A Student’s Guide to (Safe) COVID Fun

By UNC Asheville

February 12^th, 2021

By Tris Lashea '22

Being at college during a pandemic, with social distancing in and out of class, and even some classes online, can make it hard to enjoy yourself. It can feel like every day is the same, going back and forth between school to your room, but there’s plenty of things to do to have fun while keeping yourself and others safe. I have really felt that way this year. Here are 12 ideas to have some fun in your home or out and about in Asheville--just remember, it’s important to stay safe by wearing masks, social distancing as much as possible, and make sure to wash hands.

Get crafty

Grab some canvases, or paint-by-the-numbers and cheap paintbrushes and put some chill music in the background while you create.
Find some DIY crafts on Pinterest and have a friendly competition with your crafting pals for the best creation.

Try New Foods

Asheville has tons of restaurants to choose from, with all kinds of foods, so pick one and try it out. Better yet, try new restaurants to support their opening.
My roommates and I have really depended on Zen Sushi for our cravings this year.

Drive and Hangout on the Blue Ridge Parkway

One of the easiest ways to entertain yourself in Asheville is by driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the incredible views and wildlife. My friends and I do that all that time when we need an escape. There is also plenty of hikes and trails on the parkway to enjoy.
Make a picnic and go stargazing with some friends or someone special.

Lend a Hand

During these hard times, now more than ever the community needs help, so look into volunteering, internships, and job opportunities to give back and get more involved in the community.

I am an extreme animal lover so I have been looking into volunteering at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and Asheville Humane Society. But there are tons of options to choose from such as homeless shelters, schools, and cleaning up the streets.

Find more ways to get involved by checking out the key center website and more information on job and internship opportunities by visiting our career center website.

Skate!

Skateboarding and roller skating can be fun to do around campus, as well as at local skateparks like Foundation and Asheville Skate Park as a way to get outside and have fun with a hobby.

Watch Shows with Friends (safely!)

Watching a new show or a movie that has been on your list can be fun within itself, but take advantage of enjoying it with your friends using streaming services such as Telepathy, Squad, and many others to share the screen and experience with your friends, even if you can’t be in the same room.

Spend Time Outdoors

Instead of spending time inside and looking at the same four walls, take advantage of breathing fresh air and do outdoor activities that you have always wanted to do, such as an outdoor yoga class.
Botanical Gardens on campus is an awesome place to get some fresh air, and you don’t have to go far for some peace.

Start a Hobby

Since COVID began I have gotten really into baking, which is something I have always wanted to do. I have baked a lot of cookies and brownies, but my favorite to bake is cupcakes to have fun with decorating. Think of hobbies or interests that you have wanted to explore and do them.

Explore Trails and Hike the Mountains

Hiking and sightseeing in the beautiful forests and mountains is a great way to get out and have fun.
Trails and hikes can include waterfalls as well as amazing views.
My favorite hike is the Deep Creek Waterfall Hike, which has three waterfalls to see in a five-mile loop. I also really enjoy Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower which has an amazing view with a steel tower that goes up to almost 6,000 feet.

For more information and specific hikes check out this website and also go to our campus recreation outdoor program website to see any cool outdoor opportunities.

Grab a Coffee

Coffee is a great beverage to have, especially for us college students who survive on caffeine. Asheville is full of amazing and delicious cafes downtown like Double D’s, and even on campus such as Roasted.

Get Active

Working out and getting exercise is a great way to get out of your comfort zone to push yourself to work on yourself while trying a new technique (plus it’s good for the immune system!).
I have been trying to work out more in my room, and I’ve been running on the track or around campus.

For more information on working out on campus: check out the campus recreation website.

Sightseeing around Asheville.

Everyone knows about the Biltmore and the Botanical Gardens, but there are plenty of other amazing places to explore such as the North Carolina Arboretum, Western North Carolina Nature Center, River Arts District, and Riverside Cemetery. I love going to Riverside Cemetery, it is a serene place.