Seven Ways to Safely Socialize During a Pandemic

Photo from outdoor class on August 24

Let's face it: Maintaining a social life during a pandemic where we need to social distance from one another can be really difficult. After all, how do you get to know someone from six feet away while wearing a mask?

Whether this is your first or fourth year at the Mount, making friends is an important part of the college experience, and believe it or not, it's still possible to do so even in our current circumstances. Here are some ways you can continue to safely socialize and meet others during this pandemic!

1. Join a club. Did you know that the Mount has more than 30 clubs on campus? Many of these clubs are still meeting over Zoom or in person, and it's a great way to connect with people who share common (or new!) interests! Explore all of our clubs, and then reach out to Student Activities to connect with the club president if you are interested in joining.
2. Attend an event. Just because we're social distancing doesn't mean we can't be social! There's plenty to do on campus, from Holy Cannolis in Campus Ministry to Bingo with MAP to making reusable tote bags with Sustain MSMC; check out some of our upcoming events here.
3. Connect with Student Services. Sometimes, the best connections you make in college won't be with fellow students, but with our faculty and staff! Our Student Services offices are still here to help you, and they're hosting some informative and fun events coming up. See all of our Student Services office hours here and view upcoming events here.
4. Impact the college. There's so much going on at the Mount, and you can be a part of it! Become a MAP Frequent Flyer; volunteer with Campus Ministry as a lector or altar server; take on a Work Study job; and so much more. 
5. Hang out in a common space. Pull up a seat and see who stops by! There are common spaces located around campus for students to utilize to socialize, study, eat, and more. These include the tent on the Sod Field, the Knight Spot in CC 392, residence hall lounges, and seating areas in Aquinas (MST Atrium first and second floor) and Hudson (outside of Campus Ministry and in the student lounge on the ground floor). Of course, masks should be worn and a social distance of six or more feet between individuals should be maintained whenever possible. Indoors you are limited to 10 in a group and outside to 30. 
6. Eat a meal with someone new. Meals are a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends and make new ones! Grab some grub and a few friends for a great socialization break in between classes.
7. Just smile and wave. Your mask may be covering your face, but we can still see your smiles shine through! A simple wave could make someone else's day as you pass each other on the sidewalk.

Yes, this isn't a typical semester, and nothing we say is going to make it seem more "normal" when we can't socialize like we're used to. But that doesn't mean you have to be in isolation! College is all about going outside of your comfort zone, so take a deep breath, strap on your mask, and challenge yourself to do one new thing this week. You never know who you might meet in the process.