1. Go to any of the Ritz movie theaters on a school night to watch the new Wes Anderson movie, “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” or Lars Von Trier's over–hyped “Nymphomaniac.” Bring along a friend or a date. Not only will you take a two–hour break, but you will also feel accomplished after watching a movie that might be considered a classic for future generations. You’ll also show all your Facebook friends how cultured you are.
2. Take out the coloring books you’ve avoided since third grade. Coloring and drawing are great ways to focus your attention. It doesn’t take that long and you can reproduce a Van Gogh or a Matisse very easily. What’s better than coloring between lines when you’re tired of refreshing your newsfeed every minute? If criticized, you can always say it is for a fine arts course and will be a masterpiece sooner or later. If you're bad at choosing your own color combinations, paint-by-numbers is always an option!
3. It’s the end of the school year, a synonym for final projects. You most likely know someone exhibited at the Fine Arts Undergrad Spring Exhibition, and if you don’t, now is the perfect time to make a new friend. They have put a semester–long effort into creating their work. Whether you go out of support or boredom, the exhibit will be entertaining and the perfect study break. What's more, it’s very low effort: a critique or two, a compliment or two and you’re done. Zero cost, too.
4. Walk into any library and look around. On the first floor of Van Pelt by the booth tables, a few Jennifer Bartlett paintings hang on those white walls you despise so much. There is no need to regret missing her exhibition at PAFA last fall—she is always here with us. When you just do not want to write your paper or study for your last chem exam, but want to see some pretty stuff, you don’t even have to leave the library. Similarly, the graduate carrels in the stacks (on the third and fourth floors, especially) of Fisher Fine Arts have postcards of French paintings, among other hidden gems. You can pretend you’re an art history major for a minute or two.
5. Do wheatpasting (think collage meets street art.) Find a wall. Bring friends who like to make art. Drag friends who like to paste. Do it before sunset and when it’s dark. Your mark will always be in the walls of Philadelphia and maybe, someday, a person will point out what you did to a nearby friend and comment on your story. It’s a bit illegal because mural art can be dangerous if not done properly and on good terms, but being shady is something college students do best. Another more legal option is to walk or take a bus to South Street and relive freshman year by admiring the art of the Magic Gardens. Being passive can be a pleasing experience, too.
