We always scuttle away from school after finals with sighs of relief and fist pumps of excitement, but it’s understandable to miss Wes after a couple of weeks. After all, we do spend the greater part of three seasons there. Depending on what exactly it is that you miss, there are probably things to do in your area that you can use to satiate those Wes-related cravings. Here are my suggestions for free activities, with some examples from my hometown, New York.
| I miss… | So I’m going to… | In New York… |
| WesPeeps | Get in contact with any in your area. Form a Facebook group. Maybe get super-stalkerish and look up addresses in the directory. | It’s not that hard. There is, however, a Facebook group for people in and around New York this summer. |
| Grassy spots like Foss or the butthole | There’s got to be some grassy meadows and hills in your area. Or, since its summer, chill out at the beach instead. | Any real New Yorker knows that there’s no scarcity of greenery here. There are plenty of parks—Central Park has plenty of hills to camp out on and I personally love the casual atmosphere of Bryant Park. |
| Hipsters | You can be your own hipster. | Brooklyn has a neighborhood or two. |
| Olin (yeah, right…or maybe to do something else in the stacks?) | My local library | The New York Public Library, 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, is a grand choice. |
| CFS Film Series | Most cities have film series available, easily searchable online. Try major foundations or public parks. | HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, Central Park Film Festival, River to River, Summer on the Hudson |
| Theater (CFA, SecondStage) | Public theater is everywhere. Even if you’re in the middle of nowhere there’s probably at least a school play. | Shakespeare in the Park is free, and discounted Broadway is available through |
| Music | There’s free music playing everywhere, from city subways to suburban centers. | This could go on forever, so I’ll just mention that GMA and the Today Show are hosting morning concerts with acts such as Lady Gaga and Rascal Flatts. |
As for Freeman, while there’s some free services in cities, you just might have to get that gym membership.
There are plenty of things you can do at home that you can’t do at Wes that you should also enjoy while you can.
Share your suggestions, such as cool things to do in your hometown, in the comments.
Disclaimer: My methods are unproven. I’m only a “rising sophomore” and it’s only been two week in my first Wes summer.
This was SO helpful, because although I knew most of these things were going on in the city I had no idea where to locate schedules about them. Thanks!
PS Mamouns falafel restaurant is located on Macdougal right below Washington Square Park.
This was SO helpful, because although I knew most of these things were going on in the city I had no idea where to locate schedules about them. Thanks!
PS Mamouns falafel restaurant is located on Macdougal right below Washington Square Park.
so sick of hearing about new york. this is all common sense anyway.
so sick of hearing about new york. this is all common sense anyway.
If anyone from Berkeley, CA is missing toilet paper from Exley, they have it at the Safeway on Shattuck and Rose.
If anyone from Berkeley, CA is missing toilet paper from Exley, they have it at the Safeway on Shattuck and Rose.
Also, I think it was an invitation to fill in for other cities/areas.
Also, I think it was an invitation to fill in for other cities/areas.
Lots of Wesleyan kids are spending at least part of their summer in NYC. Moreover, many are NYC residents or live nearby. Therefore, many of us might be interested to know where we can find our Wes-sick fixes in NYC. Thanks Syed!
Lots of Wesleyan kids are spending at least part of their summer in NYC. Moreover, many are NYC residents or live nearby. Therefore, many of us might be interested to know where we can find our Wes-sick fixes in NYC. Thanks Syed!
Hey, what if I miss the falafel cart?
Can I find falafel in NEW YORK CITY?
How about drugs?
Where do I get me some of them in NEW YORK CITY?
What about stupid blog posts?
Do those exist in NEW YORK CITY?
Hey, what if I miss the falafel cart?
Can I find falafel in NEW YORK CITY?
How about drugs?
Where do I get me some of them in NEW YORK CITY?
What about stupid blog posts?
Do those exist in NEW YORK CITY?
Ok, but this is just another example of NYC people being NYC-centric. Sure, it’s a great city, but you all can be a little full of yourselves and how important New York is. Big deal. If you don’t live in NYC, this list is dumb, is my point.
-#1
Ok, but this is just another example of NYC people being NYC-centric. Sure, it’s a great city, but you all can be a little full of yourselves and how important New York is. Big deal. If you don’t live in NYC, this list is dumb, is my point.
-#1
A lot of states have school still in session. In New York we have another month so there’s still stuff going on.
Also, much of this is common sense but this is just a friendly reminder for anyone who is Wes-sick (I know one or two who may be).
A lot of states have school still in session. In New York we have another month so there’s still stuff going on.
Also, much of this is common sense but this is just a friendly reminder for anyone who is Wes-sick (I know one or two who may be).
#1, i got at least something out of it. i’m moving to nyc this summer and i’m definitely gonna check out these film festivals.
#1, i got at least something out of it. i’m moving to nyc this summer and i’m definitely gonna check out these film festivals.
also there are not usually school plays during summer
also there are not usually school plays during summer
This is stupid.
There’s free music playing everywhere, from city subways to suburban centers.
OH. thanks for that.
This is stupid.
There’s free music playing everywhere, from city subways to suburban centers.
OH. thanks for that.