As the school year is only days away, students should start to think about getting back into campus life and what they will do during the school year. They need to estimate how much time they will need to spend in order to get good grades. They also have to decide what clubs and activities they want to participate in. While most of the time on-campus activities are fun and enjoyable, sometimes a little break to go somewhere special is important. Here are my 5 places to go when bored on-campus.

1. National Mall in Washington DC

A 30 minute train ride from campus is the center of DC. It has the Washington Monument which is the tallest building in the city. It has a lot of grass and paths to walk or even play sports on. It's minutes from the U.S. Capitol and, on the west end, the Lincon Memorial.

2. Rock Creek Park

A close drive from campus is a scenic park with a beautiful trail for biking and running. It has a creek running miles through the park and it has many different stops along the trail with tables open to visitors who want to enjoy the day with friends. At the end of the park, the National Zoo can be found which has many exotic animals.

3. Great Falls National Park

While this site is a decent drive from campus, this park is very special and difficult to find near a campus. Located in Great Falls, MD on the border of Maryland and Virginia, this natural formation of rocks causes the Potomac River to produce a series of falls which are one of a kind. This park also has areas to sit and is a great place to go with friends.

4. Verizon Center Area in Washington DC

The home of the Washington Wizards Games as well as the Washington Capitals Games. The Verizon Center is also only a 30 minute train or drive. It is a great venue to go to with friends and enjoy a basketball game or even get food around the area in one of the various restaurants near the stadium.

5. Georgetown Harbor

At the end of the Potomac river right near the city of Georgetown, the harbor has a ton of seating and is right next to the C&O Canal biking trail. There is a bike rental rack and there is the ability to rent a bike and ride on the trail. Lastly, the Key Bridge is easily accessible to be able to cross over the river and walk or bike into Virginia.

Now that there are multiple places that can be visited off campus, there should be no problems when school starts to slow down and there are little to no activities to do. When trying to think of places to go which would be the most fun, use this guide to find the right place for you and your friends to visit and enjoy the day.