It’s that time of year again – reading days! That’s right, it’s time to hunker down, crack open the books, and study for all those well-timed midterms.
Just kidding, it’s fall break. While the days are set aside for studying, they’re spent doing just about anything but. Chances are, if you live within a few hours of school, you’re spending fall break at home with your family. And whether it’s your first or last fall break, there’s bound to be both questions about what you’re going to do with your time, and conflict with your family about how you’re spending your time back at school. Instead of focusing on your studies or being grilled about your life at college, here are some alternative ways to spend your time at home.
1. Take a day trip to the nearest city
Whether you’re near DC, Richmond, or any other city in the country, nothing will get your mind off everything else like the hustle and bustle of city life. All cities are different and have many different options about how to spend your time, but take a day to lose yourself and go do something in the city.
2. Go see a play
No matter where you are, chances are there’s some sort of theatre scene, whether it be amatuer, students, or professional. There’s nothing quite like going to see a play and immersing yourself in the story. Go out and support the arts and enjoy a play. If you’re staying in Charlottesville, the Drama Department’s Pussy Riot is playing September 28-30 and October 4, 5, and 7.
3. Take your dog to a dog park
What’s better than one dog? Many dogs. If you’ve got a dog and have access to a dog park, go. Let your dog run wild and free with the other puppers. You’ll get to watch and play with so many dogs, it’s like heaven. Plus, dogs relieve stress, so a dog park full of them is guaranteed to get rid of all of your stress for the rest of the year.
4. Go shopping to fill the void
Nothing will solve your insecurities and stress like material goods. There’s bound to be some sort of mall or shopping center where you live, so take an hour or two to just go and browse, even if you don’t end up buying anything. But if you see something that catches your eye, go ahead and splurge. Midterms are coming up, and you deserve it. Treat yo self.
5. Halloween Haunt at Kings Dominion
Yes, we’re getting to that Spooky time of year. Spend the day having a blast on roller coasters, and spend the night getting spooked by the zombies, demons, and clowns that roam the park. A suggestion for even more fun: bring your skittish family members. Their reactions will make the night even more worthwhile.
6. Text your siblings while they’re at school and you’re not
Your younger siblings get off all the holidays that you don’t (Labor Day, Columbus Day, etc.), but this time it’s you that has the edge. While they’re suffering at school on Monday and Tuesday, send them Snapchats and texts of you blatantly not at school and enjoying yourself. They’ll love you for it.
7. Have family movie night
You’ve got Netflix, might as well use it. It will take your family approximately twenty years to agree on a movie you all want to watch, but once you’ve got the popcorn, snuggle in under the blankets and sit back and enjoy the film. For some real nostalgia, pick an old family favorite, and revel in the laughter and memories.
8. Have a family dinner
Be honest with yourself – when was the last time you had a well-cooked meal? Take this opportunity to have a meal with your family. Eat some well-balanced food that’s cooked from the heart and not from the dining hall or takeout. Not only will your body thank you, but you can spend some meaningful time with your family, if that’s what you do desire.
Happy reading days! Enjoy your time off before you’re inevitably sucked back into the world of papers and midterms again.
