It’s been a long, frigid winter here in Ann Arbor. Seeing temperatures above freezing pop up on my weather app is the highlight of my day, but warm weather at UMich can only mean one thing: the end of the semester is steadily approaching. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I shooed my parents off campus in August to hit up the coolest darties and make my first college friends? Didn’t I just get the syllabi for my fall semester classes? How is it possibly already mid-March? Well, after some thinking, I realized there’s no point in moping about the scarcity of days left of school, so here are some ways I’ll be making the most of the end of this semester.
1. Try Something New
Whether it be a new restaurant in Ann Arbor, a random sporting event, an on-campus a cappella performance, or joining a new club, use these remaining few weeks to explore Michigan. There’s always something new and exciting going on around here, so spice up your weekly routine with something a little more out of the box. Grab some friends and make some memories with what’s sure to be a different yet awesome night.
2. Hang Out with Old Friends
Throughout college each person finds their niche and makes their lifelong friends. While making new friends is great, don’t forget the old ones! Take this opportunity to call up your orientation friends – the ones you made your first college memories with – and see how they’re doing. Go to lunch or hang out and really catch up. In fact, reconnecting with old friends can lead to even more new friends.
3. Make a Schedule
I know everyone wants to go crazy while we still have time here, but don’t forget about finals! Make a schedule of all of the work you need to get done and divide it up into the days you’re actually going to do that work. While this may seem a bit tedious, it’s the best way to make sure you still do your work and have plenty of time to go out with your friends – plus you’ll avoids those 24-hour cramming sessions the day before your final.
4. Eat Right
It’s easy to drop your diet when you’re in the UGLi all day and all you want is some cookies from Bert’s. However, eating right will make you feel better about yourself, give you more energy to keep studying, and of course keep you in shape for the upcoming bikini season.
5. Go To The Arb
Take advantage of the nice (and rare) weather by going for a jog or even just a walk through the Arb. Strolling through the Arb with a friend is a great way to take a break from studying and enjoy our beautiful campus while we’re still here. It’s also a great way to get some one-on-one time with that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Exercising will also keep you in-shape and feeling ready to take on those finals.
6. Do Something Nice
The “#feedthedeed” movement has been circulating throughout social media – when a friend nominates you to do a random act of kindness. Don’t wait to be nominated – or if you already have “fed the deed,” do it again! Do something nice for someone else for no reason. You’ll make someone’s day and feel so good about yourself, it’ll be worth it.
7. Relax!
Obviously it’s important to stay on top of your work, but stressing over what you have to do is no way to enjoy our last few weeks here. Spend time in the UGLi, but don’t forget to reward yourself with a night out with the girls you won’t see this summer. It’s important to stay balanced now more than ever so that you have no regrets when May comes along.