Free things to do while you wait for your next class

I have this thing where I vow to cut down on my screentime every time my phone sends me a shameful weekly report of my screentime average, but I always end up failing to make any improvements. 

I’m not surprised that I can’t live without my phone – it’s a gift to my generation that I’ll gladly take – and it can be a very handy and nifty thing too, especially when it comes to getting me out of awkward or boring situations like waiting around for my next class. 

Regardless, that’s not a reason to be addicted to it, though, and I can assure you I have not reached that point yet. So, in an attempt to prevent myself from turning into an iPad kid and to finally make some improvements on my screentime, here are a couple things I’ve been doing to keep myself occupied in-between classes (other than scrolling through TikTok).

Visit the art gallery – Not only is AGSA located right next to our campus, but it’s free to visit too! With diverse artworks on display, it's never a dull moment at the art gallery. What a way to cleanse these eyeballs of ours after hours staring at lecture slides, huh? My favourite thing to do is sit in one of their free arts and craft sessions at The Studio.

Read a book – I know, looking at more words is probably the last thing I should want to do after spending hours in class, right? But I’m a major bookworm and I find comfort in the peace reading brings me. Besides, whatever I’m reading is sure to be more fun than a long piece of legislation. 

Go window shopping – This one is a tricky one for me because I end up having to use some of my emotional and mental strength to talk myself out of buying things, but it is therapeutic weaving in and out of stores, looking at beautiful garments. 

Read What Messes with Your Head – Technically I’ll have to look at my devices for this one which contradicts my earlier resolutions, but our bit-sized blog posts wouldn't even take too much of my time to read, so I'll have a browse through a couple of our posts that sometimes make me laugh and cry.

Catch up with some friends – A good way to disconnect from your phone is to connect with your friends in real life. It’s always a treat when I get to catch my friends after their classes and catch up on our lives over some drinks or snacks. Talking about anything other than our subjects is highly encouraged.

What are some offline things you like to do while you wait for your next class?