Staying On Track Off Campus

What to do with idle hands

By: Jennifer Rubino

Posted: 2/2/10

A major component of college is learning time management. Balancing work, school, and friends can be a challenge. But how do students fill their free time? Some may party while other choose to get involved in events, but this part of time management may be the most crucial. Free time requires the most planning, because otherwise, students are left with nothing to do.

Kean University is mostly a commuter school, meaning most students spend the majority of their free time off campus. Some free time could be spent here at Kean, since there are clubs to join, friends to see, and events to attend. But the rest of the free time will be spent at home, watching television, listening to music, and chatting with friends.

Although studying is not something we want to do on our free time, it is important to do well on tests and quizzes. Many professors only give students a limited number of tests and quiz grades, so each and every grade counts. Reading is another way to pass the time. Whether it is for a class or pleasure, it can help the seconds, minutes, and even hours pass before your eyes.

Reading The Cougar's Byte is a great way to spend free time because it helps students plan ahead by informing them about events on campus. It also informs the community about events taking place at Kean and the outstanding students that attend.

Going online is a popular way to pass the time, but is usually not the most productive because of the tendency to get lost in cyberspace. But going online can be useful if the time spent on the net is kept to a minimum. The internet is full of knowledge, just be careful about the source.

A resourceful way to spend free time is to work on a professional portfolio. This will be useful when it comes to graduating and looking for a career. Displaying any work related to a chosen field is as fun as scrapbooking. Arts and crafts are also a way to spend time. Certain activities have no age limit, for example, video games.

Cleaning is a healthy and responsible way to spend free time. Appearances are important, so make sure your environment look its best. Also, with the flu and cold season, it is crucial to disinfect surfaces. Organization is a priority for students that want to be prepared.

What is the hardest way to spend free time? As unusual as it may sound, relaxing can be very difficult for some people. Yoga and meditation are healthy ways to unwind. Bathing is another way to pass the time while letting go of the stress. Take the time to do a crossword puzzle or read a magazine and enjoy a day at a homemade spa.

Hobbies are another way to spend the time. Whether it be dancing, baking, or singing, these skills can be improved upon even if they are never used to earn a living. They make life a whole lot more enjoyable nonetheless.

There are some things we should all try to avoid during free time. Anything that has unhealthy consequences should only be done in moderation such as snacking and partying. By making the best of free time, there will be a lot of rewards to look forward to in the future.