AU strongly encourages students to use its convenient location in DC to their advantage. Even the though the school is barely in the District itself, AU really capitalizes on its setting when pitching to prospective freshmen, advising current students on internships and organizing community service opportunities. I definitely see the logic and sensibility behind this, as DC is a mix of some very diverse and exciting locales— from the fresh food at Eastern Market to the nightlife in Chinatown. But it is important to remember that DC is just one city. Instead of boxing yourself in, be sure to step out and explore your surroundings. AU students should be more aware of the many opportunities that exist outside of DC. I’m not talking about getting out of the country; AU Abroad already has a pretty reputable program that takes care of that.

AU students should try to explore the East Coast more during their time here, especially those students from the West Coast who don’t get the chance to fly across the country every other day. Students should try to get away for a weekend at least once a semester (though anymore than that might lead to both academic downfall and wallet depletion). The tight, extremely limited finances of college students could be a major deterrent to many considering these trips, but if you do your research you can find an affordable, not-too-shabby hotel room/hostel to rent for a weekend along with feasible means of getting there.

Taking a break from school is a good idea only if you deserve it. I’m not saying that you should jump on the bus to New York to avoid writing that looming paper about the history of politics in China that’s due on Monday. Go on your escapade the weekend after that. Take a break from the dry routine of waking-up, going to class, doing homework, partying in the dorms, having an ethnic food night; if you don’t, you’ll become not only extremely bored but extremely boring too. Worse, if you’re taking an intense course-load and working two part-time jobs you’ll get stressed out and be on the verge of a breakdown. Request some time-off from work and take a couple of days to unwind and feel at ease instead. A trip to a locale within DC just wouldn’t be sufficient because you couldn’t spend a whole weekend there and you’re in the city all the time anyway. Seize the opportunity to get out!

Some possible destinations for these East-coast ventures would be Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. I’m going to talk about Baltimore because it is most likely the best city in this nation (as a native of this fine city I clearly harbor no bias towards it). Baltimore (or as the locals call it, B-more) has an assortment of venues to provide for a substantial weekend of varied forms of entertainment. A penniless student could spend an entire day at the National Aquarium, which has an awesome rainforest exhibit and dolphin show! You might be thinking that you are too old to be seen going to an aquarium, but all you need to do is get around the mass of babies and toddlers and enjoy your experience. Nobody who recognizes you will be there anyway, and who knows? You might even learn something. Afterwards, spend the rest of the day/ night exploring the harbor and shopping at Harborplace.

The next day you could go to Ravens stadium and watch the Ravens win an exciting game of football (not this season, because they screwed it up, but definitely next season). If you’re still bored you can try the Maryland Science Center or visit the Edgar Allen Poe Museum. To get there, just hop on the MarcTrain and take the bus from there. It’s a very manageable city; there are enough signs to guide you to your awaiting destination. Baltimore has so many appealing and diverse activities that they don’t even need to pay me to promote it! (Though they do.)

Either way, just try to get out of DC and have an adventure! Add some more excitement and spice to your life and get out of that dull routine that can be college.