Freshmen, I'm speaking to you. Everyday, we brave the hike from South Campus, up the inclined sidewalk, put our lives into our hands while crossing Lancaster, and then, if your classes are all to the right of the church (like mine), continue walking for approximately 15 minutes, passing all the action on the quad, to your final destination of Mendel, Tolentine, or CEER. While occasionally, your schedule will coincide with a friend's, and you'll have them as your walking buddy, more often than not, I find myself walking alone. This time can seem really if you don't have other things to keep you preoccupied. For me, the following five things do the trick to make a lonely walk not so boring.

---

1. Look up—our campus is beautiful

Despite all the construction going on around campus right now—which TBH is only a good thing—we have an insanely photogenic campus. Obviously, the church is a highlight, but so is the water fountain before Mendel, and that shady patch of trees in front of Falvey. So yes, look up, take it in, and appreciate how lucky we are to go to such a beautifully kept school.

2. Listen to music

This one is a given. Just like you have that perfect pregame playlist before going out or playing in a big game, listening to some pump up before sitting in a lecture for 50-90 minutes is a good way to prepare yourself.

3. Call home

Calling home always makes my walk to class go by quickly. It's easy to get lost in conversation with your mom or sister as they update you on your little brother's first co-ed party or the latest extended family drama. It's also a good time for you to vent about how much you miss your home friends, or how difficult that Biocalc class is, making it therapeutic for you too.

4. Think about your weekend plans

At Villanova, we're lucky to always have something going on on campus. Two weekends ago it was parents weekend, this weekend it was Day of Service, next weekend is Hoops Mania, and the weekend after that is Fall Break! Thinking and focusing on these things while walking to class will put you in a good mood and give you something to work toward.

5. People watch

One of my favorite spots on campus is the Oreo/Connelly Center/Quad intersection. This is a great place to walk through because chances are you'll get to see a bunch of friends, find out what clubs and organizations are doing stuff on campus, catch a sale at the bookstore, or catch a contagious smile from all the happy students around.