How to Stay Sane in College

By: Tim Lynch
Posted In: Opinion

Let’s face it, we procrastinate. Yes, I am talking to you. Don’t deny it. It’s a way of life for us college students, and we stress ourselves out in doing so. Why not procrastinate productively, and use these hints as guidelines to successful, stress free procrastination.

Tick tock watch the clock:

Assignments and scheduling projects can be the worst. Budgeting is essential in order to optimize the use of your time. Issues such as getting assignments done on time, preferably during the next free time you get after that class, will relieve the stress and pressure of getting assignments done well. This method will give you free time for things you may enjoy. Keep your partying to a minimum though; where we all like to go out and have a good time, those times can be your treat to look forward to on the weekends if you get your work done. A good way to begin to budget yourself is to allot time for dinner at Miley, and then work around its hours of service. Budgeting time will reduce your stress by at least half, and you’ll have more free time than you’ll know what to do with.

Feel great and Meditate:

Maintaining good health not only keeps you feeling good, but is also a great outlet for relieving stress and anger. Take a trip down to Salve’s very own gym, which offers a variety of workout machines to give everyone something they’re interested in. Salve also offers a yoga class that you have to sign up for, but if you’re feeling flexible and the timing is right, sign yourself up! If you’re the shy type, and working out with students isn’t your thing, there is another gym here in Newport for you to try! Offering just as much as Salve’s gym; Sullivan’s Fitness Center also has vinyasa, heated yoga, strictly meditation, all 90 minutes long, perfect length to fit into your schedule. It is located on 2 Pond Ave, Newport, RI 02840 and it is $15 for walk-ins, 4 class card for $55

Caffeine Craze to lose that Haze:

Finding yourself up late, or needing a place to get work done that’s quiet and off campus? Coffee shops in Newport are serving up what you need, assortments of coffee and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy them in. Empire Tea (401-619-1388) in downtown Newport is a perfect place to go during the day to get things done. Empire offers a huge variety of tea and coffee options for you to curl up with on a sofa in their living room style café. Bring your homework and laptop as well, they have wireless! If you’re working late in MiKillop Library, your dorm, or elsewhere, and you need that extra kick to keep you going, Ma’s is the place to go. Open 24 hours a day, this shop has freshly made donuts, awesome kinds of coffee, and great service. They are located in Middletown, so if you have a car, take some friends! If you don’t, convince someone who does to go-it’s worth it!

Stuff your face:

Had enough of Salve food? Getting a real “bang for your buck” is difficult in a town made for tourists, however there are a few “secret” spots where you can eat great and save money, something that is on the mind of all poor college students. Freaky Burrito, located on Broadway, is a great place to get good food cheap. A price example: $3.50 for a soft or hard shell taco, and $2.50 for a side of salsa and chips.

The second place is Gary’s Handy Lunch. Gary’s is full of awesome deals, my favorite being 2 eggs, home fries, and toast for $3.25. This 50’s style diner is located on Lower Thames. These are places that you can go and relax, enjoy a good meal, and not have to worry about pricing when the bill comes.

Salve Shenanigans:

Salve Campus always has something to do. Whether It is run by the Campus Activities, or you’re hanging out in Wakehurst, stress relief isn’t hard to find when you’re amongst friends having a good time. CAB offers Friday and Saturday night movies, Things for Thursday, and late night events such as Monster Bingo and Casino Night. They also offer off campus events, such as trips to Broadway, New York City in general, rock climbing, kayaking, etc. Check out online for more information, or stop by the basement of Wakehurst and talk with Bart, director of Campus Activites. Check out http://www.salve.edu/news/ for more info!

Explore the Cliff Walk:

One great place to go if you’re really in a rut and need a break is the Cliff Walk. Nowhere else on or around campus that I have found relieves stress as quickly as this serene path between mansions and ocean. So many sights to take in, there is always something there for you to explore and enjoy. It also is a quiet place to sit and do work, read a book, and have that privacy lacking in most dorms. Starting at O’Hare, if you take a right, there are a few places to sit. Breakers Lookout is the closest, followed by Carey Beach and rock area. Next is Rosecliff patio, providing another great view of the ocean further along the walk. Finally, there’s what I call rocky cove. Though a bit far down on the cliff walk, it is a nice quiet place to go and get work done. Taking a left, you have McAuley and Ochre lawn right on campus, the 40 steps, and if the beach is where you like to go, the very end of the Cliff Walk brings you right to First Beach. With a lot on your plate and in need of a place to go, the Cliff Walk is definitely the best place to take the deep breath, and relax.

If you choose not to explore these options, the least that I have done for you is given you another thing to procrastinate over, now get back to what you’re supposed to be doing. These six things just looked a lot better, eh?