The first few weeks of the semester has officially come to a close, and without fail, as you fill out your planner, the stress starts to sink in. Things four to eight weeks away feel days away and weekly discussion posts feel more like a chore than being involved in an intellectual community. Whether it is the first week or finals week, we all need some ways to unwind and some things to do to get our minds off of school. Many students say they drink to relieve the stress of a long week, but that got me thinking: What are some ways that we could have fun and relax without alcohol or other drugs? So I came up with my top five favorite places to go and things to do to socialize with friends, blow off steam, or have some alone time in a safe and responsible way.
- Sole Classics – 846 N High St.
This is for all my sneakerheads out there. If you are looking for a place to admire some cool shoes while listening to great music, Sole Classics is the spot for you. Located in the heart of the Short North, Sole Classics is a great spot to window shop or cop a new pair of shoes. Grab Melt or Roaming Goat Coffee while you’re in the area!
- Global Gallery Coffee Shop – 3535 N High St.
A nice patio with a breeze, cold brew coffee, and plenty of people-watching, not much else beats it! Global gallery is a great space with group seating, so bring your friends after a long day of classes and enjoy Clintonville. They also allow dogs on the patio, so feel free to bring your pup! This is a great place to read or listen to a podcast without anyone bothering you, too, so if you want to make the trip solo, I highly recommend this spot.
- The RPAC
If you need to relieve your stress in a more physical way, the RPAC has everything you could possibly need. Racquetball, basketball, weightlifting, running, swimming, and much more. The RPAC also offers virtual group fitness courses that allow you to get a workout in from the safety of your home.
Note: If you plan on working out at the RPAC, be sure to fill out the facility access waiver and wear a mask!
- Ohio State Practice Fields
People sleep on this next one. Being in the heart of Columbus, we don’t always take the opportunity to be in a green space. While this green space is artificial turf, it has a great view of the football stadium, the RPAC, and the Lincoln and Morill Towers. This is a great backdrop to spend a Friday or Saturday evening with friends throwing a frisbee or playing Spikeball. This also makes for a great space to meet new people with similar interests! Don’t be afraid to make a new friend.
- Used Kids Records
The Mecca of music. Music has a way of connecting people. Even if you don’t own a record player, this place is great for finding new artists and ones that you forgot you loved. From the outside, you wouldn’t expect Used Kids to have hours of records to look at, but you could surely spend large portions of a day there.
Tip: Album covers make for great dorm décor. Make use of the free and discounted section to create a wall in your room that has some cool album art! Here’s a photo of one that I did that only cost me $16.
Campus and the surrounding communities are full of fun opportunities to relax and socialize while remaining drug and alcohol free. Take the time to research the free and low-cost options around campus, and make the most of your time here at Ohio State!
Cameron Justice, BSSW Intern