Ah, yes. Labor Day. One week into school and we already get a break. Would I prefer this day off say in late September when I’m finally feeling overwhelmed? Maybe, but alas, I don’t choose when labor is celebrated. Since we all get a 3-day weekend, and planned Welcome Week events only last six days, Washington University students have to make some hard decisions in the following days, like what to do on Labor day.

Go on a float trip

There is nothing I love more than laying on a raft for five hours and just floating. Not sitting, or standing, or walking, or furrowing your brow in frustration as you transfer all of the assignments from your syllabi to your planner and think to yourself, “Simply, how?” Float trips are awesome! You just get a group together, pick your river, make a reservation at a park nearby or a few hours away, get-up early and go. It can be dangerous if you make it dangerous (i.e. drinking in excess, not wearing life-jackets, horseplay on the rafts), but if you’re smart, it’s good, harmless, relaxing fun. If someone’s being annoying just put those ears underwater, close your eyes and feel the sun blanket you. —Katy Hutson, Senior Scene Editor

Stay in bed and sleep all day

You’ve all got a long semester ahead of you. It would be a good idea to catch up on some sleep that you’ll be losing in the coming weeks and months. Be ready. Lots of long work hours are ahead, and everyone better be well-rested when they hit. —Tyler Sabloff, Senior Forum Editor

Go to brunch off campus

Now that you’ve been at school for a whole week, you deserve to take it easy for a bit. In my opinion, the best way to unwind is over French toast and fresh orange juice. Take your time and sink into your chair as the morning slips away and your first-week stress gets dissolved in a cocktail of carbs, crepes and coffee. —Josh Zucker, Cadenza Editor

Call your family members

It’s only been a week or so since you’ve left home, and your family probably misses you. Set aside a time to call or video chat with your parents, siblings, any other loved ones and update them on Bear Beginnings, your first week of class and generally just how things are going. They’ll appreciate it. —Anjali Vishwanath, Social Media Editor

Get ahead on your schoolwork (I’m not joking)

I think we can all agree that Labor Day weekend comes before a break is even necessary. Use this time to get ahead on work so you can take a day off when you actually need it! Plus, the best study spots on campus will probably be vacant; so, you can finally try out that comfy spot in Olin you’ve had your eye on. —Elena Quinones, Senior Cadenza Editor

Live in the City Museum caves

Go to the City Museum and hide in the caves. It is my theory that the caves are far too dense to be properly policed by the staff. Bring a small satchel of the necessities one needs to survive and burrow within the inner workings of the underground world. Become a mole person. Stay as long as possible (or just for the three-day weekend, no judgement). Then, please, let me know how it goes. I am just genuinely curious. Disclaimer: If you get arrested attempting to become a mole person, I will not pay your bail. I don’t have the funds, sorry. —Lauren Alley, Senior Forum Editor

Change your entire schedule

This sounds like I’m kidding, but I definitely did this, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In my case, this meant changing my major and my entire academic plan for college. If you aren’t happy with your classes, or you don’t think you’ll enjoy where they take you, then seriously, honestly, just drop them and take classes that you will enjoy. I did it, and it was terrifying. But from that point on I’ve been far happier in my academic career than I ever was before it. —Sam Seekings, Editor-in-Chief

Get signed up for a training only for it to be canceled

Last year, I was scheduled to have an all-day training session to be a teaching assistant (ahem, assistant to the instructor) for a computer science class that I had (at the time) TA’d three times. You might notice an issue here: a full day of job training on labor day—a national holiday celebrating the contributions of workers. Someone must have tipped off the department, because, lo and behold, I woke up to the best notification I have ever seen: The training was canceled. Now, one year later, I have another training (for a different department) scheduled for Monday. Let’s hope history repeats itself. —Aidan Strassmann, Managing Editor

Cook something ambitious

One of my greatest regrets from my time living on campus is that I never took advantage of the very nice kitchens in all of the residential colleges. Now that I live off campus and have easy and constant access to my own kitchen, I find myself never really straying from recipes that I already know really well. A three-day weekend is the perfect time to take advantage of those free amenities and cook something that you’ve always wanted to. Maybe that thing will just be adding an egg and some garnish to the pack of Maruchan ramen you eat every single day, but still cooking something nice is a way to feel good about yourself, and Labor Day is one of the only free windows Wash. U. students have to do that. —Jon Lewis, Associate Editor

Absolutely nothing (in particular)

There’s an assumption that you have to DO something on Labor Day. You’re going to be stressed, time-strapped and sleep-deprived all semester. Why add another day to that? Sleep in, get some brunch, talk to some friends, read a nice book, watch some TV. Nothing special; just a nice relaxing day with no real goals or obligations. You deserve it. –Dorian DeBose, Senior Sports Editor

Explore the Loop

If you’re looking for something to do after a long first week of classes, check out restaurants and shops on the Loop. Think of it as a warm-up and scope out the best spots for “Get Looped,” an event taking place on the first Friday of September, October and November. Over 20 restaurants and stores will be staying open late and offering special deals, as well as hosting several live music shows. — Brandon Wilburn, Design Chief