College is fun. There’s always something going on, and, especially in a dorm, you’ve always got fun people to talk to. The only downside is that all this can sometimes get a little bit overwhelming, and if you’re rooming with someone else, it can be difficult to find space to be alone and away from all the craziness. Here are four ways of doing just that:
- Go to a library or coffee shop where you can sit alone (try Merit or Memorial Library, or one of the State Street coffee shops), put some music in, and relax!
- When it’s still warm, check out the beautiful natural spaces in UW-Madison and the city at large. My favorite spots are the John Muir Woods (near College Library), Biocore Prairie (near Picnic Point), the UW Arboretum (just south of campus), and the train tracks that run through Monona Bay (southwest of campus). Optionally, get some exercise by running or biking to these locations, which will also improve your mental health.
- Go home for a weekend! Your parents will be happy to see you, and you’ll get some time to relax and decompress.
- Make a friend outside of your usual group. I know this one doesn’t technically involve being alone, but sometimes when things are crazy and you’re stressed, it’s nice to have someone to talk to who you don’t see on a super frequent basis to get a fresh perspective. If you don’t have such a friend, you can also call someone you know from back home and catch up.