Let’s face it, midterm season in Butler or Lehman can be somewhat of a social scene. Every familiar face on campus gathers into one large, yet confined space and rides that struggle bus all the way through Fall Break. And of course what are midterms without food and beverages? So here’s my attempt at a small, yet pertinent survival guide to the endless days and sleepless nights ahead of us.
Essential #1:
In a city where green is truly the new black, nothing says midterms like a reusable water bottle on hand at all times. Sporting the 500mL bkr bubbly glass bottle has become just as prominent as carrying around a student ID. These cute, eco-friendly water bottles cost around $30 and come in an array of colors from the classic Fog to the ever so stylish Cupcake. And of course when speaking about eco-friendly bottles, I would be doing you all a disservice if I didn’t mention the simple, yet one of kind CamelBak Eddy Bottle. The $15 bottle is BPA free and can be used for both hot and cold liquids. The best seller is practically a steal and most definitely a midterm essential.
Essential #2:
No one wants to suffer alone and most importantly, no one wants to suffer without snacks. Tis the season to stack up on fruit from Ferris, John Jay, and Westside in order to get you through that painful all-nighter full of heavy readings, essay writing, and flash-card making. However, with food comes the most common faux pas of all: obnoxiously loud chewing. I love a delicious Granny Smith apple more than the next guy, but try to keep the crunching to a minimum. Trust me by doing this you’ll save yourself from countless dirty looks, a few passive aggressive notes, and that one “Excuse me, but I’m trying to study and your thunderous chomping is getting in the way of that. Butler café is downstairs.” Yes this has happened; I am a witness. So if you’re afraid of infuriating your unnerved neighbors, then consider some of the quieter fruits like berries, oranges, or even bananas. Not only are they tasty, but they’re also much safer.
Essential #3:
Coffee. As a professor so wisely put it in lecture the other day, “it is a legal drug people!” In all seriousness, I couldn’t be more of an advocate for this fabulous drink. Now I completely understand that coffee isn’t for everyone, but one of my favorite things about this beverage is that it comes in all different shapes and sizes. For those brave, ambitious souls who like their coffee nice and strong Oren’s, Joe’s, and Starbucks have got you covered. If you’re more like me and need some sweeter options, I’ve found that the nearby delis are some of MoHi’s hidden treasures. Apple Tree, Subs Conscious, Hamilton Deli, and Olive Tree will all offer you that lighter dose of caffeine that you’ve been longing for. Not to mention, you’ll be giving your wallet a bit of a break.
Essential #4:
There’s nothing worse than coming out of a midterm feeling on top of the world just to realize that you still have a seat calling your name in Butler because you have another midterm tomorrow. Well you’re not going to perform your best if you don’t take care of yourself right? So do it! Take 20 minutes out of your overbooked, exhausting schedule to just treat yourself. Bubble tea, with or without the tapioca pearls (or the “weird chewy things” if we’re getting technical), is a yummy reward after a difficult exam. Green tea and Taro are two personal favorites, but there are innumerable amount of flavors to choose from. This non-committal snack will leave you satisfied and have you back in Butler in under a half hour, or maybe an hour. And of course there’s always froyo. Pinkberry, Sixteen Handles, or Forty Carrots (if your up for the travel) are some of the best ways to celebrate your hard work and accomplishments.
Best of luck on midterms, see you all on the other side (and yes I promise you’ll make it there), even if you feel like this:
*image via tumblr