9 Things To Do On An Unexpected Day Off

Using your bonus Saturday to your advantage

Originally published on March 14, 2016

Though it happens once in a blue moon, there is always the chance something could shut down your entire school (for example, a water main break because the temperature rose above 45 degrees and the pipes freaked out). When this happens, and you are given enough time in advance, you can plan out your free day and feel really accomplished by the end.

1. Make a list. Everything looks better when organized in a list, and it will help you plan out all you need to do. The satisfaction of crossing something off will be worth it, as that is one less thing you need to worry about for the rest of the week. If you know your day off in advance, write it out the night before. (My go-to tool is a small dry erase board).

2. Don't party the night before. Or even stay up later than usual. It's just not worth messing up your sleeping schedule, especially when your next school day rolls around and you are still awake at 4 a.m. Pretend it is a regular school night.

3. Sleep. You're a college student. Let's be honest, you haven't been getting as much sleep as you should be getting. Try to get a full eight hours like you haven't since starting college. Just don't sleep the day away. Again, you want to be able to get up the next school day and not sleep through your 8 a.m. class.

4. Homework. Whether you are taking 4 or 14 classes, there is always something you could be reading, studying, or getting ahead on. If you are really ambitious, catch up completely! At the very least, finish one big task, which is one less thing you need to do on the weekend. You will thank yourself later.

5. Clean. There's a pile of dirty dishes in the sink with your name on them. Seriously, just do them.

6. Eat. Take the time to sit down and enjoy all that your dining hall has to offer. Sped a half hour eating instead of 10 minutes. Sit down with friends and enjoy it. There is no need to rush to your next class or activity.

7. Netflix. Use this day to start that new show you have been meaning to check out, or maybe catch up on the regular programming you have missed because of your schedule. It's your reward for getting all those other things done earlier in the day.

8. Relax guilt-free. Mindlessly scroll through Buzzfeed or YikYak or Tumblr to your heart's content. Sit in the lounge with your friends. Take a walk outside. Enjoy some "you" time.

9. Feel accomplished. You have erased or crossed off everything you have to do and have managed to add some fun time for yourself as well. Congratulations on a day well spent!