As Kansas State makes the move to online-only courses for the foreseeable future and extends spring break to give faculty time to prepare new course schedules, students are left with a lot of extra free time. Here are a few tips to pass the time while you engage in social distancing.
Games
Games are a great option for anyone and they still allow some interaction with other humans. For those who are trapped inside with their roommates or family members, board games or card games are a great option. From Settlers of Catan to dominoes, the options are limitless.
While some may not enjoy board games or card games, maybe you can play video games. There is a plethora of options for online games. Not only can video games be a fun option, but they can also allow a connection to other people as well. Video games have advanced technology and allow you to speak to others which creates a closer connection to friends/loved ones you might be separated from.
Read
if games aren’t for you or you need a quieter option, grab a book and read! As students, most of the stuff we read is mandatory — and maybe a little dry. With this extra time, consider reading a new book.
If you are up to a challenge, maybe you should consider picking a series to read or re-read through. Some top options for series are Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia or maybe even Twilight.
If you don’t want to read a whole series, consider picking books from different genres. I loved “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison. The book takes place in the 1940s and covers the life of a girl from Ohio. The young girl has been deemed “ugly” by society and the story covers her struggles. I highly suggest it if you are searching for a good book.
If your local public library is closed because of COVID-19, several libraries have online reading programs. Manhattan Public Library offers a huge digital library and library card holders are able to download five free books a month through Hoopla.
Cook
Maybe you’re tired of games and you’ve read every book in your house. If that’s the case, considering teaching yourself to cook. Instead of braving the panic-shoppers swarming your local grocery store, try to make a meal from the random items you already have.
Check what is in your fridge or pantry, and grab some ingredients that could to pair well together. Make your own recipe and try to make a new meal. Maybe you end up making spaghetti tacos or a burger stacked with chips and a donut as the buns. Try something creative in the kitchen and see if it’s worth starting a cooking blog for.
During this time of uncertainty, it is best to stay positive and try something new.
Monica Diaz is the social media editor for the Collegian and a senior in mass communications. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and the persons interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian. Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com.
