My roommates and I decided that third year is the year we are really going to start doing things. So when we all got back together in August, we sat down and made a list of everything we want to accomplish before the end of the year - really important things that we have to do before we graduate. Naturally, not a single thing on the list has to do with academics.
Some of the things we listed are typical "100 things to do before you graduate items," such as eating a Gus Burger and taking a picture with the owner of White Spot, the latter which we checked off the list last weekend, by the way. Then there are others that are just bizarre and mostly stem from our desire to carry out a bunch of funny party theme ideas we have brainstormed.
As an all-girl apartment, we are determined to throw a party that is totally opposite from what might be considered themes typical of fraternity houses. This year, we will host our long talked about "Sweatpants and Turtlenecks Party." You must be comfy, you cannot look cute and the addition of Snuggies will be highly encouraged.
Among our other party goals this year, we want to host a sphere-themed dinner, a potluck meal where every dish has to be round - meatballs, matzo balls, oranges, cheese puffs. Basically if it has orb-like qualities, it will be consumed that night.
I love these wacky goals we have set for ourselves, but by far, my favorite things on the list are the activities that take advantage of those parts of Virginia outside the comforting confines of Grounds. With so much to do at the University, it is easy to forget about wonderful opportunities just down the road.
So this year, in addition to all of our goofy schemes, we also have plans to get out of town and see what the state of Virginia has to offer a college student with a map and a tight budget. And it turns out there's quite a lot.
Our list includes a lot of outdoor activities, and several weeks ago, we were finally able to check off the camping trip we wanted to take. There are numerous campgrounds close by Charlottesville, and we chose James River State Park. Our trip was sort of spur of the moment. We forgot a lot of crucial items such as flashlights - who knew the woods got so dark at night? But it was still the most fun I've had in a long time. We managed to leave Charlottesville for a mini-vacation, and when all was said and done, it only cost about $15 per person for the whole trip.
Our list also includes 'artsy' activities. This past weekend, I left Charlottesville again - this time to see the Richmond Symphony. It was a trip a little more than an hour away, and with the use of those all-powerful student IDs, we were able to get what would have normally been a very pricey seats for about $7.
There are so many things to do for fun here in Charlottesville that it is tempting to confine yourself to the radius of Grounds, but I think we miss out on a lot of great experiences when we do that. The adventures I have had during the last few weeks have convinced me to get out of town and try new things more often. Virginia is teeming with opportunities for the excited college student. You just have to go out and find them.
Katie's column runs Tuesdays. She can be reached at k.mcnally@cavalierdaily.com.
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