As the reading week begins, it comes as no surprise that students are looking to maximize their break by finding ways relax, recuperate, have fun and prepare for the final stretch of their winter semester. While it might be a student’s dream to work through their reading week in hopes of getting started on upcoming projects and preparing for tests and exams to come, the most important thing that students can do is take care of themselves, in a way that best suits them. Utilizing the extra free time, you have during reading week to positively impact your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing will have a positive impact moving forward.
So, if you aren’t flying off to Mexico for some R&R and are looking to take advantage of what the Waterloo Region has to offer, St. Paul’s has some suggestions for you!
Looking for a place to study and grab a coffee? Try stopping by local cafes like Princess Café or Seven Shores.
Do you love supporting local and are in the mood for a sweet treat? Check out Four All Ice cream in Uptown Waterloo. The ice cream is handcrafted and made with locally sourced ingredients. Bonus: Ajoa, the owner, is an alumnus of the University of Waterloo! If a cold treat isn’t what you’re looking for in the winter, try venturing into Belmont Village for a trip to Lady Glaze Donuts.
Speaking of Belmont village and food… have you been to Graffiti Market? All the meals at Graffiti Market are cleverly named and if you don’t have enough fun looking through their menu, you can ask to be seated at one of their interactive tables where you can play games by yourself or with your whole table.
If you are looking to hang out with friends and play games nearer to campus you can stop by Pin Up Arcade Bar, Games on Tap (a board game café) or Ace Ping Pong Lounge.
Do you love art and want to explore what is available in the area? While it is a bit out of the way, heading to Downtown Kitchener to check out THEMUSEUM. You’ll want to book ahead online but as a student, you can buy tickets for only $25 dollars.
Kitchener-Waterloo has so many consignment stores and malls and sometimes all you need to fill your cup and perusing the racks at stores. If you like consignment stores you could try going to Hello Again or Luster & Oak. But if you prefer to shop new Conestoga Mall is only a short ION ride away.
If you are looking to spend more time outside and feel like trying something new Chicopee ski hill in Kitchener is an excellent place to start! If skiing and snowboarding aren’t for you, Waterloo Region also offers many hiking trails.
If you want to stay on campus and save a little money, venture into St. Paul’s backyard where you can toboggan on the hill or go skating on the rink. Or head over to the gym and enjoy a bit of time focusing on your fitness.
So, whether you are staying in Waterloo, heading home to spend time with family and friends or getting on a plane so you can spend some time on the beach we hope you make the most of your week by doing the things you love!