Socially Distant Weekend Activities In ‘Cuse

Because like...R.I.P. elevated surfaces.

by CHLOE HECHTER ★ SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

In an overwhelming haze of antibacterial soap, sanitizer, and social distancing, we survived five months of Netflix comas, TikTok dances, and our Mom’s chicken maybe four nights a week—and somehow managed to make it back to the 3-1-5. Seeing our best friends and being able to order Varsity at 2 a.m. again is obviously the dream, but let’s be real; where blood runs orange, it runs wild. Without the opportunity to live up to our #1 Party School title, frat basement-less Friday nights and tailgate-less Saturday mornings might leave us wondering how we can safely hang out with our friends and still have fun. Here are a few activities both on and off campus that will keep you *almost* as entertained as a theme party at Sigma Apple Pie. 

Green Lakes State Park

Only a 20 minute ride from main campus, Green Lakes State Park has hiking trails, a beach for tanning, and the scenery makes for the perfect photo-op (masked, of course). Bring a towel and a bathing suit if you want to swim in a lake so blue it almost looks fake, a picnic basket full of your favorite snacks, and if you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to wear sneakers you can explore the trails in. The view at the lake is literally breathtaking, and since there’s enough room for social distancing, you can bring the whole crew—trust me, it’s a lot prettier than a *darty.* What could be better than a beach day after a stressful week of classes?!

Credit: Facebook (Green Lakes State Park)

Get Ice Cream At Big Dip...Because You Deserve It

Big Dip Ice Cream in North Syracuse is the Insta-worthy dessert spot that will curb your cravings and make for a much needed trip off campus. Big Dip is a cute little shoppe that looks like it’s straight out of a Netflix movie, and if that hasn’t sold you, they have a huge variety of cones, sundaes, milkshakes, flurries, slushies...and of course, gluten and dairy free options, thank god. Ice cream is the ultimate reward for surviving those first few stressful weeks back to school, and dining hall ice cream doesn’t hold a candle to the real thing. It’s time to treat yourself to a Grasshopper sundae with extra sprinkles; I swear, ice cream and happiness are directly linked.

Credit: Pinterest

Outdoor Work-Outs

The freshman 15 has nothing on college kids who actually have the time to workout...right? Going on a run around campus will not only help you to look and feel incredible, but it will also give you the opportunity to explore parts of campus you might not see during your regular class days. You can run by yourself or with friends, and exercising totally gives you the excuse to buy cute workout outfits, because no workout is complete without the quintessential legging-sports bra combo. If you’re like me and you can’t run more than five feet without passing out, you can also grab a friend, go to the quad or any big field on campus, and do yoga or your all-too-familiar Youtube workout that you probably have memorized since the q. If you close your eyes, it’s your own personal outdoor SoulCycle. Working out outdoors and with friends is a great way to pass time, and it definitely makes up for the fact that Kimmel is a meal swipe now—like, okay, that’s dangerous. 

Credit: Pinterest

Pick Up A New Hobby or Join a Student Org

Okay, I’m about to sound like your mother, but it’s true: there’s SO much to do here on campus, even if a lot of clubs are meeting virtually this semester. Joining clubs and student orgs is the best way to make friends with common interests, and there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a freshman itching to find your people or an upperclassman looking for a new outlet, this is the best time to fill your schedule with activities and hobbies you may not have explored before. Most student orgs at Syracuse are active on social media and incredibly welcoming, so make sure to follow and get involved if you’re interested in a cappella, business, writing, photography...click here for the full list! When I tell you there are over 500 ways to get involved, I’m not kidding.

Credit: Pinterest (Polaroid Originals)

Picnics With Friends

If your dorm grocery shopping list is in need of a glow-up, check out my article on dorm life which includes some fun recipe suggestions! Then grab a blanket, a speaker to blast W.A.P. (or maybe anything else ever would be more appropriate) and soak up the last few weeks of sun before Syracuse winter hits by enjoying a picnic with your friends. It’s the best way to get outside, socialize, and even finish work in a sunnier environment. SU has made social distancing outdoors accessible by drawing out circles that serve as “pods” for you and your friends, so get your favorite snacks ready and head outside!

Credit: vsco.co

Without our usual weekend routine, we may feel lost at first, but being able to appreciate just being around our friends and peers is so important—now more than ever. Social engagement looks a little different for sure, but being around others is not only beneficial for your mental health, but definitely a lot more fun than watching Love Is Blind for the sixth time (which I totally didn’t do, shut up). So strap on your frat shoes and take them hiking—they’re already muddy anyway.

Cover photo credit: Pinterest (Ana Hernandez)