homefoodsafetyORGThe spring weather is finally upon us! This past weekend, the temperatures were in the 50’s and 60’s and you know what that means! Spring has finally sprung and it is time for you to get your butt out of your dorm room and outside for some fair weather fun.
However, you may be thinking, “Well, Lauren, what can I even do around campus outside?” Do not worry, because I have some great ideas for you. And guess what? They are all (basically) free things for you to do. I know we are all broke college students, so I have got you covered on things you can do around campus for little no money.

Picnic Time!
When is the last time you have had a picnic? Saint Xavier has a few great places for you to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner outside with your friends.
Grab a blanket and some sandwiches from the diner and head over to Lake Marion, the quad, or even the library patio. Sit back, enjoy a nice lunch, and spend some quality time with your friends.
You may even want to grab some stale bread to throw to the ducks and those crazy geese. Interacting with the abundant amount of wildlife on campus will help you feel more at peace with nature.

Catch Up On Some Reading!
Every semester we are bombarded with textbooks upon textbooks to read and learn. However, with the weather being so nice, it may be a little more difficult to spend time studying inside. Keep in mind, it is okay for you to take some time for yourself!
I know I have a ton of books that I keep putting off to the side, because I just do not have the time to read them. However, with the weather being so nice, I am going to take a break from reading books for class and read an enjoyable piece of literature. One hour out of your day is not going to kill you. Grab a blanket and a good book and head outside to take some time for yourself.

commonsDOTwikimediaORGGet Active!
As soon as the weather gets nice, the first thing I notice people doing is grabbing their footballs, soccer balls, Frisbees, and hula hoops, heading to the quad and having fun with their friends. Don’t you think it is about time you hop on that trend? Of course you do.
Don’t have any sports equipment? The Shannon Center has got you covered. Take a walk over to their front desk and check out some equipment. Or maybe this will be your chance to meet some new friends.
If you see a group of students outside kicking a ball around, this is your opportunity to ask them if you can join in. You never know, you may meet your new best friend.

Just Get Outside!
Seriously, the weather is beautiful again. It has been a very long winter and you need to get outside and get some fresh air in your lungs. Even taking a walk around the surrounding neighborhoods is a great way to clear your mind. Finals will be coming up soon, so take this time to relax before the storm comes.
Whether you are eating, reading, playing, or just lying in the middle of the quad staring at the clouds, it is important for you to get outside. Not only can appreciating this great weather be fun, but it also can make you feel much better, especially if you are going through any tough times. The sun is your very own natural anti-depressant so take full advantage of it! Have fun and I will see you outside!

Lauren Dwyer
Features Editor