Coming off of spring break may be hard for some. Although a long break from academic duties and stress was very much needed for University of Maine students, it is time to get back into our routines. The post-break slump is real, but with this being said, the fun does not have to stop! There are so many great opportunities on campus to not only get more involved in the community around you, but also do something enjoyable in your free time. Taking a break from homework to go do something exciting for yourself may be just what you need to break out of the post-vacation blues.
UMaine hosts many creative events throughout the year that help get students involved on campus. These events are a great way to meet new people and express your creativity whilst also having a great laugh. Bringing your whole friend group to participate is always welcomed as these events are a great hang out spot. Recently, a record painting event was held in the North Pod of the Memorial Union. The event included free records, paint and paintbrushes. Those who attended were welcomed to grab any record they liked and have fun painting them.
Brianna MacDonald, a second-year here at UMaine, was one of many students who attended the record painting event.
“The record painting on Wednesday night in the Union was so much fun. It was the first event I attended and needless to say, I will be attending more events.” MacDonald said.
“The atmosphere was so inviting and everyone was extremely welcoming and nice, and who doesn’t want to make decor for their room?” MacDonald added.
There were clearly rave reviews for the record painting event, which was a part of the event committee’s “Music Weekend” theme. Upcoming themes include “Pride Week” as well as “Cozy Vibes” and “End of Semester Celebration.” There will also be events at the rec to kick off the start of summer break.
To give more specifics about these events, “Pride Week” will include a “Green Mingo” activity March 29 at 8 p.m., “Pride Trivia” on March 30 at 8 p.m., a comedy show by Jeffrey Jay on March 31 at 9 p.m. and even a drag show that will take place on April 1 at 9 p.m. The drag show will be held at the Collins Center for the Arts and hosted by a UMaine graduate and drag queen who goes by the name “Carrie the One”. Sponsoring the show is the student government and UMaine’s Wilde Stein student organization, a queer straight alliance. On April 5 the Collins Center will also be hosting a “Take and Make Crafts” event and, on April 7 they will host a water color paint night. For the “Cozy Vibes” theme, the events will include “blind date with a book” on April 12 at 8pm and “book trivia” on April 13 at 8pm as well.
“Spring Fling” weekend will include “camp crafts” on April 19 at 8pm and “karaoke/open mic night” on April 20 at 8 p.m. As the school semester wraps up, there will be “end of semester celebration” events such as the “CAB Block Party” on April 26 at 8 p.m. and trivia on April 27 at 8 p.m. Another exciting event series is taking place at the New Balance Rec Center April 29 to May 1 where there will be a “summer kickoff”, “survival kits” to make and “plate smashing”.
These events take place in the North Pod of the Memorial Union unless otherwise specified by the hosts. There are tons of ways to have fun on campus and these are only a few of the options. If you live in housing on campus, keep an eye out for emails from your RAs involving events in your dorm complex. Staying involved and active on campus can be not only beneficial for your mental health, but it can open up so many opportunities for new friends and new experiences that make your college experience memorable.
