SurviThriving in Poughkeepsie
more exciting your “routine” will become.
Remember the thrill and excitement at the first sight of the campus? The warm welcome at the Main building, the endless winding paths from one majestic building to another, the shimmering sunset lake, the many rocks, benches, and trees with dedications, each holding stories of friendship, appreciation, and love – the campus holds many secrets to uncover and even more details to admire, if one is willing to notice. Yet, for almost every student, comes a time, when, with all its glory, the campus feels too small, too full of academic stress, or too “discovered”.
For days when everything seems so dull, so small, and so much like a “bubble”, here are some ideas on how to bring some color to gray days.
- Explore the preserve.
If going too far does not sound too appealing, the preserve could serve as a perfect escape. Never too crowded, it has many trails to discover on a run, a hike, a bird-watching adventure, or even a sunset stroll with friends. The trick here is to never take the same path: discover just how many beautiful sceneries the preserve has to offer, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, find a place you’ve never been to before.
- Explore Poughkeepsie.
Did you know that the free L bus stops right across the road from Joss’s house, right at the intersection of the Fairmont and the Collegeview Avenues? Download the Dutchess Country Public Transit app and explore the many places around Poughkeepsie free of charge. For some extra excitement and an element of surprise, walk out on a random stop without any plan at all, and explore at your own risk. (Please do be aware of your surroundings though and make sure that your phone is within reach and it is bright enough outside, just in case).
- Explore the nearby cities and train stops.
One of the most popular cities among students to visit is Beacon, a little touristy town, full of quaint coffee shops, artisan stores, and galleries. The city is also popular for hikes and could be perfect for a weekend adventure with friends or on your own.
- Explore further!
Previously, OIS made a whole list of interesting places to visit in the area, along with the tips on how to get there! Check it out for some more inspiration and always feel free to reach out if you would like the OIS to organize a trip to one of your favorite locations 💛
- Try a new spot.
If going off campus, no matter how familiar it now seems, still seems like too heavy a duty, try a new study location, change things up! Check out the arts library, the SGE centers, or new classrooms in Rocky, study outside if the weather allows, or try out the third floor of the deece for some muted ambiance. Make a challenge to not study in the same place for two days in a row and see just how much
Even if none of the options sound that appealing to you, don’t lose heart: try inviting someone you haven’t talked to in a while for dinner, or attend one of the many on-campus events, or take a day off just for yourself and walk where the feet carry you to your favorite song. College life is not always easy, but there are so many people who are excited and happy to be there for you. Always feel free to reach out to any of the OIS interns (no reason needed), or to schedule a meeting with the counseling services, even if you just would like to chat.
We hope you enjoy the fall and the winter to come and find many reasons for small and great joys.
