While we’re already ten weeks into the spring semester, the spring season has just begun! There’s so much to do in Fairfield, especially as the weather gets warmer. Content Creator, Eli Rallo, produces lists with “rules” for different occasions, days of the week, and months of the year on TikTok. This inspired me to create a list of “rules” to make the most of your spring semester at Fairfield. Of course you don’t need to follow any or all of these rules to have a great semester, but it’s a reminder to take advantage of all our college beach town has to offer!
- Take a walk to the beach
We’re lucky enough to go to school within walking distance from both Penfield and Jennings Beach. If you’re a senior, you may even live on the beach, and if that’s the case you can walk outside your door and down Fairfield Beach Road. If you live on campus, I promise the walk to the beach isn’t as daunting as it may seem. It’s about a two mile walk, so make sure you allot about two hours total. If you’re not up for a four mile walk roundtrip, you can take the Stag Bus to town bringing you about halfway.
Since we’re talking about “rules”, here are mine for a perfect beach walk. In my opinion every activity requires a fun beverage. If you’re walking from campus, the Starbucks at the Fairfield U Store on Post Road is the perfect pit stop halfway to the beach. As soon as the weather’s above 60 degrees my coffee order turns into a strawberry acai refresher. If it’s lunchtime, Firehouse Deli is also along the way where you can pick up a sandwich to eat at the beach. I prefer to take my long walks with a friend to have someone to chat with. If you’re flying solo I recommend listening to a spring themed playlist to get the vibes up (queue “Fearless” by Taylor Swift) or a motivational podcast.
Even if you don’t walk all the way to the beach, I encourage you to take your movement outdoors as the weather warms up. Why walk on a treadmill at the crowded RecPlex when you can walk around the neighborhoods surrounding campus and see the beautiful homes?!
- Spend time soaking up the sun
On the few sunny, warmer days we’ve had this semester, people have started to migrate outside on campus. As these days become less rare, find “your spot” on campus. When it’s warm out you’ll want to bring your indoor activities, such as studying and relaxing, outside as much as possible. There’s plenty of green space in the quad and benches throughout campus for you to do so. Freshman year, I would lay out a towel on the grass outside my residence hall to do my homework in the sun. You can also eat outdoors at the tables outside The Stag or take out from the food trucks and have a picnic.
- Go shopping in town
I don’t know about anyone else but as the weather warms up I feel the urge to shop for a whole new spring/summer wardrobe. Even if you don’t want to spend money, you can window shop to get inspiration for trends for the upcoming season. I find in-person shopping more fun than online, and boutiques in town like Apricot Lane and Ciao Bella already have their new spring collections out.
- Watch a sunset
Now that it’s warmer it’s a great time to watch a beautiful sunset. Bonus points for a sunset at the beach which you could catch during your walk, but plan accordingly to get home safely after dark. One of my favorite spots to watch the sunset on campus is on top of the hill by Bellermine Hall, where you can even see the Long Island Sound. You could also incorporate a picnic into your sunset viewing; pizza from Colony Grill is a perfect picnic meal!
- Get a sweet treat
Warmer weather calls for a sweet treat! Luckily, we have plenty of options for sweet treats in town from cookies and cupcakes to ice cream. In the spirit of spring, I tend to prefer ice cream and my favorite local options are 16 Handles, Sunny Daes, or Dairy Queen for a classic Blizzard.
- Attend a happy hour
I love going to happy hour to celebrate a long week, especially in the warmer months. I recommend Sophie’s Pizza Bar, where you can grab a spritz and feel like you’re on vacation. If you’re not 21 you can still participate in the snacking of happy hour!! Sophie’s also offers deals on food during their happy hour. Happy hour is a mindset to get the vibes up for the rest of the evening, it doesn’t have to be a drinking event. You can also host your own happy hour and make cocktails or mocktails and a charcuterie board to celebrate the beginning of spring!
- Spring cleaning
My final “rule” for spring is to clean your space in some way. This could be something as simple as organizing a part of your room that tends to get messy. I like to do a closet cleanout during this time of year to make space for new clothes! Cleaning your space now will also make your life easier in two months when you have to move out, which sadly will be here before we know it. That’s why now’s the time to keep these “rules” in mind to make the most of your spring semester!
Happy spring!
