The high temperatures and high spirits on campus since moving in this semester have made following the safety protocols for COVID-19 prevention easy and enjoyable for many students. As we adapt to this new way of learning and living at Wellesley, we will soon need to adapt to the cold weather of Massachusetts that comes with the second half of the fall semester. While we have found creative ways to visit each other and do activities outdoors, the cold weather coming poses more challenges for this kind of socializing. Below are some fun ways to stay active, safe, social and positive during the colder months at Wellesley.

Schedule That Dinner Date with Your Blockmates

The dining halls are now open for reservations. Schedule a fun dinner date with your blockmates. Dress up and make it an occasion. The plates and utensils might not be the classiest, but that does not mean your outfit cannot be! Enjoy the opportunities to bond with your block over meals. You can make these dining hall table reservations by following this URL https://www.wellesley.edu/reslife/diningreservations, and then clicking on the R&R system link.

Revisit the Trends of Quarantine from This Spring

Some of us might be used to quarantining in the colder months if you were sent back home to a cooler climate last March. These folks might remember quite vividly the trends that kept us going through the beginning of quarantine while having to stay inside. Some trends you may recall include the multitude of TikTok dances that continue to keep us entertained today, whipped coffee, Chloe Ting workouts, Zoom parties, interesting dating app conversations and many other activities.This winter, you could even start your own quarantine trend.

Study Dates in the Common Room

We are fortunate to have many beautiful areas to gather inside on campus safely. Take advantage of these spaces! If you have gotten used to doing work alone in your room, try making a point to study with some friends in the common spaces. There is a decent chance you might not be as productive, but at least you will have someone to share a study break with in between finishing that PSet or typing out that paper.

Learn How to Play the Piano

If you have not caught on yet, Wellesley has a piano in every dorm hall. While it certainly adds to the aesthetic of campus, they are not just for show. If you have little experience with music, ask a friend to teach you the basics. YouTube also has an abundance of tutorial videos that can help you learn those tunes that have been stuck in your head.

Take it Outdoors

Bundle up when the snow starts falling this winter and play outside. Try sledding down the hill by Sev Green, build snow people and snow sculptures around campus and enjoy the beauty of the campus dusted with snow. If you have the equipment, find some places on or off campus to go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Make a trip to a local grocery store to grab some hot cocoa to warm up with after a fun day in the cold!