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5 Ways to Romanticize Your University Life (Even When It’s a Dumpster Fire)

University can be a whirlwind of deadlines, last-minute cramming, and wondering what the heck comes next. But who says you can’t add a little main-character energy to your daily routine? Even when it feels like a dumpster fire, you have every right to walk through it like a movie protagonist—sunglasses on, dramatic music playing.

1. Romanticize Your Study Sessions

Let’s be real—studying isn’t always fun, but you can make it better.
📍 Find a study spot you love—a sunlit library corner, a cozy collegium, or a café that makes you feel productive.
Treat yourself—a $6 matcha, a seasonal latte, or even a fancy water bottle. Act like it’s the best thing ever.
🎨 Make it aesthetic—colour-code notes, use your favourite stationery, and curate a playlist that makes you feel like the lead in a studying montage.

2. Walk Like You’re in a Movie

You’re not just going to class—you’re starring in an indie film.
🎶 Pop in your headphones and blast your personal soundtrack.
🌿 Take the scenic route—wander through campus trails, admire UBCO’s gorgeous views, and lean into the weather (yes, even the Okanagan wind).

3. Prioritize Self-Care (Non-Negotiable!)

Being a student doesn’t mean running on empty. Find small rituals that bring you joy:
📝 Morning journaling, experimenting with new recipes, or indulging in some retail therapy (Sephora haul, anyone?).
🎭 Join an SUO club or event—dance workshops, trivia nights, glow-in-the-dark yoga, and painting nights are all waiting for you!

4. Find Gratitude in the Chaos

Even when it’s tough, shift your mindset:
📚 You’re not just doing assignments—you’re expanding your mind. That 10-page research paper? Proof you’re learning and growing.
💫 One day, you’ll look back and realize how much these moments shaped you.

5.Need a Reset? The SUO Resource Centres Have Your Back

Sometimes, you just need a place to breathe. The SUO Resource Centres offer cozy spaces, free snacks, and friendly faces who get it.

Romanticizing your university life isn’t about pretending everything’s perfect—it’s about finding the beauty in the chaos. No matter how rough the day gets, remind yourself: you deserve to enjoy this experience. So go ahead, romanticize the hell out of it.