It’s the weekend: You’re bored, looking for something to do and not particularly stoked on the idea of cruising Greek Row. Whether it’s your first or eighth semester, frat parties may just be old news. Luckily, you live in Berkeley, so there are alternatives to Keystone Lights and sweat. Also, you’re an interesting and intelligent person with a lot going on in your head. Location, plus noggin equals limitless options for your Friday and Saturday nights.
Starting with our location, sometimes we have to be reminded that we live only 30 minutes from a city filled with restaurants, parks, bars, music, art, you name it. By day or night, San Francisco is an awesome place to explore and will probably help you grow more as a person than an unaffiliated frat will.
If you’re looking to stay in the East Bay, don’t underestimate Oakland. First Fridays are the place to be at the beginning of the month and will provide you with delicious food, good music and unique art.
Even more local is our very own Hearst Greek Theatre, Zellerbach Hall and ASUC events. See a concert at the Greek, a ballet at Zellerbach (discounted tickets) or a free movie with ASUC SUPERB. The options range in price, but all are well worth the money.
If you’re on a budget, maybe just stroll on down to Games of Berkeley, grab a game and have some friends over. You can also try five games for friends without phones (or alcohol), or maybe even write a song with your friends. Who cares if it sucks.
If you’re just diggin’ the solo time though, you still have a lot of options. For one, you can watch that movie you’ve been wanting to see, but keep ignoring because of problem sets. Alternatively, you can journal about anything and everything on your mind, like that hot GSI or the car that almost hit you at Channing Circle. You can start your next novel, draw and color decorations for your room, write your friends notes about how awesome they are, go for a stroll, do yoga, practice meditation, clean out your closet or just read a book.
These options may seem unappealing at first, but try to remember you go to UC Berkeley and deserve to have a night with friends or to yourself. There is always something to explore, but there is no shame in staying in!
