The Daily O’Collegian

First off, you have to have a Netflix account.

You can spend your downtime catching up on the previous seasons of your favorite television show or indulging in a Scorsese marathon.

Either way, you get an enormous selection with the movie coming directly to your mailbox. Netflix also offers “watch now,” which allows you to find and watch particular movies right on your computer with hardly any waiting at all.

Host a board game or Rock Band night every week. It could be a great opportunity to see your friends on a regular basis without work and school.

Besides video games and movies, try a return to old-fashioned entertainment: books. Summer is a great time to pick up a new best seller or a tried-and-true classic. A perfect pool read is the “Chronicles of Narnia” or “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” You’ll be amazed to find that your imagination is 10 times better than anything Hollywood produces.

Sitting at home reading can be boring. A little exploration uncovers perfect reading spots. At The Third Place, Aspen Coffee Company and The Daily Grind you can find a peaceful atmosphere and get a tasty beverage.

For other “tasty beverages” look no further than the Stonewall. Summer nights are perfect for relaxing in the Biergarten. It is the place to see and be seen. Wednesday offers free beer for the ladies, Thursday hosts a dance party with music from DJ Danger Granger, and every day there is $2 special. Not only is it a good drink, i.e. a Screwdriver or Tom Collins, but it is a strong drink.

If you aren’t working and have a little cash to spend then be sure to check out the many thrift stores in town. You can find all sorts of retro clothes, creative house décor, furniture, vinyl records and a pretty teacup for your mom. St. Andrews Thrift on Third and Knoblock, Elite Repeat and the Karman Corner on Main all donate their proceeds to charity.

If you have a dog or know someone who has one, take the dog on early evening walks exploring different neighborhoods. Softball leagues all over town are having their summer games. Various organizations probably wouldn’t mind more players for their teams.

After you’ve watched enough movies and played enough games, you should teach yourself something new. Learning Spanish or French has never been so easy with tools like the Internet and a Nintendo DS. Also, you could practice and teach yourself to be ambidextrous or learn how to play chess. Ladies, ever considered dancing? The Lair has amateur nights on Mondays….