If you’re staying on campus over Thanksgiving break, you might have some concerns. Will you have enough to do? Will there be people left, or will everyone evaporate into the thin, frosty air on Wednesday morning, leaving you behind to count the concrete tiles in your dorm room?

Don’t be pulled into boredom. Here are some ways to make this holiday break both relaxing and inspirational.

1. Socialize

It’s safe to say that you will not be the only one on campus. This will not be the college campus version of The Shining. There are “others” out there, you just have to go out and find them.

Grab some buddies and have a movie marathon. If you’re not into that, get together and play some fun games like Cards Against Humanity or a wholesome, old-fashioned round of Charades. Or brave the cold and gather a team for a game of football. Just know if you’re feeling alone, there are people on campus who are more than willing to hang with you.

2. Get out and explore

Not having many things to do on campus is a great motivator to go see what’s out there in the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area.

If you don’t have a car on campus, take advantage of the area’s bus system. There are bus schedules available at the front desk in the Student Center, and bus fare is exceptionally low.

Travel to downtown Ann Arbor and check out their many quirky independent bookstores. This is the opportune time to catch up on reading for pleasure, so splurge a little on a couple of novels you’ve been wanting to read while sipping on a delicious, warm beverage at one of Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti’s cute and comfy cafes.

Popular websites such as Buzzfeed.com always have lists of great reading recommendations for any mood.

3. Catch up on a creative project

Now is the moment to write your Great American Novel. Or maybe this is your chance to learn how to French braid your hair, or write angry, brilliant poetry about how the red-blooded capitalists are ruining this precious holiday by opening stores on Thanksgiving day instead of waiting until Black Friday.

Be really daring by going to the mall and observing the inevitable chaos that will erupt on Friday and write it all down in your journal, or sketch the frenzied citizens fighting over sales. You never know what brilliant ideas you have inside of you. Sometimes you just need to get out of your comfort zone for them to be realized.

4. Put a little love in your heart

A great way to relieve yourself of potential boredom is to help others. Ask around for ways you can volunteer this free time to help those in need. There are several churches close to Eastern’s campus that are sure to have some kind of events for the community on Turkey day. Ypsilanti’s Meals on Wheels is having a meal delivery on Thanksgiving Day. You can contact them at 734-487-9669 or email at info@ymow.org for more information.

Volunteering also provides the chance to meet people from all walks of life and experiences. However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you do decide to volunteer, don’t do it with a martyr’s attitude. Be genuine and go out of your way to make people feel warm and welcome because, when it comes down to it we’re all just one huge family.

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