Nine things to do between classes.

Sometimes you have a gap in your schedule that is awkwardly hard to fill, here are some ideas to get you off buzzfeed quizzes and feel more productive.

1. Homework

This is the most obvious one, everyone says it. Doing homework between classes frees up more time after classes and on the weekends to do more personal activities- say toads or a 24-hour-diner. I know you don’t need anyone to tell you homework is a good use of your time, but better safe than sorry. So if someone has been living under a rock their entire college career this one is for you.

2. Go for a hike

Another obvious but important one. Sleeping Giant State Park is literally right across the street. I don’t mean ‘literally’ as a teen girl might use it (which I often use, example: I literally threw hands, by which I’d actually mean I was brushed against in the caf and I timidly said ‘sorry’) but rather you walk across the street and BOOM it's there. The Sleeping Giant (or for non-Quinnipiac students any hiking by your campus) is ripe with surprises. Many previous creative college students have made forts and hid secrets off the beaten path, you never know what you may find. Anything from a half hour walk to a two-hour adventure sesh can clean your mind and challenge you (at least a little bit) physically. Seriously 10/10 recommend.

3. Get a hobby

Saying this may sound preachy but honestly, it’s worth it. Knitting can lead to scarves, scrapbooking and documented memories, you can keep for the rest of your life. You take out of it what you put in. So hobbies are impressive, like learning to juggle, and some are just fun, like Photoshop (have you ever Photoshopped in an altered state of mind? If no learn to Photoshop and then do it. You will be surprised and amused on where your brain might go).

4. Practice your stand up routine

Or something along those lines. I know you’re an accounting major and it actually is your deep desire to stare at your computer for 10 hours a day for the rest of your life, but I also know you have a fantasy that you know is incredibly unrealistic. It could be a rock star, a comedian, or a reality TV star for that canceled MTV show, but just try it out a little bit. Just dip a toe into it. You never know when an opportunity to exhibit your skills may arise. It also may never arise. But better safe than sorry.

5. Make a new friend

Making friends is hard. Really hard. I know I can trace back all my current friend who I’ve met through a friend back to my current roommate. But making new friends and meeting new people is totally worth it. Just talk to a stranger in the pancake line, or someone sunbathing on the quad (if they are sunbathing on the quad in February they might be mildly psycho, but those make the best friends). Start with small talk and see if the conversation goes anywhere- it may not- and see if you want to get their contact info to continue this beautiful new friendship.

6. Write a short story

You have your own fantasies that you could live out on paper. Or scenarios that you are just curious how they’d play out. Or just a weird-ass idea that won't get out of your head unless you write it out (see Hasley's song Control for a darker version). You can even get a creative writing prompt online. It's another one of those things that it's just fun to see where your mind takes you. And it clears your mind. AND it helps improve your skill. Win. Win. Win.

7. Explore off-campus

It's so easy to spend all your time on campus. Especially as a freshman without a car. Campus has food, education, and beds. What more do you need? Sometimes the only time you go off campus is the weekends. Getting off campus on a weekday can be exciting, the popular stores are empty, there will be no line at your favorite diner, and walking around can reveal hidden gems. Go with friends or go alone, either way, go!

8. Join a Club

Not all clubs meet at 9:15 and beyond, some meet during the day and some don’t meet at all and you can just submit work. Either way, this is a good way to make friends AND expand your resume. Everyone stresses how important clubs are so I might as well hop on the bandwagon, but you should know the spiel.

9. Pamper yourself

I don’t care what gender you are, self-love is important. Facemasks are awesome, taking an exfoliating shower is refreshing, and naps are the absolute best! Honestly just yes. You can make it last 20 minutes to all day and you deserve it. Treat yo self!