Yes, You Can Be a Social Butterfly Safely in a Pandemic
If you’re anything like me, the concept of having minimal to non-existent social interaction is quite terrifying. Even if you consider yourself to be somewhat in the middle, between being an introvert and an extrovert, living in campus housing all alone for days on end can be very exhausting and lonely.
When thinking about the safety of yourself and others, it doesn’t mean you have to shut down the socializing. Arcadia provides great opportunities for students to still be a part of the community, whether they’re far away or right on campus.
– Lashanna Bryant
To be safe, we have to distance ourselves from our friends and family members, which can be tough in any normal circumstance. But during COVID, it can feel scary. However, there is a way to combat this loneliness and seclusion, and that’s by doing a couple different activities on and off campus that allow you the chance to be that social butterfly you’ve always wanted to be.
Groups like Student Programming Board (SPB) and Engagement and New Student Programs (ENSP), as well as Resident Life, are constantly holding events for students to participate in. Almost every week there is a film that is played through Zoom, and with just a few simple clicks, you’ll be able to watch a ton of movies with your friends.
Have Netflix or Disney+? I’ve loved hosting individual watch parties with my friends. So whether you watch with the university or on your own, you can gain back that experience of spending time with your friends.
Two other types of events being held are Kahoot games and Late Knight Bingo, a beloved Arcadia tradition. Have any interesting, random facts stored in your brain about Nickelodeon or The Office? Then a night of fun trivia on Zoom is meant for you (I won the Family Guy Kahoot myself, not to toot my own horn or anything). And want to test your luck in a game of bingo? Live your dreams and try to get four in a row!
History major Breanna Cameron ’21 can attest to the fun: “My roommate and I love watching television together, and we even won a game of bingo at the same time—highly recommend being a part of these programs.”
So, when thinking about the safety of yourself and others, it doesn’t mean you have to shut down the socializing. Arcadia provides great opportunities for students to still be a part of the community, whether they’re far away or right on campus.
