Five sure-fire ways to kill time on campus

By Thong Jen Mee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Okay class, you are dismissed.”

 

A student would normally rejoice upon hearing these five words. But sadly, not you. As Lady Luck would have it, you’ve got to be the one person who has a messed-up schedule for the whole semester. Yes, I’m talking about that awkward two to four hour gap between your classes. Anything above that and you might as well get a ride home; it’s really not worth the wait.

 

But if you’re (un)fortunate enough to live in far-off places like Bangi or even Nilai, it is indeed quite impractical to make the drive home.  Four hours with nothing to do? I present to you, the ultimate time-killer list.

 

1)  Feed the ducks

Quack, quack, quack. Their true purpose is finally revealed; for you to feed and to love. Why else would they be here then? These feathered animals can often be seen scattered around the lake although you may notice that the particular spot in front of Old Town seems to be quite a popular hangout area for them. Drop by the nearest convenience store (you know where, there’s a grand total of two of them), purchase a loaf of bread and you’re good to go!

 

Damage: RM 2.50 – RM 3 (depending on the brand of bread)

Time spent: 30 minutes

Entertainment value: 7/10

 

2)  Hop on a bus ride

If you happen to have a spare RM 1.50 in your pocket, why not opt for a sightseeing bus tour around the city? Or rather, a small part of the city which includes Sunway and Subang. Simply purchase your A12-sized bus ticket at the makeshift counter located beside the Student Life Centre and wait for the bus. The trick is to do this during off-peak hours (anytime before 4pm is good) if you do not favour getting stuck in between someone’s armpits due to the lack of seating.

 

Damage: RM 1.50

Time spent: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Entertainment value: 7.5/10

 

3)  Chat with the pak cik guard

You probably already see them on a daily basis, more often than not sweating it out in the blazing hot afternoon. These unsung heroes are your helpful neighbourhood-worthy parking attendants. Why not drop by any one of the parking zones and strike up a conversation with them? You’ll be surprised at how much they welcome friendly strangers and the amazing stories they can tell you.

 

Damage: Nil (although you can always treat them a cold drink or two!)

Time spent: 20 minutes – 1 hour (depending on the quality of conversation)

Entertainment value: 8/10

 

4)  Get a haircut/hairwash

Having a bad hair day or simply feeling down in the dumps? This is bound to cheer you up a little. Although this is the most expensive option on the list, it will all be worth it in the end. Imagine the bliss of just sitting on the faux leather chair with someone tending your hair like it’s precious gold. Brownie points for this one as you’ll also get to read a various selection of magazines available there.

 

Damage: RM 30 – 50 (depending on how complex your haircut is)

Time spent: 30 minutes – 1 hour (also depends based on the same reason above)

Entertainment value: 7.5/10

 

5)  Hide out in the library

This one goes out especially to the introverts. Enter the library entrance and climb up the stairs. Stop by the fourth floor (simply because the third floor is usually packed) and make a right turn. Walk on until you see a row of book shelves. Simply navigate yourself between any of them to the very end and you’re there.

 

Lo and behold, a cosy corner big enough to fit one person between the wall and the side of the bookshelf, which makes it an ideal hideout. Here’s a tip: choose a section where people are least expected. Go for the Taxidermy section or something like Agriculture & Gardening. In this magical corner, you have the complete freedom to do anything minus the awkward stares; be it napping, flipping through a dictionary or even nose picking. But hey, no one’s judging.

 

Damage: Nil

Time spent: 30 minutes – 2 hours

Entertainment value: 8.5/10

 

Feel free to try out any of them (or better yet, all) although please do note that these are merely suggestions. As the saying goes, one man’s meat is another man’s poison. That being said, good luck!