Reading break is here: it’s time to relax and recharge
Here are five activities to make the most of this time off from school
From attending an event and hanging out with friends to relaxing at home, there is something for everyone to do during reading break. (Pexels/Keira Burton)
It’s the spring semester for Kwantlen Polytechnic University and other post-secondary institutions, in which students both succeeding and struggling, have reached the annual reading break.
There’s always the option to use this week to catch up on homework and projects, which yours truly may or may not be doing at the moment. As nice as it is to have some time to make progress in courses, it would feel like a wasted chance to rest and enjoy some time off.
The spring semester is the only semester at KPU to have a reading break. It would be better if it’s used to enjoy some other activities besides scrambling for midterms and projects. Especially since the only other time university students have off is the few weeks between semesters switches and holiday weekends.
That being said, even though reading break is only one week long, here are five activities I recommend doing during this short time off.
Taking time to yourself
This is probably an obvious one, but you can never go wrong with having time away from people, especially for those who are either doing plenty of group work in courses or are introverted.
Whether it’s something simple like staying in bed all day scrolling through social media or something active like cooking, having a day or two off from life helps you recharge.
Hangout with friends
While this is likely something students do in-between classes on campus, be assured they can now catch up and do some activities together without the stress of courses.
Whether it be an all-night gaming session online or just going to the nearest ramen place, being able to chat and spend even a bit of free time with friends is always a pleasant experience.
This doesn’t have to just be friends from university either. You can try catching up with friends from other parts of life or even making new friends during the break.
Go to an event
With even a few days away from classes, there’s definitely some events people can attend during this brief time off.
For example, UBC Gaming Expo, hosted by the UBC Esports Association, is happening this Saturday at 12:00 pm in the University of British Columbia’s Great Hall. Attendees can explore various gaming communities, connect with those in the competitive video game scene, and watch some fun showcase matches. Tickets cost $16.50. I know a certain someone who’s been looking forward to attending that event for weeks and is happy to go there.
Try out a new hobby
Even though reading break is only a week off from worrying about assignments, there’s never a bad time to try learning a new hobby.
It could be learning to create that ice cream cake you had when you were younger or writing some fanfiction about your favourite characters. It can even be learning to play a video game competitively to prepare for tournaments. Better late than never to try something new.
Travel somewhere you’ve never been before
Whether it’s someplace close by like the coffee shop that recently opened in your area or going to downtown Vancouver to see the Waterfront area, reading break gives you an opportunity to do so.
There’s plenty of places in the Lower Mainland to explore on your own or with other people. As an idea, there’s an arcade at KPU’s Civic Plaza campus for students to drop by and check out.
