Stuck In A Free Time Funk?

A few suggestions for a fun Jan Term. ​

By Lillian LaSalle
​Culture Writer

It is officially Jan Term at SMC. Upperclassmen have headed out on early flights across the globe and underclassmen alike are met with fascinating classes chockfull of exciting information. Whether or not you've got the course you wanted, SMC students now realize something about this much-awaited Jan Term. 

There are so many hours in the day! Most of our classes last under three hours, and when a professor lets a class out early this extra time only grows. The homework load is light (hopefully) in some students' cases. This all leads us to consider: What are we to do with all this extra time?

This question is at the forefront of many students' minds, but fear not, there are many goings-on you can partake in individually or in a group for this wondrous month of unlimited time. 
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Venture out into San Francisco: 
The large city of SF has so much to offer, and this goes beyond the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and the many shopping districts within this vibrant city. Although many of us have probably done some exploring in the Bay Area, the numerous street corners, neighborhoods, and community centers scattered through each have their own flavor of life. If your struggling to find something to do on your days off, just enlarge a map of SF, close your eyes, and point. Wherever your finger lands go and tour that part of town. Walk around and see the local shops and the friendly faces as you enjoy the different parts of city life. If you are without a car the BART system and public transit always comes in handy and will immerse you in the surrounding of the beautiful city of San Francisco. Happy exploring!
Become a Gym Kid:
 Of course, there are on-campus opportunities that many of us read about in the SMC Communications newsletter each week, but the Campus Rec center is also a great way to spend your extra time. Whether you work out or not, you can spend some of your extra time bettering your body and mind in this state-of-the-art facility and lift weights, swim, or just walk on the treadmill. It's a surefire to keep your resolutions if that is something you are interested in. 
Pursue your interests: 
Join an organization: Saint Mary’s has dozens of clubs for all your academic, athletic, or social needs! Whether you need a bit of creativity added to your week with our art clubs or some friendly competition with club sports, SMC has something for everyone this Jan term. If you don't know where to start, head over to the Student Involvement office to learn more about the clubs SMC has to offer or give Presence a quick look to stay updated on the latest club activities. You can even spend some of your free time focused on hobbies you’ve missed since coming to campus. Grab a good book from the library, doodle on your notebooks, or even finish writing those short stories you started during the summer. Whatever your interest may be, there are plenty of pursuits for you to explore on campus or within your dorm.
Try something new on Campus: 
Have you already hiked to the cross? Then try going at sunrise or sunset to see the gorgeous colors of Moraga.  If you haven’t attended a musical performance yet, the performing art students pour their heart and soul into their shows and leave you stunned. I recommend finding out what you haven't experienced on campus yet, and just get going! You might discover your love for hiking, the theater, an intense soccer match, or just different little alcoves all around SMC!

As always, stay safe in your explorations and enjoy your wonderful Jan Term!