Feeling isolated during the pandemic is completely normal, but just because we must stay six feet apart doesn’t mean we can’t still connect with our friends in person. There are many ways to hang out with friends while still being safe and mindful of others. Here are some ideas to help you get started!
First up are picnics. It’s incredibly easy to grab a towel or blanket and find a nice place to sit outside with some friends. The Oval is a great place to go, along with any of the green spaces throughout campus. If you want to do a unique activity while enjoying the outdoors, try writing letters to senior citizens! You may have seen these posts on Instagram, but with the pandemic causing people to isolate, many assisted living communities are looking for pen pals for their residents. See the resources section below for more information!
Next up, you can bike or ride scooters around campus. Ohio State’s campus is huge and, especially if you’re new to Columbus, it can be helpful to learn more about where everything is located. Stop by Raising Canes on High Street and grab a rentable scooter or bike to begin your day. There are plenty of trails you can use as well if you want to ride by the river or visit some nice parks located nearby.
If you have a car, then going to drive-in movies are a great option. Located about 25 minutes from campus, the South Drive-In movie theatre is a great place to go if you want to get away with some friends for a few hours. Some artists are even doing drive-in concerts, so be sure to check if any of your favorite artists are hosting one nearby.
If you think cars are overrated, try a kayak instead. Not only is this a safe social activity because you can physically distance from other kayakers, but this can also be a relaxing activity to get you outside for a few hours while the weather is good. Pick a short course for a two- or three-hour long ride or a long course that could keep you out all day.
If you’re feeling creative and not afraid to show off your work, then sidewalk chalk drawing may be for you. Grab a friend and create a masterpiece of art or write positive messages around campus to help lift other people’s spirits.
Last but not least, you can start hammocking. Hammocks are also a great way to meet with people. A Wise Owl hammock costs around $30 for a single and is incredibly durable. With plenty of areas to hammock on campus, including the Oval or by Mirror Lake, you can relax with friends and do homework or just play some music and hang out.
Even with social distancing, there are still many things you can do if you get creative.
These are just a few easy ways to get out and meet with people while still being safe!
Resources:
- Become a Pen Pal to Help Seniors Combat Loneliness: Here’s How to Get Started, Better Homes & Gardens https://www.bhg.com/news/pen-pals/
- Deciding to Go Out, CDC https://tools.cdc.gov/medialibrary/index.aspx#/media/id/408007
- Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/safe-activities-during-covid19/art-20489385
-Ava Dong, Stress Wellness Ambassador