The minute I stepped outside of Conant, after my tragically long class this past Thursday afternoon, I was greeted with all a combination of senses that was overwhelming. There was a combustion of different sounds, the bongos, guitars, even a banjo, mixed in with the chatter of nearby people, the aromas of free food, and the finally green grass encompassing all visible terrain.
What caught my attention most was the cluster of about 200 or more people scattered across T-Hall lawn, too far away to distinguish anyone specific, but close enough to know that I wish I had skipped class (probably like many of the people outside had).
 What’s so appealing about T-Hall lawn? As I was walking back to my apartment from class, I took mental notes of the variety of activities that make T-Hall lawn so convenient, and well, so enjoyable! Take advantage of this sunshine and utilize T-Hall lawn for its fullest potential
1- Music!
The first thing that caught my attention was the mixture of sounds coming from all directions. If you play an instrument, it would be a great time to get a little practice in front of people, and just jam out! I saw bongo circles (a bit overwhelming but slightly intriguing) where six people all had bongo drums, a boy right outside Dimond with a banjo, and a handful of guitars scattered throughout the lawn. If you don’t play an instrument, its nice to just sit and listen to these different tunes orchestrate together, and also have the chance of meeting someone new! Just think ladies, the dream boy, whose tan (from sitting in the sun at T Hall) and writes is own songs, could be out there for you to meet!
2- Escape
At UNH, people tend to travel in packs. While this is more than true on T- Hall lawn, I also saw a lot of people having alone time, with ipods, or just simply sitting and observing. Use the space and the surroundings to sit alone for a couple minutes. The fresh air is truly revitalizing and allows you to re-set after a hectic week of exams and the usual stresses. I saw some person in the canopy of a tree, bundled in a hammock, secluded from reality. Don’t be afraid to use these few minutes alone to forget about all that and truly live in the moment of your environment
3- Socialize
If being alone isn’t quite what you need, it is also the best place for a gossiping/tanning/tabloid session. Last year rather than sit on our couches and gossip about who was hottest in Star!, my roommates and I gathered and found a sunny, grassy location to continue our gossiping about our lives and celebrities, and be outside! Today while walking, I saw a group of people with a hookah! Don’t be afraid to bring your winter activities outside, and send off that sweet aroma, as you will probably meet some new friends.
4- Physical Activity
While I know physical activities are not personally at the top of my to do list in the spring, T-Hall lawn offers plenty of room for everything! While most people drift across Main street to Scott hall for “ball” sports, on the T-Hall side there is frequently Frisbee, hackey sacks, bubbles and the tight-rope people! One day I was feeling spontaneous and asked to try it (it was very hard!). Get a whiff of spring fever and be active! There is no better time then now, when the sun is bright and there is still a slight breeze in the air!
5- Picnic!
Again, having an apartment it gets a little monotonous eating in the same place day to day, so instead, pack your lunch/dinner to go and gather with the roomies outside! Bring a blanket (or towel), soak up the rays, and enjoy your yummy food! You are a short walk away from Zekes and the “trolley” food carts if you forget anything.
6- Have a “Date”
In many students’ lives, dating is not a common vocabulary term, as it seems many people avoid the dating realm. However, if you do meet someone of interest, this is a casual setting that will eliminate the feeling of a date, but still get some quality alone time to get to know one another. Also, you will never run out of things to talk about as people will always be doing something interesting around you! Be aware though, you may be the mobile uploads of “those people” with too much PDA! Fair game if you are with the majority of campus!Â
7- Study
As finals are approaching, the weather is getting better, which seems to have a negative effect on most of our grades. Don’t let the sunshine ruin your GPA and take your books outside! Natural lighting is better for reading and the fresh air will keep you alert to your text. You can also have easy study groups outside, with availability to talk as you please. Although the sun makes using computers very difficult, you do get wi-fi on the lawn!
8- Start Your Summer Reading
Summer reading is a term from junior high school, but it can still exist in college, just not as a chore! To take a break from studying, or to simply get out of reality for a while, get a good book , sit under the shade of one of the few trees, and relax. Check out last week’s article about what books are good summer reads!
9- People Watch
Everything listed thus far is some sort of engagement, whether reading, smoking a hookah, or playing an instrument. One thing that you can just “do” without “doing” anything is people watch. Where else can you see a constant stream of all sorts of people, whether it is the man on the unicycle, the steamy shirtless boys working up a sweat playing Frisbee, or those odd people you are always just questioning about; this is the place to find some sort of everyone.
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Regardless of what sparks your interest, take advantage of the warm weather! Despite if you are the kid in the hammock, causing obnoxious giggling with your girlfriends, or the hotties sunbathing in your bathing suits, everything is welcome and excepted (just make sure you have SOMETHING on… nudity in public spaces is still legal). We have been stuck in the confined space of the indoors for the past few months, so get out your sundresses and Ray-Bans to enjoy the spring festivities that occur daily on T- hall lawn! Â