Christien FordSince the University of Alberta has announced school will be online until February 28, many students are feeling the early pandemic nostalgia. Two years ago, we were making Dalgona coffee, learning TikTok dances and, dare I say, following Chloe Ting exercise videos. Let’s hope that those trends stay in 2020 for our own sake. Instead, here are five ways to make your online university experience more enjoyable.
1. Walk on the new Tawatinâ footbridge
Fresh air and Vitamin D are important, and can sometimes be forgotten while we’re working from home. To put it into the wise words of TikTok, silly little walks are good for our silly mental health. Sometimes it’s easier to diversify our walking areas, and a great place to start is the new Tawatinâ footbridge.
The Tawatinâ footbridge bridge opened in December, connecting the Cloverdale and Riverdale communities. Above the pedestrian bridge are two LRT tracks for the upcoming Valley Line. It is a shared-use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge features artwork that tells and celebrates First Nations, Métis, and the region’s history. The name itself, Tawatinâ, means “valley” in Cree.
For a shorter walk, park at the Muttart Conservatory, cross the bridge and follow the path to the right into the Riverdale community. If you head into the neighbourhood, you can enjoy a coffee or a snack at Little Brick cafe (bonus: they have an outdoor patio!) and then head back across the bridge. If you are up for a longer walk, the bridge is well connected to many River Valley trails. You can explore trail maps here.
2. Learn a new recipe
While it may feel uncomfortable to dine-in at restaurants, that doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself! Cooking is an excellent way to express creativity and perform an act of service to yourself. It can also prompt pride, good self-esteem, and satisfaction for a job well done — also known as our lovely friend, dopamine.
If cooking a full meal seems daunting, try making something new for breakfast or baking a loaf of bread! My favourite place to find breakfast inspiration is @daenskitchen on Instagram.
New recipes don’t have to be for cooking and baking; drinks are also a great way to practice new skills in the kitchen. It is surprisingly easy to make a London fog and it’s a fun challenge to try to improve its taste everyday. Somewhere to start is @caffeinication on TikTok.
3. Skating
While hanging out with friends on Discord and FaceTime is fun, it is definitely not the same as connecting face to face. Connecting with friends outside is a safe and healthy way to socialize.
In winter, you can skate at city outdoor ice rinks for free. My personal favourite is the ice rink at Hawrelak Park because of the large space. Churchill Square has free skate rentals and a DJ on certain weekends as a part of their Ice Grooves event. You can consult the city’s website for current ice conditions and hours.
Embrace the cold or make the best out of the milder days with some skating!
4. Letter writing
Writing letters can be a really enjoyable way to connect with friends offline. Your letters can be serious and reflective or fun and random — there’s no correct way to correspond by mail! You can send photos, poems, art, jokes, handmade jewelry, or your new favourite recipe. My favourite part about writing letters to my friends is using stickers and decorating the paper. For anyone who has a stationery obsession, this is a perfect excuse to buy more pens.
While COVID-19 has been a reality that we have gotten used to, it won’t be forever. Years from now, it will be special to have mail shared between each other to look back on. It can act as a physical time capsule in addition to our digital memories.
5. Read a novel
Working from home can feel isolating, particularly when spending time with friends is strained. Reading can help alleviate feelings of loneliness, especially when characters may mirror your feelings and experiences. Don’t be afraid to explore different genres. As an avid reader, my favourite books that I read over the past year are the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo, Frankly In Love by David Yoon, and We Contain Multitudes by Sarah Henstra.
Another great way to connect with literature is through fanfiction and work by amateur writers on platforms such as Wattpad and Archive Of Our Own. Being a “good” or “proper” reader doesn’t really exist, you can engage with literature that you enjoy regardless of form or genre.
If you are looking for book recommendations, there are Facebook groups like On The Same Page TikTok Bookclub and Gals Who Read. You could even start your own book club with friends!
