CLAIRE C. LAURENCE/Arizona Daily Wildcat Psychology and biochemistry freshman Matt Winter puzzles over a Rubik's Cube in his dorm room at Colonia de la Paz last night. There are alternative, boredom-free options on campus students can use to keep busy.

It's that time of year again. As the first wave of exams, papers and projects finally begins to ebb, some students might find themselves with a little extra free time.

For those who don't know what to do with this new-found freedom, however, don't worry. There are options right here on campus that can help you occupy your time instead. So don't just sit in front of that old TV screen all evening. Follow these students' ideas and get out there.

Option 1: Go Underground

Jamie Malkiewicz does.

The elementary education junior visits Wilbur's Underground about once a week with mathematics junior Bill Bihn.

The two enjoy playing billards together while Malkiewicz is on one of her three-hour breaks between classes.

"It's always pretty empty in here," Malkiewicz said, citing what she likes about the Underground. "You never have to wait for a ping-pong table or anything."

Malkiewicz said Wilbur's is a good place for students who are bored, as well as those who are on a budget.

I think what people don't realize is you can do so much more than hanging around. - Justine Cabulong media arts freshman

"It's pretty cheap," she said. Wilbur's Underground charges $3 an hour for pool-table use.

Communication sophomore Renae Speight said she recently started going to Wilbur's Underground and she likes it for "the atmosphere."

"There are a variety of things to do down here," she said.

"I like the background music ÷ even though it's just from the those things," she said, referring to the Dance Dance Revolution machine and other arcade games across the room.

Speight said she also likes how Wilbur's is open until 4 a.m.

"It's a great place if you don't have anything else to do," she said.

Option 2: Hit the Mall

No, not the Tucson Mall.

After class, the green grass on the UA Mall makes for a cool ÷ literally ÷ place to relax.

"The weather is great at this time of day," said comunication sophomore David Schildhouse, who was throwing a football around with his friend yesterday evening north of the Koeffler building.

Schildhouse said he plays out on the Mall about three to four times a week and he'll play with whoever he can get to come.

"If we get a game going it's great," he said.

The best part about playing on the Mall, Schildhouse said, is "It's a great escape from the stress of everyday ÷ class and all that. It's a good way to unwind after it all."

Option 3: Take a class

While some try to unwind after class, others go to a different kind of class.

Justine Cabulong, a media arts freshman, takes Capoeira classes at the Student Recreation Center twice a week.

She said she first became interested in Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, when she saw a demonstration, and she was excited when she learned that the Rec Center offers lessons.

Cabulong said she enjoys the workout and the culture behind Capoeira, as well as the other students in the class.

"It's a really fun group," she said.

Cabulong said she'd "definitely" recommend students to sign up for a similar activity.

Option 4: Volunteer

Cabulong also said she recommends students who are looking for something to do get involved in a volunteer opportunity.

"I think what people don't realize is you can do so much more than hanging around," she said.

Option 6: Make your own

If none of the above options seem up your alley, it's OK. Sometimes, finding something to do is as easy as looking right in front of you. Don't look too long though. You only have about two more weeks until midterms.