For many people, reading week is a time of travel. They rub together whatever pennies they’ve managed to hold onto and head to wherever it’s warm.
Canadians look to warmer pastures during this time of year; we’re all pretty much tired of the cold and snow. I will be braving colder weather and flying out to the east coast to see some friends — but I personally do not mind the cold weather. So what will others do? For those that can’t afford to hop on a plane, here are just a few ideas of what to do over reading week if you’re going to be stuck at home.
Stick close to home
Head home and finally have a home cooked meal. Take advantage of being in a house with water pressure and live off your parents’ dime. Even if they get on your nerves, remember that this week is when they get to see you for once, spend at least a little time with them.
“My mom is Filipino, so there will be a noodle overload; she only makes the special noodles when I come home”, said Sarah Konadu-Trance, a third-year religion and culture student at Laurier. “So I’m looking forward to that.”
Work on a project
Take your mind off midterms and papers and work on something for you. Building and creating crafts will help take your mind off of schoolwork and get your old juices flowing. It can be relaxing or challenging, but either way it’s working your brain in a different way and that’s so important.
See friends from home
You know? The ones that you see on Facebook but never talk to? Make time for them, even if it’s just coffee.
You’ll either rekindle old friendships or realize how much cooler your friends at Laurier are. “All my friends are coming home, and I haven’t seen them in a while”, said Laura Fast, a third-year business student at Laurier. “I don’t know what we’re going to do yet, but we’ll make sure to see each other.”
Do nothing
It’s your week off! Sleep in, stay in your PJs, pop in a movie and order a pizza. Don’t stress and don’t leave the house. “I’m finally going to take a nap,” said Christina Shirley, a second-year English student at WLU. “You lose out on so much sleep when you’re at school.”
Get active!
You can strap on your dusty skis and hit the slopes. In honour of the Olympics, get moving. We’ve had so much snow that there is no excuse for not shredding some fresh powder. Try skating, or snowboarding — even snowshoeing can be fun and can get you out into nature.
Do some work
Take time to get ahead on projects that need to be done when you get back. Put the read in reading week and try a little bit of homework. I’m going to be catching up on a lot of reading,” continued Shirley. “There’s not enough time when I have class, and it’s hard.”
