College is said to be “the best four years of your life.” Whether this saying speaks to you or makes you laugh in response, the four years you spend in college will allow you to expand your knowledge, your opportunities, and your state of mind. It’s important to find the balance between responsibilities and college freedom, especially when college is a major overload of responsibility, freedom, and choices, all in one major whiplash. How can students deal with these whiplashes? Well, a great option that most busy bees forget is spending time alone.

PsychologyToday hashes out exactly why spending time alone is beneficial to your health. Rebooting your brain and unwinding enables you to revitalize your mind and body at the same time. Spending time alone also allows you to improve concentration, increase productivity, and think deeply about the events going on in your life. Why are these things important? They give you an opportunity to discover yourself outside of the distractions of other people. In doing so, you can have a better understanding of yourself and the people around you, enhancing the relationships you already have.

Pace University students express how easy it is to be involved in the city, there is almost always something to do in the city, many of which are great opportunities to share with friends. To stick to the spirit of spending some crucial “alone time,” here are a few hot spots to relax and get to know yourself for a change.

1. Parks

For one of the most popular concrete jungles, New York has some amazing parks. Closest to the University is City Hall Park. A gorgeous fountain catches the light of the afternoon sun at the center of a safe and clean little spot of nature. It’s a great place to read a book, get some fresh air, or a simple walk, especially if you need to get out of claustrophobic dorm rooms.

2. Museums

Personally, I find it hard to go to museums with other people. It’s really complicated to figure out everyone’s interests and plan the best way to go about satisfying all of them. Museums in New York City are diverse in what they explore, from the Museum of Sex to the Museum of Ice Cream, you’ll find something that suits your fancy. I suggest the MoMa, which has free admission on Fridays (because college student equals broke student)!

3. Seaport

Close to home, the docks offer a peaceful experience to anyone looking to spend some time alone. Dyson College freshman Olivia Hanewald states, “Seaport is a great place to feel calm, especially with dealing with college, which is obviously stressful. The water, and the great view of the Brooklyn Bridge is a way I deal with all of it.” Take her word for it, especially all the freshman who may be new to stressful experiences college may surprise you with.

4. Coffee Shops

For all of you inspired artists, writers, or dedicated students, coffee shops are the perfect place to spend a day and hash out some work. Nothing is more therapeutic than spending an afternoon in the wafting smell of coffee and in the bars of free Wi-Fi. I challenge you to go on an uptown train, pick a random train stop and find a coffee shop to spend the morning in. Not only will it tap into your sense of adventure, but it may help you find your next go-to spot, because even Starbucks is over-rated.

5. Shopping

You 55here about the crazy Target runs with your go-to group of friends, but spending a paycheck shopping by yourself is even better. You won’t have to worry about waiting in stores you don’t want to go to, and you can be practical with what you really want to buy. Shopping by yourself is more productive than staying inside watching Netflix. Go out and do something!

Don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Without alone time, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with responsibility and adulthood. You never make good decisions with a clouded mind, so be sure to use one or more of these locations to clear the air before finals, which is coming faster than ever, if you weren’t already stressed about them.