How to Safely Celebrate the End of the Semester
The 2020-21 academic year has been unlike any that has come before. A year of a “new normal,” virtual classes and modified campus life has asked students to sacrifice and adjust. As we near the end of the spring semester, we wanted to thank students for their hard work and offer a couple of ways they can thank themselves for making it through this unprecedented year. Here are 7 COVID-safe ways to celebrate the end of the semester 💜.
Hike, bike, do what you like!
Get outdoors for some fun in the upcoming weeks! Head up to Eden Hall to take advantage of their many hiking trails and say hi to the friendly farm animals afterwards. Rent a Healthy Ride bike and take a relaxing ride along Pittsburgh’s many river fronts. Grab a few friends for an afternoon on Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park where you’re sure to see students from across the city celebrating too.
Say bye to the Burgh
Whether you’re graduating and moving on to the next chapter of life, heading home for the summer, or relocating for an internship, you might want to soak in the sights of our city before you leave. Visit iconic Pittsburgh sites such as the Cathedral of Learning, the Point, or the Duquesne incline (remember, Chatham students ride for free!). Or, check out some hidden gems such as the Beechview Seldom-Seen Greenview or the giant sculpture made of old Jeep parts outside of the Children’s Museum. You can also learn all there is to know about Pittsburgh at the Heinz History Center which features artifacts from Mister Rogers Neighborhood, giant ketchup bottles, and more!
Treat yourself
What better way to celebrate than to indulge a little? Treat yourself to some sweet treats from Millies Homemade Ice Cream, the Fudge Farm on East Carson Street, Waffallonia in Squirrel Hill or Better-Maid Donut Co. (make sure to get there early, they’re so good they sell out quick!). We also recommend using any left over flex dollars to binge out on snacks and goodies from Café Rachel.
Make a bucket list
After a year of putting plans on hold, now is the perfect time to figure out what fun things you want to explore once it is safe to do so. Whether it be studying abroad, skydiving, getting a tattoo, or swimming with sharks, make sure you write it down so you can begin planning once the world opens up again. It’s also a good idea to make a summer bucket list of COVID safe things to do in your free time (check out our road-trip suggestions from Summer 2020).
Hang out with R & R
It goes without saying that post-finals week calls for some major relaxation time. Find some time to give your mind and body rest and relaxation. Whether that be through hammocking on the quad, napping, bingeing your favorite TV show, reading a book, or just sitting around with friends, you deserve it!
Capture the memories
While it’s important to find time for rest and relaxation, it’s also important to find time to reflect on your year. Journal some of your favorite moments and interesting things you learned this year. Take it the extra step and submit your musings to the Chatham COVID-19 Collection Project to share your story with generations of Chatham students to come. Gather some friends for an end of the year photoshoot on campus to commemorate the fun you had (the winter jasmine by the duck pond is our favorite spring photo spot). Get crafty and make a memory jar filled with written memories and notes from friends. It will make an invaluable time-capsule of this moment in your life to reflect back on for years to come.
Join in on the campus fun!
There are plenty of ways to celebrate spring and the end of the year right here on campus!
Friday, April 9th: Join the Office of Student Engagement at 3 pm on the Quad for the Spring Carnival featuring carnival treats, tie-dye, games, and roaming artists.
Friday, April 9th: Grab your blankets and your friends for a showing of the 1984 movie, Wonder Woman under the stars on the Quad from 8-9:30 pm.
Saturday, April 10th: Celebrate spring with the Chatham Choir! The virtual choir will perform four works and will be able to be streamed live via the ChathamU music program YouTube channel at 3 pm.
Monday, April 12th: The Cool Beans Taco Truck will be serving free tacos to the first 50 students from 12-2 pm accompanied by a live performance from the Pittsburgh local band, Safety Last.
Thursday, April 15th: Tie-dye your own Eden Hall shirt outside of Orchard Hall from 4:30-6:30 pm.
Friday, April 16th: Join The Minor Bird on the Quad from 3:30-5 pm to celebrate the release of the 2020-2021 journal and the end of the semester with free copies of the journal, snacks, and merchandise!
Thank you Cougars for all the hard work you’ve done this past year and good luck on the rest of your term! 💜