Long ago and far away, snow days meant playing outside until the snot froze under your nose, the only cure for which was a piping mug of hot chocolate and a nap. Turns out, snow days in college aren’t all that different. They’re much rarer, certainly—most students live on campus, so icy roads are a pretty poor excuse for missing class—but when they happen, they’re as frolicsome and silly as ever. Here are some ideas for how to make the very best of your day:
• Be a kid: Pull on your rain boots and gloves, grab some friends, and head out onto the campus green (or your school’s equivalent of a big outdoor playing space). Start a snowball fight, built a college-themed snowman, or, if you’re feeling ambitious, find a field to go sledding (cafeteria trays are perfect substitutes for sleds in a pinch).
• Bring out the camera: Snow makes for a beautiful photo spree backdrop, and college campuses are an especially gorgeous setting. Find some particularly lovely icicles, pose in front of your favorite tree, go on a scavenger hunt for the best snow people—it’s a great chance to feel artsy on your day off.
• Get some homework done: I know, this one’s a bit of a mood-killer, but a day off from class is a pretty ideal time to catch up on your work. The upside to doing homework on a snow day is that you can really enjoy it with friends; find some homework buddies, make snacks, put on a background movie, and pull out the books for a toasty warm day of studying and fun.
• Bake: If there’s a place on campus where you can use an oven, snowy days are the best when it comes to making cookies. It’s a great way to bond with friends, and professors love being bribed by homemade treats.
• Sleep: You may not have cookies or homework to show for your snow day efforts, but there’s something particularly wonderful about snuggling up under your covers when it’s icy cold outside.
• Movie or TV show marathon: Make a whole lot of food (popcorn and hot chocolate are pretty necessary) and round up your closest friends for a solid day of staring at a TV screen.
