As the spring term sets in, rising temperatures and longer days mean even more reason to feel cooped up at home due to the pandemic. Luckily, there are a number of activities and events running in Waterloo this term, so you can always find something fun and COVID-19 safe to do.
Here’s a quick guide to student-friendly summer activities in the region:
Welcome Week
This week (May 17-21) is spring Welcome Week, which features a number of virtual events for undergrad students, all hosted by WUSA. Catch Sex Toy Bingo on Thursday, May 20 at 7 p.m. EDT or a Mood-Boosting Movements class on Friday, May 21 at 12 p.m. EDT.
In addition to Welcome Week, WUSA hosts regular workshops to support students during the pandemic and beyond. You can watch past workshops, like “Dating During COVID-19” and “Money Talks: Financial Wellness Basics with the Sassy Investor” on the WUSA website or attend upcoming events live.
UW events
The University of Waterloo’s events calendar lists upcoming opportunities for students, faculty and community members. Highlights from the next couple months include a virtual screening of “Picture a Scientist” hosted by Women in Engineering.
City events
Beyond UW events, there are plenty of events hosted by the City of Waterloo that students might enjoy. From a monthly Art Market between June and August, to programming for holidays like National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), there are tons of ways to enjoy the local arts and culture scene.
Sustainable Waterloo Region also runs informative programming, such as “Serving up Sustainability: Food Systems and Climate Change,” an event that will explore how modern food systems exacerbate climate change.
The Kitchener Ripper
If you’re a mystery fan, grab a group of friends (2-6) and check out “The Ripper”: an outdoor detective adventure that will have you crossing the city to solve a crime. The event comes to KW on Saturday, June 5th, 2021.
Outdoor movie nights
Movie theatres may be closed, but there are plenty of options to catch a good flick in the city this summer. The City of Waterloo will be hosting Movies in the Park-ing Lot between June and September (specific films TBA), and there are several drive-in theatres near Kitchener-Waterloo.
Have a backyard? Buy a cheap projector and string up a white sheet. You’ll have total control over what movie you watch and access to any snacks you want, without having to pay the movie theatre markup. If you’re really missing the popcorn, Princess Cinemas is still running their weekly popcorn pickup, where you can purchase local craft brews and traditional movie snacks.
Clubs and other associations
If one-time events aren’t what you’re looking for, check out the WUSA clubs directory to find new opportunities to explore. Interested in bringing a new club to the community? The process is quite easy — there are a few basic criteria for starting and maintaining a new club, all of which can be found on the WUSA website, along with the steps you’ll need to take to get your idea approved. You can also find opportunities to connect with students through your faculty society.
Organize your own activity
None of the options on the list sound appealing? Organize your own activity with friends. You can do a six-foot-apart picnic in the park or plan a nighttime walk to see the stars. If you want something a little more fast-paced, you can try a game of frisbee, football or soccer with your roommates. There are also lots of hiking trails located in the region, many of which are accessible by transit.
If you’ve got access to a car, see whether campgrounds reopen once lockdown is lifted, and consider a weekend getaway to an isolated, outdoor space. You can also pitch a tent on your lawn, though your front yard may lack the serenity that a more remote location holds.
Cabin fever is constricting. Hopefully, the warmer weather and local events provide a chance for you to escape the confinement of your home and learn a little more about the region.
Enjoy your summer!
