From a quick workout to a garden stroll, here’s how to kill time on campus
Photo by Logan Kuzyk via Unsplash
Whether you’re entering your first year of university or you’re a campus veteran, no one is immune to the question: what do I do between classes?
Sometimes it’s a meagre 30 minutes that goes by too quickly, other times it’s a daunting three-hour break that’s just short enough that it’s not worthwhile to leave campus. To help make your idle time at UVic more meaningful, follow the Martlet’s guide to campus between classes
Make a custom sandwich at Mac’s Bistro
Who doesn’t get snacky between classes? While it’s generally a smart idea to pack a lunch or snacks, life happens, and Mac’s offers a customizable sandwich bar, like Subway, but better.
Mac’s also has a hot daily soup special to warm you up on those chilly autumn days!
Work up a sweat at CARSA
Surprise, surprise: sitting for several hours a day isn’t great for your health. It’s an inescapable part of student life, which makes it all the more crucial to get your blood pumping every day. From indoor rock climbing to the weight lifting centre, or fitness classes like the “Lunch Crunch” — a short, group exercise class designed to fit in your lunch break — there are plenty of options available at CARSA, UVic’s athletics centre.
Grab a coffee (and a sweet treat) at Biblio Café
When it’s study o’clock, grabbing a beverage and a snack before cozying up in the library is a university staple. My treat of choice is the chive and cheddar scone, and a great choice for all the carb lovers out there. To avoid waiting in a long line, try to hit Biblio Café, a fan-favourite UVic café on the ground floor of the McPherson Library, mid-morning or late in the afternoon. Even if you do get stuck in line, it moves relatively fast and is a great chance to catch up with friends.
Relieve stress at the Multifaith Centre
To help keep your cool throughout the semester, check out the Multifaith Centre, a community centre which aims to provide spiritual and religious support to members of the UVic community. The Multifaith Centre hosts weekly events geared towards providing relief from the daily stresses of university life, like the Pet Café — where therapy dogs are brought in for students to play with on Wednesday afternoon — and Noon Meditation!
Meet up with friends on the quad
Located smack dab in the middle of campus, the large grassy field referred to as “the quad” is a common spot to see people throwing frisbees or setting up a slackline between the large oak trees. There are several chairs for sitting, but true Victorianites will plop themselves on the grass with a book, a snack, and no concern for the dew.
Walk around Finnerty Gardens
Strolling around the gorgeous Finnerty Gardens is sure to help you ground yourself on those inevitable stressful days on campus. Look at the plaques which state the Latin names of different bushes and trees, smell the flowers in bloom, gaze fondly at the ponds scattered throughout, or watch a squirrel bury a nut. Nothing can help you get perspective on that stressful assignment like a walk in the garden that helps you realize there’s more to life than school.
Check out the daily specials at Felicita’s Pub
Whether you did great on an exam or you’re celebrating submitting an assignment on time, this one is for the students aged 19+ on campus. More commonly known as “Fel’s,” the campus pub in the Student Union Building is where students can participate in themed nights like Karaoke and Trivia Tuesdays. Victorianites know the Dinosour/shaft combo is unparalleled.
