My Top 10 Homework Break Activities in Chicago!

Living in Chicago is great as a busy student because there are so many fun things to do to recharge between assignments! Here’s my list of the top 10 homework breaks I like to take as a busy DePaul student living in The Loop. This list includes both breaks that will get you out into the city and breaks that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own apartment. So, no matter if you’re in the mood for adventure or a stay at home night, this list has got you covered!

1. Walks

Chicago’s Riverwalk is my personal favorite place to go for a walk, but the city has so many great places to wander. Getting out and exploring the city is always something that clears my mind a little when I’m feeling overwhelmed.

DePaul student walks on the Chicago Riverwalk.

DePaul student plays pickleball at the Grant Park pickleball courts.

2. Pickleball

Grant Park has so many pickleball courts which I love as a pickleball fanatic. Pickleball always makes for a nice opportunity to catch up with friends and listen to some music. (You don’t have to dress like Adam Sandler when you play, that’s just what I do.)

3. Comedy Shows

As a comedy student, one of my favorite activities to work into my schedule has got to be comedy shows. I always leave them happier and more motivated to complete my comedy assignments. Comedy shows are also just a lot of fun for anybody!

The Second City Chicago’s de Maat Studio Theater.

Wrigley field baseball stadium, home to the Chicago Cubs.

4. Baseball Games

Although baseball games are a bit of a longer activity, they are a good opportunity to reset your mind. With a large workload, working in time for some fun with your friends is so important. So, watching a game and eating an exciting snack is always a good bet!

5. Concerts

Another longer break from homework that I love is concerts. As someone who loves music, going to concerts always leaves me feeling reset. Even having a concert to anticipate helps me have something to look forward to during stressful times.

A stage at Post Malone’s concert in Chicago at Wrigley Field.

DePaul students playing pool in The University Center in Chicago’s Loop.

6. Pool

The University Center got pool tables last year, so you better believe me and my friends played a whole bunch. Pool is such a fun game that you can play with any amount of people. So, if your place has a pool table, I would highly recommend taking advantage of it.

7. Board Games

Playing a board game on the floor has also become a staple homework break for me and my friends. Board games are so nostalgic and honestly it’s just nice to get away from screens. I even learned how to play chess in my spare time last year!

Two DePaul students play The Game of Life on the floor of their Chicago apartment.

Various colored coloring pages including Moana and Minecraft pictures are hung on the wall.

8. Coloring

Coloring books are like my number one college essential. This seems silly, but nothing clears your mind as well as some good old fashioned coloring. Me and my roommate like to hang our creations on the wall, so trying to fill the wall with pages is also a fun project.

9. Napping

Sometimes all you need is to take a good nap. Napping is the best break for a low social battery, so there isn’t any shame in staying inside and crawling into that twin XL! Make sure to bring comfy pillows and cozy blankets to school to enhance your quality of nap.

DePaul student naps under covers in a twin XL bed.

A sewing machine in DePaul’s Loop campus.

10. Hobbies

A more universal break that I highly suggest is making time for your favorite hobby. Whether it’s playing guitar, crocheting a blanket, or writing sketches, making time for your hobbies is so essential in college. It’s easy to forget to make time for things just for you, so I encourage you to take some time to do something you enjoy just for fun!

Balancing work and play as a college student can be tough, but I hope this list helps you see just how many fun ways there are to recharge at DePaul. I hope this list encourages you to make the most of your homework breaks and enjoy every moment of college life—Chicago style!

~Tessa