Like the temperature and our motivation, the morale is pretty low. The morale is pretty low around this time every year anyway, but at least at this time last year, we could safely leave the house. Whatever. It’s all about adaptation and intermittent weeping. But not to worry — The Pitt News editorial board has a few suggestions about pandemic-safe things to do in the cold. Tear-free, like the infamous L’Oréal Kids Shampoo that is not actually tear-free.

10. Be late to class

Because there are just so many things to do, we’re always late for class — way more than we were pre-pandemic. If you get distracted, or caught up on the commute to class — you know, those 4 feet in between your desk and computer, forgive yourself. These are unprecedented times.

9. Take a lap or two around your apartment 

It’s too cold to go outside, and too pandemic-y to go to the gym. 

8. Listen to rain sounds on your phone

Our culture editor does this, and yesterday was their birthday, so you should do it too. Apparently, they do it for six hours on end, and it’s calming. With this playlist, you can find any kind of rain — including, but not limited to, Dark Rain, White Noise Rain, Zzzz Rain and Sleepy Sleep rain. If you have questions, you can email the culture editor at [email protected].

7. Revisit Quarantine Season 1

Ah, the good ‘ole days — whipped coffee, Tiger King, sourdough starters and teachers going marginally easy on us in class.

6. You could just hibernate

Bears do it, and so can you. But you might need to go to Costco to stock up on the food. Luckily, the age to purchase a Costco membership is 18, and therefore, college students are eligible. At this point, this is more exciting — or at the very least more eventful — than turning 21.

5. Clean out your closet

Clean out your closet and get rid of the clothes you think you don’t need but actually need. You’ve been wearing pajama pants and those free t-shirts they give you on “I Love Pitt Day” if you donate a can of beans since March. Or maybe, when life returns to normal, you’ll wear pajama pants around campus. Start a trend.

4. Stare out the window

Bet you never thought you’d be so excited just to see snow. But alas.

3. Sightsee on Bigelow

On Christmas Eve, Pitt reopened Bigelow Boulevard after a long period of construction. According to the chancellor, it will “enhance how University of Pittsburgh students, neighbors and visitors will experience Oakland for decades to come.” It seems he might be jumping ahead a little bit, but if you want to get out of your apartment, check it out — rumor has it you can cross the road more safely.

2. Sticky notes all over the wall

You probably have a planner, and you probably said, “in 2021, I’m actually gonna use it.” You probably wrote events in it for the first two weeks of January, and that’s OK. It’s easier and more fun to stick post-it notes everywhere — on your computer, the wall, your desk or your soul. 

1. Nominate someone for a Silhouette

Every year, The Pitt News produces its Silhouette edition, where we profile neat people in the Pitt community. If you know someone pretty cool, you should nominate them here.