The beginning of fall semester is often filled with excitement due to the thrill of returning to Berkeley life after a long summer break. It’s the time when we finally reunite with friends and begin new classes as the year is refreshed once again. With only a month-long oasis from campus, entering the second half of the year can feel dull. Going out of your way to seek new experiences can make your spring semester be just as fun, if not more, as the fall. In fact, my spring semesters of freshman and sophomore year have consistently been filled with more adventure than both of my fall semesters combined. So if you are looking to break out of your routine and go on some spontaneous excursions, this “How to” is for you!
Go to a concert
The four concerts I’ve been to at the Greek Theatre have been some of my most cherished memories I share with friends at UC Berkeley. There is nothing better than jamming out to live music, though tickets at the Greek can often be pricey. If you are on a budget, attend a band night put on by a student run club, such as Surfrider Foundation or Public School Records. Tickets are usually super cheap. Not to mention, you would be supporting small artists while a portion of the price goes to charitable endeavors. The band nights I have been to have often been an amazing experience and, while different than a concert, equally as fun and way easier on the wallet!
Get off Netflix and go to a real theater
Immerse yourself in the full theater experience with a movie at the Rialto Cinemas Elmwood. The Elmwood is an adorably small theater on College Avenue, which often screens smaller, independent films. ASUC SUPERB sometimes has partnerships with the cinema, in which students can get free advanced screenings of movies!
Have an epic glade day
With the emergence of spring semester often comes sunshine, green grass and flowering pink magnolias. There is nothing better to do on a hot day in Berkeley than laze around on Memorial Glade for hours. Bring friends, a speaker, snacks for a picnic, water colors, books or games — there are endless possibilities!
Take a trip to the top of the Campanile
This is a quick excursion that can add a little bit of inspiration to your day. One doesn’t often get to see the tops of century-old buildings and sprawling bay landscapes. My friends and I went during dead week last semester, and seeing Berkeley from above really puts things into perspective. Life is bigger than just the borders of Berkeley.
Make a library bucket list
Even if you are bogged down with work, it does not mean that you can’t switch up your routine. UC Berkeley has more than 20 libraries. How come you only ever go to Doe Library and Main Stacks? Make it your mission to check off an undiscovered library on your bucket list. There are new scenes to admire from historical paintings to intricate ceiling patterns. Exploring new libraries means keeping things exciting even when you are busy.
If you ever get stuck in a rut, it’s important not to stay in the same routine. So when you inevitably feel yourself slipping back into a spring semester lull, just consult this list to make the most of your time here at UC Berkeley.