The hustle and bustle of midterms comes during the first week of October for most students. It’s full of study groups crowding Alden Library, late night trips to get coffee to keep you going while churning out that paper, and a general sense of franticness across campus. Thankfully, one thing around the corner keeps students going: fall break. It’s not much more than a long weekend, but it’s a welcome reprieve from the constant running around the week before.
Fall break 2025 happens on October 10th, and it gives students a long weekend to rest up, relax, and have fun with friends while celebrating that one of the most stressful parts of the semester is over. But what should students do with their well-earned time off from classes? Here’s some of our favorite ways to take advantage of a long weekend in Athens.
Hike Around Hocking Hills or Stroud’s Run
Early to mid-October is sort of that weather sweet spot in southern Ohio. The dog days of summer are gone, and the temperature is slowly getting cooler. It’s the perfect time to plan a trip with your friends to one of the popular state parks in the area.
Stroud’s Run and Hocking Hills effortlessly capture the beauty of Ohio’s southern region and provide multiple hiking trails to get lost on—not literally, of course. Pack a lunch or a picnic, bring some friends along, and go touch grass. After a hectic week of exams, it’s sure to ease even the fastest of racing minds.
Clean Your Student Rental Home
Alright, sure. Who really wants to spend one of their days off on a long weekend catching up on chores around your Ohio University rental? After a week of shirking every other responsibility in favor of midterms, it might be needed.
Take some time to pick up around your off-campus rental apartment. Maybe declutter some countertops. Do some loads of laundry and get rid of that pile of clothes that’s been growing for the last couple weeks. You could even make the bathroom sparkling clean. Taking time to invest in your personal living space leads to feeling refreshed and recharged for the remainder of the semester.
Explore Around Athens
Athens is a vibrant city with tons to do. If you haven’t really had the chance to get out and look around, seize the opportunity. Dial up some friends and grab lunch at a new spot. Check out the Athens Farmers Market, which runs basically every weekend. Take a ride along one of the many bike paths in the city. You could even have a brewery day with friends and hop around the many local breweries that call Athens home. There’s a ton to see and do, so why not make the most of a long weekend in your college town?