From the eighteenth century till now, “in like a lion and out like a lamb” has always reigned true for the trajectory of our third month of the year–March. As we embark from the final stages of winter and into spring, warm weather, sunshine and activities that no longer involve sitting on the couch all day fill us with excitement. Here’s what to do as spring welcomes you with open arms. 

There is something so joyous about those first few days when the weather begins to get better. You start to ignore the layers of clothing in your closet. You decide it’s valid to wear sunglasses consistently since there are actual rays beyond the clouds and you finally don’t have to endure an iced coffee with freezing hands. Things are really beginning to look up (quite literally)—even as the end of the second semester still seems like eons away. But hey, you got through midterms and that’s really all that matters.

Yet, the important thing to remember is that while it is not summertime, spring brings its own season of hope and happiness. And while I may be writing this on the most dreary of Saturdays, I can say that yesterday gave me a glorious hope for the spring to come. Seeing the crowds of people walking around campus, the packs of friends chatting on the steps of Low and the doors open to all the cafes allowed me to believe that we had finally left the darkest days of winter behind. 

However, in being my type A self, I can not help but leave you with some of the things I am looking forward to doing enjoying my first spring as both a Barnumbia student and resident in NYC. 

In looking around campus the things I am most inclined to say are essential for a spring vibe are to find a place outside–get your work, get a book, get a sweet treat, literally anything that could make you consider yourself productive. Seek out a spot in the sunshine either outside Lizzie’s or propped up on the stairs in front of Earl (my favorite not so secret spot) and enjoy it. People watch, podcast, listen and do anything to ignore the fact that there are other things going on. Get your friends to join you and just be. Campus brings the frisbee players out, the football throwers and the club tables—stop by and seek out trying at least one (if you see me fall while trying to catch a frisbee, no you didn’t. just ignore and carry on). 

However, sometimes you just need a break from the constant vibes of school. As people begin to emerge from their dorms and apartments and library corners to the sunshine, it can also be the perfect time to branch out. Find yourself going on a walk in Riverside Park, walking down to pier 97 at the Hudson River Park—even walking around dusk will treat you to a beautiful sunset as the sun goes behind the water. 

I also find spring to be the best time to wander. And in my early spring wanderings, I have found some lovely gems. Even in all its social media exposure, Brooklyn Charm is 100% worth it. Venture down to Chelsea Market and put your name on the waitlist and make a charm bracelet or necklace that paints the picture of your life in a few charms. Find space to walk the food halls, look at the vintage stalls and eat strawberry gelato. All worth it. 

Meander down to the west village and if you’re over 21, treat yourself to an aperol spritz—the color and taste is just unbeatable. On the weekends, enjoy the copious amounts of freedom to find book stores or sports bars to watch Formula One (being the fan I am, I had to plug it in, but trust me you won’t regret it. Walk the highline, sit in Central Park for a picnic or explore the Met and its newest Women Dressing Women exhibit. 

Or just find peace doing whatever your heart calls you to do in the sunshine. Just promise me this, enjoy it. Spring is the space to start anew and refresh no matter where you were in the beginning of the year (sorry January and February. You don’t count). This is the season to welcome in new habits, new passions and new ways of life. Allow this spring to be the place to enjoy all the city has to offer, in the unique way you wish to do. Be like a flower and take root, I am sure you will grow in a way that may surprise you just a little bit. 

Header image via Bwarchives