Go to the Humanities play
During J-term, Bethel can feel like a ghost town. All the autumnal joy and whimsy from fall football season and the rush of the novelty of college will start to wear off, and the days will be dark, short and freezing. But despite this, there is still one underrated event during J-term (that’s not broomball) that will remind you there is hope beyond the cold darkness. Snuggled in the LSC chapel, there will be the great equalizer and staple of Bethel culture – the Humanities play. Theater kids and football players alike, forced to learn lines in Shakespeare by their professors. Your night will be a little less cold, and you’ll be reminded that there are so many people here to love.
— Laura Hunt, managing editor
Be prepared for the J-term flu
Catching the illnesses that seem to spread across campus overnight during the winter is the worst, especially when you don’t have a car. Stock up on Emergen-C, Sudafed, a few canned soups and some Liquid IV ahead of time. This emergency stash will keep you from having to beg your one friend with a car to take you to the Arden Hills Target pharmacy when you don’t even feel like getting out of bed.
— Kathryn Kovalenko, editor-in-chief
Time for a movie marathon
There’s nothing wrong with rotting away on the couch, wrapped in your favorite burrito blanket with a steaming mug of Keurig coffee. The extended editions of all the “Lord of the Rings” movies exist for a reason. Or hardcore binge your favorite 15-season TV show until Netflix gets concerned for your wellbeing and asks if you’re still watching. Don’t worry, no one needs to know except you, God and any friends you drag over to your room via Google calendar invite.
— Rachael Van Rossum, news editor
Roblox Party
It might be too cold to dress up and go out on the town with your best friends in the winter, but it’s never too cold to dress to impress in the comfort of your own living room! If you haven’t already, download Roblox onto your computer and gather your friends for a night you’ll never forget. You can run and find shelter in Natural Disaster, sing your heart out in Karaoke Battles or strut down the runway in your best combinations of skirts, tops and accessories in Dress to Impress. If you want to take it a step further, throw a Roblox-themed birthday party for one of your friends, complete with Roblox streamers and a banner from Amazon.
– Emily Christiansen, lifestyle editor
Buy some ice skates
The truth is, the reason no one likes winter is that they think it’s no fun to be outside. The spring through fall seasons are awesome because outdoor activity options double. Only the occasional rainy day spoils those plans. But winter sucks because those opportunities get cut in half. As soon as you can see your breath and that white stuff comes from the sky, swimming can’t happen, hikes are a no-go and pickleball requires half of my tuition to play indoors. I’ve got good news for you, though. Outdoors aren’t completely off-limits in the winter. Buy yourself some ice skates. Hockey or figure skates, I don’t care. But bring your friends to Play-It-Again Sports, snag a stick and get on the lake before the snow ruins that, too. And don’t forget to double-sock.
– Aiden Penner, sports editor
Make Plans
I hate to say it, but you might need to spend at least a bit of money. Go to a Wolves game. Go ice skating. Go to your high school friend’s house. Make plans at school, too. Have a movie night. Plan weekly watch parties of the trashiest show available, I recommend Farmer Wants a Wife. You need something to look forward to while you sit in condensed CWC. Minimal homework means more time for fun. Instead of scrolling reels for four hours every day, get a group together and find something fun to do. Make sure you have stories to tell your mom, just three weeks after winter break is over.
— Greta Wilson, marketing manager
Stay healthy and stay warm
One of the simplest ways to survive your freshman year winter is to stay ahead of the wave of campus-wide colds that always seem to sweep through the dorms. Stock up on vitamins and immune-supporting essentials before everyone else gets sick—you’ll thank yourself later. Just as important is finding a cozy indoor hobby that keeps you warm and out of the freezing wind. Whether it’s journaling, knitting, baking, or binge-reading a new series, having something comforting to curl up with can make the long, dark months feel more manageable. Protect your health, protect your sanity, and winter won’t win.
– Ella Boelter, art director
Stay warm
As a Native Coloradan, my best tip to survive your freshman winter is simple. Always expect to be colder than you think you will be. Think a light jacket will be good enough for the short walk to the buildings? Wrong. You’re going to have to wear the massive, overly-puffy jacket that you feel silly in, because, when it comes down to it, you’ll rather be warm and look like the Pillsbury dough boy than freezing but stylish. Trust me, I tried to wear cute coats that matched my outfits at first, but I gave into wearing my unfashionable but trustworthy men’s Costco jacket immediately once the Minnesota negatives hit. So don’t underestimate just how cold that walk from Getsch to the BC can be, and overprepare for it instead, because at Bethel, even with an extra warm jacket, you’ll probably still be cold.
– Sadie Buteyn, copy editor
Take Physics
This is for all my fellow business majors out there. Take Physics of Everyday Life with all your best friends over J-term (Shoutout Professor Kontak for putting up with all of us). I know most of you have no intention of thinking about science ever again, so taking the most fun D-tag offered over J-term is your best bet. I mean, who doesn’t want to learn about why the sky is blue and if Marshawn Lynch will make it to the endzone? You’ll have so much time on your hands that you won’t know what to do with yourself, and honestly, that is everything I’ve ever wanted. Sure, some days you have 3 hours of lecture and a 2-hour lab, but once you’re done, you’re done. Trust me, you will not regret it.
– Bennett Moger, staff photographer
Night at the Museum
If Jack Frost is nibbling at your nose, and it’s too cold to do anything outside (common excuse), visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts or the Walker Art Center. On Thursdays, the MIA is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and the Walker is free to get into. Afterwards, grab a bite to eat on Eat Street (Nicollet Avenue) or in the general Uptown area. Moto-i, a Japanese noodle joint, or India Palace, with authentic Indian cuisine, are good options.
-Luca Lombardi, business manager
