After a spitefully cold past few weeks, the notoriously unpredictable Arkansas weather blessed our campus with warm weather. But who knows how long this will last. As such, I’ve compiled a list of ways to capitalize on these amazing temps while they’re still here.

Touch grass!

…or at least go outside. This may seem obvious, but if you don’t take time to get out and enjoy the sun now, you’ll regret it when you’re stuck inside because another random cold front decided to move in. 

When the weather is nice, I like to find ways to take my studies outside. Reading outside can enhance your experience and is often quite peaceful. 

One of my go-to spots is behind the NYITCOM building. The tables and chairs aren’t the most comfortable on campus, but the proximity to trees and the building itself provides plenty of shade to reduce glare. 

The tables near the union also provide nice shade with their patio umbrellas and are a great spot to work on homework or eat lunch with friends. 

Go to the park

The nearby Craighead Forest Park offers several amenities to help you take advantage of the weather. Basketball, disc golf, fishing, biking and running trails, softball and volleyball and even horseshoes are all available at the park. If you want an early taste of summer, you can even go camping! I don’t go to the park often, but when I do I never get bored. 

Go on a day trip

For those truly committed to making the most out of the weather, a day trip is a great idea. Grab some friends or travel solo to popular destinations like Heber, Eureka Springs or the Hardy Historic District for a day to get off campus and see what Arkansas has to offer.

Enjoy the sunset

After a long, productive day outside in the heat, you can give your farewells by lying back and watching the sunset. Although I’ve never done so myself, I imagine the top of the parking garage would make for a great view of the sunset. If it does get chilly, watching from the windows of the library’s fifth floor would suffice as well. If you got far enough away from the city, you could even stargaze after it gets dark.

Categories: Life