I have officially been on-campus for my first ever on-campus winter term project for seven days now. My project is preparing for the spring double-bill operas, Later the Same Evening & Bastianello by John Musto. I am playing the character Thelma in the first opera, and it has definitely been a learning curve, as this is my first experience with modern classical music. I am greatly enjoying it; however, some things about being on campus for winter term have caught me off guard!
Alone Time
This one has actually been a pleasant surprise. I love spending time with my friends; but, after the holidays, it has been really nice to only share my apartment with one of my roommates and be in control of whether or not I want to socialize. I only have a few friends on campus, so we plan hanging out like every other day or grabbing meals together, but I have been able to have much more alone time than usual.
Free Time
For highly self-motivated people, the ability to create your own schedule is probably a blessing, but for me, it’s been a bit of a curse. The most I have been called for rehearsal in one day so far has been 3 hours. This leaves a lottttt of time for you to do what you want, or procrastinate on what you don’t want to do. Without a morning class to get me out of the house, I have been sleeping a lot more than I intend to, and have been finding it harder to drag myself to the library or practice room. (And I am not someone that can be productive in a space that contains a beautiful bed for rotting and sleeping haha) If you are planning on doing a self-led project during winter term on-campus, it is especially important that you have good time management skills, because then you don’t have a group/teachers to keep you accountable.
Dining Options
During winter term, the only dining options open are Stevenson Dining Hall and Azariah’s Cafe, both with reduced hours. This has been a bit of a struggle for me so far, as my rehearsals can overlap with the reduced hours (especially breakfast and lunch), so I have been cooking my own food sometimes, or buying things like granola bars, muffins, fruit, etc if I have to miss a dining hall meal. I will say, though, so far I have found food I liked at every meal I have gone to, so Stevie is a good option! I just miss the takeaway convenience of places like Umami and Rathskeller, and the close proximity to the conservatory of Heritage Dining Hall.
Snowberlin
In the past week, Oberlin has had a snow storm, and multiple snow flurries, leaving it a winter wonderland. I am from Buffalo, NY, so I know I don’t get very excited about the snow, but almost all of my friends from places all over the world get so excited about snowfall. I will admit, Oberlin’s snow can truly be beautiful. Just make sure you pack your gloves, scarf, and a hat! (And maybe a sled if you’re feeling adventurous.)
Winter term on-campus is definitely a very different vibe from normal Oberlin life, but even with the ups and downs, I am enjoying myself! :)
