Although I’ve had my fair share of day trips, some of my favorite moments at Hopkins revolve around simple, small things. Now that I’m a senior, I’ve had plenty of time to refine my list. So, here are a few pint-sized ways I like to have fun during the school year!
Hang out with friends
Recently, I finally made it over to the 32nd Street Farmers Market with my friend Jennifer. I’ve been wanting to go for a long time, and this time I actually woke up early so I could see what all the hype was about. Honestly? My expectations were exceeded! It was a five-minute walk from campus and bustling with activity. There were mountains of fresh produce, drinks, and baked goods. There were candles, essential oils, clothes, and soaps. There were so many stalls that we did two laps around the market just to take it all in. We ended up getting Mexican food, and I also got a massive candle that smells like cookies. Next time I go, I’m definitely gonna try some of the baked goods. Cookies and donuts are calling my name!
If I’m looking for some quiet time, the Catholic church near campus is my go-to spot. It’s especially fun to go with friends because then I get a good mix of relaxation and socialization. During this time, I like to let my mind wander and reflect on the things going on in my life. Afterward, I feel a lot calmer.
Studying with friends is another one of my go-to activities. That sounds a little contradictory but hear me out. When I’m with my friends, we like to talk. A lot. If we actually need to lock in, we’ll study a bunch, then stop to chat. When I’m with my friend Danny, we yap so much that we’ve started setting one-hour timers. During that hour, we’re silent. These are really fun because once our alarm goes off, we immediately start talking and laughing like crazy. So much so that we set another timer to get us to stop.
Get Cozy
Given that I like to study in bed, it should come as no surprise that creating a comfortable atmosphere is a lot of fun for me. I like to dim the lights, put on super baggy clothes, and do a face mask. I’ll also have a TV show or music running in the background, and sometimes I’ll make a quick run to Charles Street Market for some snacks. A quick lap around the block followed by burrito-ing under my warm blankets is the perfect cherry on top of a cozy night in.
Tiny Rewards
Tiny rewards might be my favorite of everything on this list. Usually, my prizes take the form of food. Sometimes, however, I’ll reward myself with an episode of whatever show I’m watching at the time. Right now, that’s “Desperate Housewives.”
If I don’t have much time, I’ll get food on campus. Sometimes it’s things I’ve had before (like the really good local ice cream – Taharka and Dolcezza). Other times, I try something new. Since being here, I’ve tried poke bowls, Reese’s Puffs cereal, soy milk, kimchi and so much more. Now that the Bloomberg Student Center is in full operation (and only a quick walk from my apartment), I’ve been going there as well.
If I’m not in a rush, I use Too Good To Go, an app that prevents food waste by offering discounts on leftover food at the end of the day. Back home in Texas, there aren’t many places nearby that use the app. Baltimore, however, has a ton of different spots. So far, I’ve gotten food from Pure Raw Juice, Charm City Cakes, Love, Puddin, Gorgeous Gourmet, and Ambassador Dining Room. These are really fun because you never know what you’re gonna get with each bag. It’s definitely a risk, but I was born in Vegas, so gambling is in my blood.
Between campus events, local offerings, and simple comforts, I’ve found that fun at Hopkins doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Whether it’s time with friends, a cozy study setup, or a bag of surprise food at the end of the day, these small moments are often the ones I enjoy most.
