Fall break traditionally marks the midpoint of the fall semester. For many, it’s a time of relaxation, recreation, and recharging themselves in order to finish the semester strong.

Though this semester is unlike any other, the opportunity to take advantage of fall break remains and is perhaps heightened as students will be tasked with staying vigilant in both their studies and in keeping public health guidelines in the weeks to come.

With those goals in mind, here are a few dos and don’ts to help students enjoy the time, while also setting themselves up for a successful and safe semester finale.

DOs

Take time to reflect

Take a walk on campus or perhaps stay in and take advantage of a virtual campus meditation. You can even visit the Duckpond, Drillfield, or Hahn Garden without leaving your residence.

Get some exercise

Rec Sports offers a variety of safe in-person and virtual programs, including Venture Out trips, outdoor equipment rentals, and the newly launched student exercise incentive program, Hokie Movement Club.

Try a new game or craft

The Breakzone – bowling, billiards, etc. – and Perspective Gallery – fine art and activities – will maintain normal hours.

Get some fresh air

Even with the cooler weather, there’s lots to do outside in the New River Valley. Here are ten locations to check out.

Explore GobblerConnect

Spend some time surveying this one-spot shop for ways Virginia Tech students can engage with events, activities, and groups on and around campus. Keep up with events from your phone by downloading the Corq app for iPhone or Android.

Review your study habits

Cook Counseling Center has a variety of resources to help you evaluate and take care of yourself.

Check your calendar for upcoming dates for assignments and tests

It might also be helpful to go ahead and reserve a seat to study with University Libraries and review these study spaces.

Take part in the Homecoming 2020 celebration

There’s actually a full week of events to celebrate being a Hokie on the Homecoming Board of Virginia Tech’s Instagram account.

Make a plan to get a flu shot

COVID-19 is making headlines, but the flu also rapidly spreads. VT.edu/flu is a great place to start making your plan.

DON’Ts

Travel

Heading home or traveling to visit friends or sites in other localities is strongly discouraged. This will help keep you, the university community, and other communities you might visit as safe as possible.

Have out-of-town guests

We know you’d love to show off how beautiful campus is in the fall, but right now it’s strongly discouraged to have friends and family make unnecessary visits.

Stop fighting the spread

Navigating a pandemic is really difficult and can cause us all to feel fatigued. But we can’t let that weariness grow into apathy towards the guidelines that keep us and others safe and healthy. Now isn’t the time to give up, but rather to energize our efforts towards finishing the semester and year.

Written by Travis Williams

 

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