Freezing weather, finals, and nothing but boredom. What is a college student supposed to do for fun while on a budget? As a college student, I don't have a lot of time, or money, to get out and about this winter. I tend to be a child at heart, so here is a list of nine easy, cheap, and childish things to do this winter while dodging homework and saving your wallet.
1. Ice Skating
Chances are there is some sort of ice skating rink near you, and ice skating is a great way to get outside and enjoy the weather! Even if you're crashing to the ice and bruising your bum, great memories will be made. So grab some friends (or force people to come) and go have fun!
2. Start a Snowball Fight
College students generally tend to avoid contact in the winter. It is too cold, we have no patience, and hibernation sounds like a better option. However, a snowball fight, although childish, allows some human interaction, releases one's anger, and gives you the chance to get outside and give other people a chance to interact and make friends. Snowball fights are a great way to have some winter fun!
3. Go Sledding
At my college, Drake University, we have a tradition of sledding down a hill on campus while riding on a dining hall tray. Whether you have a sled or a lunch tray, sledding is a great way to get outside and make some winter memories!
4. Visit a Coffee Shop
Coffee is a college students greatest ally. So, when winter hits with full force, grab a group of friends, jump in a car or on the bus, and visit a local coffee shop. This allows you to expand your horizons, get some warm beverages, and get away from campus and a stuffy dorm room.
5. Build a Family of Snowmen
Snowmen are immensely fun to construct. When your college campus receives the first major snow, get outside and build an entire family of snowmen. You would need to grab a group of friends, some old clothing, and get to molding! This will light up student campus mood and might even turn into snowball fight number two!
6. Bake Christmas Cookies
Christmas and sweets are some of the best things created. College usually doesn't have a lot cookies, especially of the Christmas variety. Go to the store, grab a $5 package of cookies, pop them into the dorm oven, and enjoy! Cookies will brighten your day, get you into the Christmas spirit, and help ease your sweet tooth.
7. Build a Fort
Forts are the best. Grab your friends, a ton of blankets and pillows, and get to building! A fort will give you a place to hang out, kill some time, distract you from studying, and boost morale. Plus, forts are a great way to spice up a dorm room!
8. Have a Hot Cocoa Party
Hot chocolate, whether it is peppermint or regular, is a great winter drink. Over a weekend, make a huge amount of cocoa and hand it out to people in your residence hall. You can make friends, hang out with your current friends, and drink a blissful, chocolatey drink.
9. Binge Watch Netflix
If all else fails, or you don't have any friends (joking), watch classic Christmas movies, watch your favorite childhood films, or have a Netflix show marathon. Netflix is a great way to battle boredom, waste your weekend, or just have a lazy day.
Winter is a rough time for any college student. However, with a little research, there are plenty of cheap and fun activities to experience throughout the winter!