We spend the winter months idling by recalling the universal romanticization of a college campus on those warm, sunny days when the UV is above 3. College kids sprawled amongst the residential and academic quads with their groups, towels, blankets and even wearing bathing suits ready for early tans. The frat bros are blissfully passing the time in their front yards playing pong, blasting throwbacks on their JBLs, reminding every and all passerby alike: life’s about to be good again!
Maybe I shouldn’t rely on the weather to be more upbeat. I’m a dignified summer person, and my birthday is early May, so I’ve always been drawn to warm weather. As April moseys into the mid-60s, I’m falling back into some innate pick-me-ups I turn to, as well as plans I fantasize about but want to execute better.Â
Here’s a short list of how I catch myself getting into spring mode: it’s the little things!
- Lounge/work on the quad
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Something I briefly touched on, but must not be overlooked. Since I transferred a year and a half ago, my internal monologue routinely tells itself to utilize the quad more when the sun comes out. It’s something my roommates and I say we’ll do, but it doesn’t end up happening. I am determined to have a day on the quad before the semester ends.
When it’s above 55°, you’ll find the tanners, the studious worker bees, or those just hanging out or eating with their friends in between classes. Studying or finishing up that last-minute assignment outside with the sun’s company is much more encouraging than your bedroom; as soon as you’re done, you’re already in a spot to immediately do something you want to be doing, rather than something you have to be doing.
- Walk downtown
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One night last fall semester, I did a solo walk into the borough for a private shopping event. I realized how lovely it was for mid-September, in the high 60s. This singular night reminded me to quit taking my campus and college town for granted, given I’ll only be here so much longer. When spring semester trickles in and the warmth lingers into the night, get some friends together for a walk into the borough — no matter the time of day — and explore some small businesses. Maybe even grab a couple weekly spring-oriented Dia Doce cupcakes, a West Chester staple <3.Â
One of my favorite things about campus and West Chester in the spring is the fountains, especially hanging out by the fountain’s benches on Gay St.
Caught up in academics or club meetings, it’s simple to take your surroundings for granted. I stand behind the fact that prime West Chester is spring, from mid-April to May. Blossoms, daffodils, and tulips galore are fully bloomed, and the borough and campus are vibrant in ways that reignite that spark in all of us.
- Seasonal drinks
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I mentioned my need for a daily “fun drink” in my Santa Fe piece. Businesses like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A annually reprise seasonal favorites or unveil brand new ones. Remember the s’mores frappuccino ten years ago? Ugh…she lives on in my memory. Last year, I tried some sort of seasonal Chick-fil-A strawberry lemonade that was offered for a limited time. This year, Chick-fil-A brings us the pretty in pink, Pineapple Dragon Fruit lemonade. I’m now pinning to try the frosted version…I thought I was done writing about food after last time; guess not?
Though what better way to kick off warm weather in college than a fun, seasonal, limited-time drink in hand, music on blast, windows down, and sunroof open? Do you love chai? Or maybe matcha? Try Starbucks’ new cherry chai tea latte for your first dose of spring – or the return of the lavender cream oat milk matcha, lavender chai, or latte!Â
I’m a go-to refresher girl, and I know most college-aged students are. You may want to check out the Blackberry Sage Lemonade refresher, too.Â
- South campus hammocksÂ
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This is WCU-specific, and I feel grateful that a 10-second walk from my door has multiple hammocks for use. They’re sprawled all throughout certain areas of south campus. This is the perfect spot to catch up on spring reading, hang out with your friends and roommates, or even an afternoon cat nap if you’re feeling adventurous.
I’m going to miss these hammocks when I move in a month, so here’s your reminder to go use them! You don’t even have to live on south to hang out in one for a bit.
- Everything In Bloom
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It needed its own sub-section. A natural smile braces my cheeks on my walk to class, spotting the potted begonias hanging from every light post, yellow and purple tulips and daffodils freshly bedded along the sidewalks.Â
Everyone who lived or lives on my childhood home’s street knows that my dad has an insane green thumb. Growing up, I always looked to the two towering frontyard cherry blossom trees that would bloom around mid-April each year. These trees were a simple, happy reminder that my birthday was on the way. Where I live on campus, there’s a plethora of blossom trees that began sprouting the past couple of weeks, and I feel like a part of my childlike wonder has returned with their blooming.Â
- A spring playlist
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Get yourself in a seasonal mood with sounds you associate with warmth, summer on the horizon, and music that makes you feel like you’re alive again. Curating Spotify playlists specific to months or seasons brings me unmatched joy, and it’s fun to look back on the years and reminisce on what music you were into at the time, which leads me to associate music with a certain time and place.Â
Turn that spring playlist up when you get yourself that seasonal drink, too!
As evidenced by everything you’ve read thus far, we all know how easy it is to get caught up in a pile of schoolwork or meetings. Still remember the only one responsible for your college experience is you — so go outside in the sun as the days get warmer and soak it up while you do that D2L assignment. WCU and West Chester borough share a certain magic that I feel brings me back to life mentally this time of year, so let’s soak up every chance left we have.Â