At some point in a student’s college career there is a good chance that their class schedule will include a break, maybe even two in between classes, which can range from one hour to multiple hours.

For students living off campus, breaks can be difficult—raising the question of whether to stay on campus or go home.

For many students like Levi Fink, junior in design, staying on campus is the most beneficial choice to make.

“I definitely get more work done on campus than if I go back to my apartment. If I have work to do, I stay on campus,” Fink said. “You can find quiet places on campus to work on homework and then you have access to printers as well.”

Lisa Stange, coordinator and lecturer for the Family and Consumer Science Program, advises students to stay on campus during any breaks as well.

Finding a favorite quiet place on campus to study and making it a routine is something she shares with incoming students, who she regularly meets with.

“Back when I was a student, I would sometimes go back to my dorm during my breaks and watch “Floppy,”” Stange said. “I look back now and just think that was stupid. Why did I do that?” 

Even when students stay on campus during the day, it’s oftentimes hard to still feel involved in the social aspect of college when living off campus.

However, there are club meetings at night geared toward allowing students to be able to stay involved and meet new people. George Micalone, director of student activities, suggests finding activities related to the student’s current interests.

“If a student is looking to gain leadership experience and participate in planning and in a sense, run organizations, then there are opportunities like that, they just need to look for them,” Micalone said.

Micalone adds that there are numerous activities allowing students to get involved and stay connected sponsored by the Student Union Board. The Maintenance Shop, the Bowling Alley and Cyclone Cinema are a few examples.

Although transportation is required to return to campus to attend these events, the events are cheaper alternatives to the usual nightlife featured off campus.

Micalone said that students should make it a point to make themselves available to the activities, even if it is something they are not familiar with.

If there is a day when students know a specific club meeting or activity is happening, they can plan their day around that event. Pack a snack and bring a little extra homework to fill the time gap.

If all of the student’s homework is completed, why make a trip back home to watch Netflix when there are ample internet resources and comfortable chairs around campus? Students can reward themselves with a little downtime and still make it to the meeting or activity.

“I always tell students, ‘If there’s an event and you’re available, check it out for five minutes. If you don’t like it, you can always leave,’” Micalone said.