Not everyone thrives on the constant party that is Mardi Gras. The drunk parade goers are without a doubt the life of the party, but who said the party couldn’t begin and end with Netflix and a Coca-Cola?

“I just want to sleep, watch netflix and repeat,” animal sciences sophomore Ansleigh Thibodeaux said.  

For those not planning to celebrate Mardi Gras this year, here are some fun things to do instead:

1.       Go on a hike in Tunica Hills

Tunica Hills is a campground in the northwest area of St. Francisville. While everyone else is inhaling calories with each extra tequila shot, you could be burning calories by hiking to the waterfall.

St. Francisville is a beautiful place and the experience allows for an artsy picture opportunity. Entry to the trail costs little to nothing and the weather lately has been nothing short of perfect.

2.       Find that spring break wear

Spring break is around the corner, so get some friends together and head to the mall. Go to lunch or dinner as a group and trek through the mall in search of the perfect bikini, shorts or other spring related item.

If you’re a lone ranger on the shopping trip, that’s OK. Treat yourself to a meal in the food court — eat a cookie, try on those shoes you’ve been eyeballing or splurge with all of the above.

Take a personal day and enjoy yourself.

3.       Have a Harry Potter movie marathon

Many fans are still waiting on their acceptance letter to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It’s a lofty goal to attend Hogwarts as an American muggle, but anything can happen. After all, that’s what I’m telling myself.

Watch all eight movies and binge eat your favorite snacks. It’s strongly advised to put everything you may need within reach, so the only necessary trip is to the bathroom.

4.       Just sleep and study

Honestly, there’s no shame in taking school seriously. The obligations to school and work can be overwhelming at times and it’s no surprise that sometimes all a student needs is rest.

We need the kind of rest that allows us to sleep in, wake up, roll over and sleep again kind of rest. Maybe after a productive day of nothing, you’ll feel much more willing to tackle homework.

Regardless of whether you sleep and party, sleep and study, party with no sleep or hike and eat, this break is an opportunity to give your brain a rest.
Take this time off to have fun and relax. Baton Rouge is a beautiful place, so walk the lakes or sit in the quad with no one else on campus. Do something that’s fun for you and remember, laissez les bon temps rouler.