Beep. Beep. Beep. The alarm blares for morning class. You open your eyes and roll over, only to see that it is still dark and gloomy outside.
That couldn’t have been your alarm then, it must still be too early in the morning. Unfortunately, it was. Daylight savings and countless rainy days are ahead for the rest of the semester.
As the calendar turns over into November, the chances of rain and even snow increase. This means darker skies and cloudy days without sunshine to put you in a dreary mood.
Though, rainy days have the potential to be the perfect setting for a day dedicated to dilly dallying, in a productive way of course!
For those who find themselves wanting to take the rain as an opportunity to explore new activities off of campus, here are some nearby spots to bring the spark back into a drizzly day!
Hands On Pottery
Just under a mile away from campus Hands On Pottery is the perfect place to brighten up a gloomy day, literally! With a huge selection of ceramics and colors to choose from, Stags can scratch their creative itch by painting a masterpiece of their own! From soup bowls to Stegosauruses, the options are almost limitless. After baking for five to seven days, the creations will be ready to take home and show off!
Mind Factory Escape Games
For those who wish to put their mind to the test even when outside of class, a short eight minute drive from campus can send students into brain scattering puzzles at Mind Factory Escape Games. Joining the Mind Factory agency, help to solve the mysteries of a biohazard ridden factory or save the world from an evil alien entity. The perfect escape from the water logged streets, accept a mission and be transported into a fantastical world!
Golf Lounge 18
Who doesn’t love a good breakfast sandwich on a rainy day, especially when they are served 24/7? With a side of physical activity, Fairfield’s Golf Lounge 18 is a ten minute ride from campus. From lessons to meals to a full four hours of bay rental time, this is the perfect spot for those who wish to hit the green during the off season!
Westport Bookshop
If painting, escaping from corrupt scientists or golfing isn’t the most ideal way to spend your rainy day, why not curl up with a good book? With numerous small bookstores surrounding campus Westport Bookshop has it all! From beautiful waterside views, coffee shops around every corner and a beautifully diverse selection of novels, this bookstore is the perfect place to hide out from the thunder and rain! A 20 minute drive from campus, it is a great way to escape campus for a daytrip!
If being indoors is more appealing, there are still plenty of activities to do while hiding out in your dorm!
Baking
As the Halloween season comes to a close, there are still some delicious and decant pastries that can be made from the comforts of home when wanting to get a taste of the fall season. A staple of the fall season, Pillsbury Sugar cookies can sweeten up any gloomy day. With a fun twist, Mini Pillsbury Cookie Cheesecakes can be the perfect pairing to a fun fall movie while spending a night escaping the rain. The ingredients include, 1 (9-oz.) pkg. Pillsbury Pumpkin Shape Cookie Dough (20 pre-cut cookies), 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup (100 g.) granulated sugar, 1 large egg room temperature, 1/3 cup sour cream room temperature, 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract, 1 1/4 cups cold heavy cream and 1/4 cup (30 g.) confectioners’ sugar.
For a simpler recipe, Apple Cider Cookies are an incredible fall time treat! This recipe calls for, 1 cup apple cider, 2 cups (240 g.) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg, 3/4 cup (160 g.) packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter melted, 1/2 cup (100 g.) granulated sugar and 1 large egg.
With the leftover cinnamon sugar, apple cider and pumpkin spice, a fun coffee can even be made to go with the sweet treats!
Crafting
A D.I.Y (Do It Yourself) night can be an incredible way to relax at home during a stormy night. Making friendship bracelets can be a fun way to bond with roommates. For those who enjoy reading, creating your own bookmarks can be a great way to pass the time. Adult coloring books can be a good way to chill out while also being creative, especially during the midst of a busy semester.
Video & Board Game Tournaments
Who doesn’t love a little competition? If the weather is too dreary to enjoy the outdoors, having a video game tournament with your friends can be an incredible way to let off some steam! Just Dance is a classic and a great way to get your body moving without having to trek to the gym in the rain. Mario Kart or even Mario Party can be great ways to compete amongst your roommates while still keeping things friendly-ish. If you are more old school, breaking out a board game like Monopoly can keep you and your friend invested for hours! A deck of cards can even help pass the time with games like Peanut Butter and Speed.
Spa Nights
For those who prefer a chill night in, especially as the weather becomes less ideal, there are many ways to treat yourself while still in your dorm! Doing skincare or facemasks can help you feel rejuvenated and refreshed. Painting your nails could be a fun way to pass the time while experimenting with fun colors.
While the rain may put a damper on your mood, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy your day by trying out new activities or going on some indoor adventures!
