Welcome to co-op where your days are typically spent on some sort of a commute, sitting at your desk doing office work, grabbing a bite to eat, going home at the end of the day, and starting all over again early the next morning. Sounds like a nice break from classes right? Those learning curves in the first few weeks can hit you hard, but give it a month or two and you’ll be a master. Now that your co-op isn’t super challenging and you don’t have countless exams to study for what do you do? We have compiled a list of things to do on co-op besides co-op.
1. Get a library cardAnyone out there remember when reading was fun? Or remember reading in books in high school for class that weren’t dreadful? Now that the guilt of “I should be reading my textbook” has been lifted, it’s time to get a library card! Sorry Hagerty, but I’m recommending checking out what the Philly Free Library has to offer. With about 60 locations in the Philadelphia area, there are plenty of options. Head over to their website and see if there is one near your office. They offer books, movies, music, and more at multiple locations. Because you are a student at Drexel, you can receive a library card for free with an out of state license. Take out a book in Center City and return it to the library on Penn’s campus for no charge. They have a great online management account to see when your books are due and even renewing.
2. Find a new workout planMaybe you were too busy to work out during classes or if you’re just tired of the same routine, look into mixing it up. If you haven’t kept up with the gym much, try to get your butt there during co-op! If you’re interested in something besides your typical cardio machine, check out Bodybuilding.com where you can create a customized workout plan. Don’t worry they explain how to do everything. Also head over to our Pintrest page to check out some fun new workout tips! The DAC tends to be packed with people after work hours from co-op so try and play with your times. If you don’t have to be at work till 10 try getting up early and heading to the DAC. The locker rooms have a great shower area so you can get ready and head off to co-op in a time crunch. Looking to get out of the DAC? Check out some class specific gyms in the city! Whether its yoga, cross fit, or pilates, they have it in the city and, more often than not, offer student discounts.
3. Find a new hobbyAlright ladies lets be honest, we all have those Pintrest boards full of DIY projects or new things you want to try. This is your time to try them! Many of us have the time and funds during co-op to try something new and find a unique hobby! Want to try cooking more than the typical dinner or lunches? Head over to Pinterest for recipes that work with your budget and the Italian Market always has some great things to offer! You can also make your hobby useful and join a club, Drexel has tons of clubs and most meetings work with co-op schedules. Like to write and now have time for it? Definitely check out our Her Campus Writers meetings by emailing Lindsey Thompson at lindseythompson@hercampus.com!
4. Travel with your feet and taste budsWe are so lucky to live and work in this great big city, so it’s time to finally go out an appreciate it. Now while the weather is warm, the city is just asking you to get outside! You can’t use studying and classes as an excuse anymore to stay within the confines of campus, I promise you there is a great city outside of Drexel’s blue light region. Reading Terminal Market is a nice journey with a sweet ending. Try any kind of food with lots of shopping opportunities in the area. Maybe after work take a walk to a nice park in the city in the sunny weather. Rittenhouse Square is always buzzing after work, or even Logan Square has some beautiful scenery with a cute little coffee-smoothie shop. The Schuylkill river trail offers a nice view on your walk home or works nicely as a path to run and blow off steam after sitting in the office all day.
Co-op can be crazy with work, just make sure you reward yourself with a little treat. While on co-op do more than just work. Go out and see what the city has to offer, try something new, and enjoy the mental break from the stress of classes. Good luck on Co-op Dragons!