With study groups, clubs, homework and midterm exams, students’ weekly schedules are filled to the brim with stressful obligations. Weekdays consist of work, so many students look forward to Friday nights when classes are done and it is time to play.

But what is there to do on the weekend up here in beautiful Fort Collins?  Do not let the fear of the unknown keep you locked up in the dorms this fall. Check out these ideas to revamp your weekend and give you something to get through that busy week.

Keep It Cozy

On a chilly fall Saturday, there is no better way to spend your time than curled up in bed watching a movie. Grab some hot chocolate or apple cider and a cozy blanket and watch away.

Make it a movie marathon and invite your friends over for an epic “Harry Potter” marathon, or dare each other to watch an entire season of “The Walking Dead” in one day.

Selam Kidane, an international studies freshman, said she spends her weekends watching Bollywood movies.

“Watching a movie always takes your mind off to a different world,” Kidane said.

What better way to escape the stress of the week than to fly away into the magical world of the movies?

Explore Old Town

With hundreds of local restaurants and cutesy little shops, Old Town Fort Collins provides a vacation-like experience within walking distance of campus. Take a trip through Fort Collins’ flavors at restaurants like Bisetti’s, Yung’s, Yum Yum’s, JAWS Sushi  or Café Mexicali and embrace the variety of cultural cuisine on your relaxing weekend.

“On the weekend, I like going downtown and relaxing with family and friends,” said Kaylie McKenna, a CSU freshman majoring in business.

Strolling past antique stores, coffee shops and used bookstores is a great way to spend a weekend, especially when Fort Collins has so much to offer.

Give Back

Wanting to make a difference in the Fort Collins community? Have no fear. This college town provides a variety of volunteer opportunities appealing to the interests of all.

Take a weekend to rehabilitate local habitats with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, or volunteer at Animal House Rescue and Grooming, an animal shelter located on 1104 W. Vine Dr. The Fort Collins Rescue Mission and Catholic Charities Northern, two local homeless shelters, are also looking for volunteers to help with distribution of meals and other events as well.

Whether it is working with people or the environment, a great way to get involved with the community is to give back to it.

Unwind and Relax

After a long week of last-minute studying and five-page papers, you deserve a little “me time.”  The weekend is your time to relax and forget about the stress that college entails.

This fall, find your inner yogi and participate in a yoga class. Fort Collins has many local yoga studios, including Mindstream Yoga and Om Ananda Yoga, as well as beginner yoga classes at the CSU Rec Center, or pull up a YouTube video.

If you do not have the patience for traditional yoga, try something with a little bit more adrenaline. A new trend in the yoga world known as acroyoga may be the right fit for you. Grab a partner and try your hand at intricate and acrobatic partner yoga poses.

This article was created for the 2014 Best of CSU issue produced by the College Avenue Magazine staff.