It’s midterm season, and by now the novelty of moving in to college has worn off. Now that you’ve learned the ropes of UMD, it doesn’t seem as exciting anymore. Everyone has found their rhythm in their daily schedules, but no one likes a one-track life. For anyone looking to add an extra spark to their lives, read on for tips to keep UMD fun and exciting.
1. Take a New Route
If the same route each day starts feeling monotonous, try taking the road less traveled instead. Along the way you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful brick buildings of UMD and you might even see a black squirrel or two. Plan accordingly, though. When it’s a twenty-minute walk from North Campus to South Campus, you don’t have the time to run late.
2. Find Different Study Spots
Studying is always dull, but studying at the same time and place every day is even duller. Don’t underestimate the power of switching up your study locations. It shakes that feeling of routine. Skip the trip to McKeldin and find new spots to keep things interesting. Some of my favorites include the third level of Stamp, the second floor of the School of Public Health and the Clarice.
3. Switch Up Diners
Part of your boredom may come from you eating at the same dining hall for every meal. Each diner has a different layout and different menus according to the days of the week. South Campus Dining Hall has a wicked stir fry selection, 251 has the best tasting food and the Diner has the biggest selection. Pick your poison.
4. Dine Out on Route 1
If you’ve already exhausted the previous tip, take a break from your dining plan. Treat yourself to a Route 1 buffet. You’ll have to pay with actual dollars, but a personally cooked a meal breaks the pattern of campus food. I always find myself going back to Aroy Thai, Ledo and Noodles & Company.
5. Stay In
Even heading to the frats or standing in line at Bentley’s becomes a chore when it’s something you do every weekend. Don’t underestimate the power of a movie night, especially when UMD provides you with access to xfinity.com/stream. All you have to do is login with your UMD information. Take time to load and recharge before resuming your normal weekend plans.
6. Go Out
On the flipside, if you spend more time in your dorm than out, it’s time to hop on the green line and get a taste of UMD’s notorious party scene. You combat cabin fever and have something to look forward to during the week. Besides, getting dolled up for a night out is a special occasion if it’s not your usual weekend regimen. Just a tip: Friday nights are bar nights and Saturday nights are frat nights.
7. Check out Stamp
Believe it or not, sitting around your dorm is a major reason why college feels mundane. If you think there’s nothing to do, check out Stamp. There are always events going on like open mic nights, movie screenings or guest speakers. Every week has a different schedule which guarantees you something new to check out when you go.
8. Take a Class at Eppley
Whether going to the gym is your thing or not, you should really try taking a class at Eppley. There’s anything from yoga to Zumba. You don’t even need prior experience. In fact, going in blind is the best way to go. That way, you’ll do something you haven’t done before. A perfect solution to monotony.
9. Go on a Tour de Shuttle-UM
Sometimes you just can’t make the trek up Stamp hill. While the bus system is a great way to get around campus, it’s also a great way to explore the rest of College Park. I wouldn’t have known how to get to the Dunkin Donuts in Terrapin Row or Whole Foods without the buses. Just don’t forget to use the app NextBus to figure out bus routes and schedules.
10. Visit D.C.
Most people will make one trip at the beginning of the semester to D.C. and never go back. Big mistake. Even if you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t. There are enough museums, cafes and shops to go to every weekend of the school year. Lucky for you, UMD shuttles you right to the Metro. Take advantage of this opportunity if you need something to do.
