Photo by: Kevin Hall/Clarion
COLLEGE STUDENTS GET bored. Sure we are all busy and have schedules that drive us to the brink of collapse, but there’s always that time when we end up on the couch saying:
“What do you want to do man?”
“Uh… I don’t know. What do you wanna do?” If this sounds familiar have no fear because here are some tips on how to beat boredom when it presents itself.
Denver is a great city. If you think there’s nothing to do, you’re kidding yourself. There is always something going on. You just need to take the initiative to get off the couch and find it. Denver is nice because it is a big city, with all the advantages of the mountains, a few miles to the west. The outdoors provides an array of activities for the average college student. Skiing is the most obvious, and the season for it is fast approaching. Eight ski resorts with some of the best skiing in the world lie only a couple hours away. Until the lifts open there is plenty to do. Mountain-bike riding, rock climbing, hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, everything under the sun.
Not the outdoor type? No problem. Denver has something for everyone, from clubs to coffee shops. There is downtown, which is full of little oddities; pool halls, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, comedy and dance clubs. The 16th Street Mall is a busy place with a lot to offer. This street, which is closed to traffic, offers a wide variety of entertainment. There is shopping, fine dining, movies, horse carriage rides, chess on the street or you could simply take a stroll.
Sports. You name it, Denver has it. There is nothing more exciting than going to a Broncos game at Mile High at Invesco Field, or watching the Avalanche dismantle an opponent on the ice at the Pepsi Center. For basketball fans there are the Nuggets, if you keep hoping they may actually win. The Rapids can cure your need for soccer.
If you prefer to participate in the sports, that’s easy to do as well. Gather some friends and head on out to one of Denver’s many beautiful public parks. There’s Washington Park, a large park that is also close to campus. For all the skaters on campus, grab your board and head to a skate park. There are two nice ones that are free downtown or in Aurora. Or shell out a few bucks and skate at Vans Skate Park.
If none of the above has perked your interest, then maybe you’re in need of a good concert. The music scene in Denver is diverse and bustling. Whatever type of music you’re into, it’s easy to find a show almost any day of the week. Venues like the Pepsi Center, Red Rocks, Fillmore, Gothic and Blue Bird host Rock to Rap and everything in between.
If your short on cash, which a lot of college students are, you’re not out of luck. Denver has dollar theatres and a drive in which are a cheap way to view a movie.
Get involved with a group. On campus, off campus either way it will give you something to do, or sometimes they will even end up buying you stuff! Give back to the community. There is plenty of volunteer work available which will take your mind off boredom very quickly. It will remind you that there is a world beyond DU. Go talk to the guy on the corner holding a sign that says, “will work for food.” Ask him how he ended up there, he may have an interesting story. If nothing else you may make a new friend.
If nothing listed has sparked your brain into firing some synapsis’s, therebycausing you to actually stand up, then this article has failed. Thus, I recommend you remain on the couch and consider investing in some good junk food.
