The spring semester has begun, and with it come new schedules, activities, and goals. Even with all our optimistic New Year’s resolutions, however, it can be easy to fall into the same tedious routines from previous semesters. Getting off campus every once in a while is a great way to break up those old patterns and renew the excitement about the new semester, and in Fairfield, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Try out a new restaurant or cafe: There are countless restaurants to choose from in Fairfield, but it’s easy to fall into routine with our favorites. If you’re looking for some change from your usual go-to places, spring semester is the perfect time to try something new. Whether it’s a grab-and-go cafe like Chef’s Table or Las Vetas Lounge or a sit-down restaurant like Malto or Sophie’s, just walking along Post Road offers plenty of options for an off-campus meal.
Picnic on the beach: When the weather starts to warm up again, the beach will once again be populated with Fairfield students, and for good reason. Going to the beach on one of the first warm days of spring with a coffee and a bagel in the morning is so peaceful, and watching all the people walking their dogs along the shore adds to the ambiance.
Go shopping in Westport: Just about a fifteen minute drive from Fairfield, Westport is a popular shopping destination. With stores like Anthropologie, Brandy Melville, and several cute little boutiques, it’s great for walking around and popping in and out of shops. There are also a bunch of great restaurants, so if you’re looking to spend a couple of hours here around lunchtime, there will be no shortage of places to eat.
Study in the bookstore: The DiMenna-Nyselius Library is great for when you need to focus on homework, but sometimes a change of scenery is needed. The Fairfield University Store in town offers a Starbucks complete with study spaces so that you can enjoy a coffee while getting some work done.
Volunteer: Fairfield provides many opportunities for students to volunteer off-campus. Campus Ministry often announces ways that students can get involved and give back to the community, like delivering food to Prospect House, stocking and organizing the Black Rock Food Pantry, or serving as a Big Brother or a Big Sister to young children. Not only does this give students the chance to take a break from the normal goings-on of campus life, but also to make a difference within the larger Fairfield community.
Puppy Yoga: Puppies & Yoga opened its location in Bridgeport back in August, offering yoga classes accompanied by adorable dogs of various breeds every weekend. For $69 a ticket, you get 45 minutes of yoga followed by 30 minutes of playtime with the puppies. If you’re feeling stressed about exams or need a break from studying, it’s hard to think of a better way to relax than puppy yoga.
Farmer’s market: The Fairfield farmer’s market offers fresh produce from local farms. Currently, the Winter Market is taking place from Sunday, December 7th until Sunday, March 22 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m at Penfield Pavilion.
Getting off campus isn’t the only way to add something new to your routine. Joining a new club, making a new friend in class, or even just switching up your study spots can bring fresh energy to daily schedules. To make the most of this semester, try switching things up!