Pandemic-Friendly Activities On Campus

Returning to campus this semester has looked a little different than in past years. Many students chose to be remote for the semester, and those who returned to campus are learning how to navigate college life during a pandemic. COVID-19 has changed the way students on campus interact with one another and with Manhattan College itself, as was established in the One Manhattan guidelines.

Everyone might be seeing their friends less, and taking more precautions for everyone’s health and safety. However, this doesn’t mean that students can’t take advantage of the pandemic-friendly activities on campus. 

Here are five things you can do on campus to enjoy time with your fellow students while also prioritizing being outdoors and safely socially distanced:

By Camryn Holly ’21

  • 1. Attend the outdoor exercise classes offered by the Fitness Center

    van cortlandt park on a sunny fall day with leaves on trees turning orange

    While the Fitness Center just reopened on October 5th, indoor group exercise classes have been put on hold. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t all still enjoy group fitness classes! The Center is offering outdoor fitness classes, such as yoga on the Quad and mixed martial arts classes on the Jasper Lawn. All outdoor fitness classes require face masks to be worn by all participants, and follow social distancing and campus safety guidelines. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a friend, get some fresh air and get some exercise–all while social distancing!

  • 2. Go for a run or walk in Van Cortlandt Park

    van cortlandt park on a sunny fall day with leaves on trees turning orange
    One of the benefits of going to school at Manhattan College is that we’re right across the street from one of the largest parks in New York City. This is especially beneficial now. With so many classes being remote or hybrid, we’re all spending a lot more time than usual inside our dorms. This means it’s more important than ever to be making time to get outside and move. Van Cortlandt Park has plenty of trails that you can spend hours exploring to enjoy some time in nature and recharge in between classes and homework sessions.

  • 3. Movie nights on the Quad

    students watching movie together while sitting on grassy area of campus

    All throughout the month of September, Student Government held movie nights on the Quad every Friday. They played the likes of Captain Marvel, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Knives Out and more. They were such a hit that they’re now holding a Halloween movie night on October 30th. Safely celebrate Halloween by enjoying a movie with your fellow Jaspers!

  • 4. Take advantage of the new outdoor seating and grab food with a friend

    three female students sitting at table together under white tent outside
    To further ensure social distancing, there are now tables outside of the Kelly Commons and on Walsh Plaza for students to eat at with adequately spaced out seating. This is the perfect setting for grabbing lunch at Locke’s with a friend, or a midday pick-me-up at the Commons’ Starbucks. Best of all, Starbucks takes your Jasper Card!

  • 5. Join a club

    young couple pushing stroller in a park waving to little boy

    While many Manhattan College clubs are operating remotely this semester, they’re still running! Clubs are a great way to get involved on campus and meet new people. In times like these, having a group of friends with similar interests can provide a sense of community and social life, even if it’s virtual. Visit the Student Engagement Clubs page and see what clubs interest you, how to join and what club events are coming up soon.

By MC Staff