The Wake

Where’s the party? Apparently, not on campus during break. During last year’s intersession, Stub and Herb’s atmosphere was much different than a typical Friday or Saturday during the fall and spring semesters. Two winters ago, my group of friends and I hit up Stub’s for a monumental 21st birthday extravaganza. While we made it a good time, there was a clear shift in the age and attitudes of other patrons. The following winter break, the same scene: adults in their late-20s and men over 40; much less binge drinking and more sports fans. Stub’s is always a great place to catch the game, but there’s typically less interest in the television on the weekends when the college student is on the prowl.

If the holidays didn’t have a depressing tone to them already – visiting with the olds who discuss their hearing problems in detail – try hanging out on a rather empty campus. Sliding on icy patches of sidewalk in the somber, chilly air is solitary, but allows time for reflection. How bad did I do on my finals? Will my financial aid be extended into the spring? Why did all the hotties go home for break? It’s enough to make anyone want to drink.

Hanging out on campus during break allows plenty of time for social activities, although the crowd is severely limited. How about visiting museums, organizing your desk drawer or getting a head start on reading your texts for next semester? Loads of fun. Don’t get hurt jumping up and down at the idea. But if you’re not an introvert, too much time alone is more than boring, it’s lonely. Don’t get me wrong, the month off from school is a relief from homework and tests. It’s a great time to get together with old friends, but not always the best time to make new ones.

Bars on campus do have an advantage for those who like their parties toned-down – they’re the place to be when going out with high school friends you really want to reconnect with. Going out at night on campus complements the slow-paced daily life of the winter breaker that school days don’t permit.

The biggest pitfall is falling into a slump, where returning to school seems impossible as visiting happy hours each night was the highlight of the day. The freedom will soon vanish and the rigorously scheduled life will be back. If you’re not working, start - or you may lose yourself to the inevitable laziness that’ll consume you. Or consider taking a trip with family or through global campus for next winter break so boredom doesn’t get penciled in as your routine for January.