The best ways to spend your gaps between classes on campus

Farewell boredom!

Do you feel unlucky to have those long useless gaps between classes?

Are you sick and tired of scrambling around the Washington Square Park and freezing because you can no longer afford warming your unfortunate self up with pumpkin spice lattes?

Kimmel’s Commuter lounge already drives you nuts?

You’ve come to the right place.

Here are five unconventional ways to spend your gaps on campus with pleasure and at no cost.

Hit the gym

If I had a rough day, a good Coles or Palladium workout during a class gap can always cheer me up and take my mind off of whatever stressed me out – even if it was the gap itself. I just grab my iPod, jump on a treadmill and run Forrest run! Nice side benefits of keeping myself in good shape include extra time listening to my favorite tunes, showing off my new Nikes and socializing with other fit and hot people in the gym. If that sounds good to you, try it out during your next gap!

Sit in a class you’re not enrolled in

The world is looking for well-rounded individuals, and majors are not an excuse. I totally recommend arming up with your planner and a pen, and digging into Albert course search to find cool lectures that fit your schedule. Use your by-chance spare time wisely to sneak into large Stern (don’t forget to wear a suit!) or Tisch (don’t forget to look excited or those kids will get you uncovered!) classes to gain some knowledge that you’ll never get from your department, and maybe you will end up choosing a minor or even switching majors – who knows? All I know is that sitting lectures is an educational and fun way not to freeze during your gaps as winter approaches.

Tip: you can even try to be a badass and get some sleep during those classes – you’re not graded, remember?

Buddy up with Weinstein or Goddard people

Those lucky few are unbelievably lucky to be living right on campus, so if you’re proud of your exceptional friend-making abilities, you should definitely try to convince them that you’re good company so you can have to their suites for an hour or two. Remember not to limit yourself to only one place to stay: don’t let your new friends wonder why their rooms are gradually filling up with your slippers and pajamas. Keep it balanced: have no shame in keeping a small pillow in your bag when you show up, but always stay extremely nice and not too obsessive.

Visit a classical music concert… for free… in Steinhardt practice rooms

If you have too much on your plate even without extra classes, it’s time to recharge your batteries: let the gaps become your relax time. I’d love to share with you my new discovery: Steinhardt Music Building at 35 W 4th Street. There you can find more than 30 practice rooms and 15 ensemble rooms where best music majors of NYU spend days and nights rehearsing for classes and concerts. Why not make it into an enjoyable experience and come listen… or even rock out yourself? Steinhardt is sweet enough to open the space  to non-majors, so feel free to bring your guitar, meet some music and have fun!

Tip: reserve a room in advance if you want to rehearse.

Get an on-campus job

While this doesn’t sound like the most entertaining time you might ever have, campus jobs don’t usually require too much work, but look good on your CV and your bank account. Don’t let the latter stop you from getting your favorite pumpkin spice.

Tip: A campus job will also save you from having to read articles titled “how to… at no cost” 

How do you like your gaps now?

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