5 Ways to Distract Yourself Now That You've Submitted Your Application
Congrats, your application is in! Technically, the hardest part is over, but no one really talks about that time in between submitting your application and hearing back from the admissions office. I spent those months picturing Tina Fey in Admission working through piles of applications. Although this is an uncertain and sometimes stressful period of time, you can put it to good use! Here are five semi-productive ways to distract yourself:
Basically how we all feel about college applications
1. Master some basic recipes
Use this time to master some easy recipes! While First Years all have a full meal plan at Barnard, sometimes you’re going to want a home-cooked meal. Plus, most upperclassmen live in suites with kitchens and opt for more limited meal plans. Eventually, you’ll probably want to cook, and now is the perfect time to start learning. Find some simple recipes, turn on Food Network for inspiration, and get going!
2. Start listening to a podcast
Podcasts are the ultimate distraction, and there are literally thousands to choose from. I listen to everything from former Bachelor contestants and YouTubers to “Stuff You Missed in History Class” (which I would highly recommend)!
3. Learn a new skill
It can be useful, it can be just for fun – either way, it’s something to do! Maybe you can perfect that winged eyeliner, or start learning a new language on the Duolingo app. Try a new workout, get crafty (maybe with some inspiration from Bob Ross?), or learn some basic computer coding with CodeAcademy!
4. Start a Pinterest board for your dorm room and necessities!
Get some ~inspo~ and start designing your dorm room! Shop around online, look around on Tumblr and Instagram, see how other people have decorated, and save photos you of what you like! Start gathering lists of college necessities and keep track of what you’ll need. But mostly start decorating in your head - it’s a great distraction.
5. Read for pleasure!
SERIOUSLY. Do it now. If there’s a book you’ve been wanting to read, start it. Once you get to college, you will have a lot of assigned reading, especially if you’re taking humanities classes. Reading for leisure sounds amazing right now.