With the temperatures bouncing between balmy and frigid (sometimes in the same day), the winter blahs can be real. For employees looking for options, the Inside staff culled some campus options for no-cost to low-cost answers to the winter doldrums.
Learn something. University Museums' free art walks. The next one, on Feb. 12 (3:10-4 p.m., Kildee Hall south entrance) delves into public art of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Stay up-to-date. All faculty, staff and students can subscribe for free to the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. The university library has guidance online for how to sign up.
Pay less. Get a 30% discount on men's and women's Skechers shoes with free shipping, or give meal kits a try at a discount in Blue Cross 365 discounts, available to benefits-eligible employees.
Check out books for your kids (or you). The Ames Public Library's bookmobile parks near the Kildee food truck court on Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kick winter in the shins. Visit the ISU Creamery (2953 Food Sciences Building) for a scoop or three. Ten ice cream flavors rotate daily from the Creamery's 20 flavors.
Enjoy a novelty. ISU carillonneur and music faculty member Tin-Shi Tam performs every weekday at 11:50 a.m. And remember, she takes requests.
Walk. Strolls for Well-Being has three strolls for winter on themes of journey, possibility and gratitude. Each features six pauses across campus, indoors and out, such as the Memorial Union north entrance, Morrill Hall and Kildee Hall. Strolls can range from five minutes to an hour, depending on your schedule. There also are options for people not on campus.
Walk indoors. Parks Library has a self-guided tour of the building's art and architecture. Or, just walk. Smart librarians have calculated that one mile equals six laps around the second floor (including the tiers) or five laps around the third floor (without the tiers).
Be a campus philanthropist. Improve the lives of our students by making a cash or merchandise donation to the SHOP food pantry, 1306 Beyer.
Take in a movie. The Student Union Board selected 13 film titles for Cyclone Cinema's spring season. The films are recent and admission is free. Films show Thursday-Sunday (7 p.m., 101 Carver).
Get outdoors. Snow has not been plentiful in central Iowa this year, but ISU recreation services has plenty of game equipment available for rent. The "weekend" rate (any four days) is charged at double the daily rate. The outdoor rec counter in State Gym's lower level (opposite the climbing wall) is open 2-7 p.m. Monday through Friday; complete the online request form, and pay before you take your equipment.
Take a tour. Power plant staff conduct tours of the power plant. Utility staff also conduct tours of other utility systems including the other production facilities, substations and steam tunnels. Tours are available 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
