Sometimes building a proper schedule requires having lots of breaks, especially if you are a student trying to graduate as soon as possible. However, for some students, these breaks are annoying and useless. Many students living on campus nap during that time, but what if you are a commuter?
Some people would argue that going back home during long breaks to relax is a good idea, but usually it isn't. First, that would require much more money for gas if you are spending most of your time going back and forth between campus and home. Knowing that gas prices are getting higher, I would argue that staying on or around campus during breaks is ten times better. It is money-saving and more productive.
Instead of losing time on the road, you could use it to do many useful things such as getting a coffee, eating lunch, studying, reading, swimming or working out. Surprisingly, these are all things that you can do without driving!
Coffee
You'll find Starbucks in the Student Center and Eagles’ Grind at Eastern Eateries between Walton and Sellers Halls.
Food
If you are enrolled in a meal plan, then you have that option, but there are a couple of restaurants around campus. First of all, there is Chick-fil-A in McKenny Hall, and there is a Little Caesars pizza truck around Pray-Harrold most of the time. You can find a great cookies place near campus called Insomnia Cookies, and there's also a great Mexican restaurant called MAIZ.
Reading or studying
If you enjoy reading or need a quiet place to study, don't hesitate to visit Halle Library. There you can check out books, study quietly alone or study with a group. Alternatively, you can drink some coffee while studying in the Eastern Eateries. The Mark Jefferson Science Complex is also a pleasant place to study because it is quiet and pretty.
Swimming and working out
The REC/IM is a place on campus where you can work out your muscles. The swimming pool is huge. There you can strengthen your heart and practice swimming. Just check online to see if the team is using the pool before going.
So far, these are my favorite spots to spend time during my free time on campus. Whenever possible, I would recommend students do their homework on campus since it is usually easier to do it in an environment where they practice studying.
