It’s official. Spring is here.
Let’s just call it what it is: spring after Spring Break is essentially summer, and summer means no 8 a.m. classes and no all-nighters, so I can just stop worrying about everything, right? I wish it were that easy!
While we’re cruising Facebook, texting our friends, or catching up on the latest episode of Downton Abbey and pretending to forget about rapidly-approaching exams and final projects, it can be difficult to face the reality: There is still work to be done, and whether we get it done efficiently or wind up sobbing in the PCL two hours before a test, it won’t go away without putting up a fight. A possible solution? Quality study time plus a break in your normal routine! Here are some thoughts:
Break your habits.
Whether this means hauling your textbooks to Mozart’s for an afternoon study session or allowing your best friend to change your Facebook password until that test is over (I’ve done this – it was immensely successful), changing your school habits can have a great effect on both your grades and your ability to tough out the semester. Try a new spot to hit the books. Attempt to study without a computer or the Internet. Surf iTunes for some neat productivity apps – I like SelfControl, a free computer application that blocks a user from whatever websites they choose for a chosen period of time. Finding ways to keep studying fresh can help you kick boredom, or at the very least keep you from wandering to Pinterest every five minutes.
Volunteer
Another idea for blasting monotony as we count down to vacation is to shake up your extracurricular schedule. Volunteer! There are so many great causes and organizations in Austin that are begging for energetic students, and whether you need service hours for an honors society or sorority or just want to lend a hand, these groups need it. Inside Books is one of my personal favorites; as a non-profit that sends reading and educational materials to Texas prisoners, this artsy hideout on East 12th Street has volunteers read letters, select books and package them. Other cool groups include Austin Pets Alive and the Capital Area Food Bank. Be sure to also check out fliers and signs around the 40 Acres for other opportunities!
Plan a Mini Trip
Hot destinations like South Padre and Gulf Shores get a lot of attention during Spring Break as college kids look for the prime week-long vacation, but now that the semester is halfway over, any holidays we have start with Friday night and end with Sunday evening (otherwise known as the weekend). But never fear, collegiettes! One of the great things about Austin is that its surrounding cities are lovely quick-getaway options that can be fairly easy on the wallet. Only an hour’s drive down I-35, San Antonio boasts its beautiful River Walk, a five-mile stretch of eateries, live music, and shopping malls. About 35 minutes outside of Austin lies Gruene, a historic town known for its beautiful river and the legendary Gruene Hall dance hall. And if you’re not looking to travel long distances, check out fun, vacation-esque activites to do around Austin. There’s always something unexpected and appealing about a staycation!
Above all, be creative and you can power through the rest of the semester!
Source: http://www.austinpetsalive.org/