in the Garden State. It would be a crime not to go to a farm stand, farmer’s market, or anything else farm related. There are several farms not too far from campus, such as Terhune Farms in Princeton. Here you can pick your own pumpkins or flowers, which would spruce up any dorm room (just make sure to get rid of them before they go bad). There’s also a corn maze and a barnyard menagerie as well as a store where you can buy warm apple cider, pie, or fresh produce.
If you would rather pick your own apples (which is much more fun), Terhune Farm’s orchards are down the road. Here you get a bag and a map before you head out on your expedition to find the best apples, and you can taste-test the apples before you commit! This may be a seemingly mundane activity, but you will be surprised how much fun you’ll have, and it’s a great way to experience the best of autumn.
Go to the Beach:
Even though summer is officially over, many of us are still finding our minds drifting to the beach and all the great times we had there this summer. Well, it’s not too late to go back! You may not be able to go for a swim or get your tan back that you’ve been rapidly losing (trust me, I feel your pain), but you can still experience all the other great benefits of the beach.
For starters, the gorgeous view doesn’t hurt, and neither does the relaxing sound of the waves, but in addition, you can enjoy a magazine or novel while lounging in your beach chair, build a sandcastle, or take a walk along the water. And since it’s off-season, you won’t have to deal with all the crowds; it’s like having the beach to yourself. Pack a lunch and bring along a blanket for an afternoon picnic on the sand. Just remember to bring a sweater for the cooler temperatures, but don’t forget the sunglasses!
Walk around Princeton:
Just because we don’t have a college town doesn’t mean we can’t borrow someone else’s. Princeton is a mere 20 minutes away from campus, and there are tons of things to see and do there. You can do some shopping, because we all need some retail therapy from time to time, and, yes, window-shopping counts. There are also numerous places to eat, many of which fit into a college student’s budget, and I don’t know about you, but I welcome any chance for food that doesn’t come from Eick. After that, check out one of the ice cream parlors (yes, plural) for a cool dessert. You don’t even need to feel guilty about it because all of the walking around will cancel it out. And for those people who do not have cars on campus, you don’t need to be left out – this is one of the stops of the Loop Bus.
These are just a few suggestions; sit down with your friends and think of more places to explore. It’s a great way to get to know what’s around campus, and you may discover some great places.