It seems like Hopkins’s social life is conducive to relationships: almost all of my friends are in one, getting over one or trying to find a new one. Could it be that the less than ideal social life has created a halfway decent dating scene? If so, this is actually a great thing if you’ve found the right person. And for those of you who have already found the right person, spring is the perfect time to get out and explore Baltimore and D.C.
My advice is to find whatever excuse possible to go out. Hop on a $7 MARC train and see the Cherry Blossom Festival and explore D.C. It’s a 45-minute train ride, so you can go on a whim and grab some great food and drink any weekday. The Metro system is phenomenal and you can explore almost anywhere in the city without getting a cab. If you’re over 21 there are some great bars and clubs, which have a distinctly different feel than Fell’s Point or Federal Hill. There are so many different types of bars and clubs that you’re almost guaranteed to find your niche if you look long enough.
If Baltimore nightlife isn’t doing it for you, try D.C’s. No matter what you do, D.C is a great way to get a break from Hopkins and spend a day with friends or someone you like. Plus, it’s so close and cheap that going for an afternoon isn’t a big pressure-filled ordeal like other trips might be.
If you feel like getting out but want to stay in Baltimore, then hop on the Light Rail and check out an Orioles game on student Fridays. The seats aren’t great but tickets are only six dollars and it’s completely worth it just for the people watching. Last time I went, a former SGA president mistakenly got punched in the face by a Yankees Fan and there’s even a YouTube video of it: completely worth the six dollars. Even if the Orioles are in dead last place, I would still go just for something to do on a slow Friday night. A baseball game isn’t the most romantic date, so bring some friends along (maybe even our current SGA president to see if he gets punched in the face) and enjoy downtown Baltimore.
For everyone that isn’t in a relationship it’s still worth getting a few friends together and exploring Baltimore. Every spring, local markets start bringing in crabs by the bushels and making delicious and cheap food right in front of you. Find a friend with a car, pack in as many people as possible and eat until you can’t possibly move. It’s a great time and an even better way to see the different parts of Baltimore.
To be honest, it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you do something. You’ve basically been hibernating all winter underneath those five layers and spring is the chance to finally get out and have some fun around Baltimore. If you’re in a relationship, then spring’s the perfect time to spend a day together outside of Charles Village. If you’re single, spring provides so many opportunities to invite whomever you’re interested in for a fun night out to get to know each other and see if you’re actually interested in each other. Good luck.
