It goes without saying that the college experience will look different this year than it has in years past. However, despite, and in some cases because of COVID-19 restrictions, there are many activities in the Bronx area and beyond for students to enjoy. It is essential to be responsible in your endeavors right now, but it is also essential to take care of your mental health, stop binge-reading the news (unless it’s the Ram, of course) and have some fun. Grab your masks, hand sanitizer and a good gauge of a 6-foot distance and safely explore the amazing city you now call home.

1. The Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden, located just across from Fordham’s front entrance (the one by the parking garage and book store) on Southern Boulevard, is the perfect destination for runs, picnics and de-stressing. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, you must now make timed ticket reservations online. Make sure to check availability a couple of hours before you wish to visit and bring your school ID with you when you go. Tickets to the grounds, which are only a portion of the park and exclude the green houses, are $7 for students. The gardens are 250 acres and stunning in the summer months. Pop over in the beginning of the semester to talk with new friends or catch up with old ones, and again when the leaves change to unwind during midterms. It is a great place to take friends and family when they visit, as well as one to enjoy solo.

2. Skateboarding

Thomas C. Giordano Middle School Park, located on the corner of Lorillard and 189th and a two-minute walk from campus, is a flat track and the perfect place to hone those skateboarding or rollerblading skills before taking the streets. The park is fenced in and usually not busy, which makes it great for social distancing. Watch some TikToks, put on your best sneakers and finally learn to ollie.

The Bronx Zoo

Like the botanical gardens, the Bronx Zoo also requires you to make reservations in advance.

Tickets are $35 so it is not an everyday activity, but it can be something fun to fill up an otherwise lazy Saturday afternoon with friends. You can also make reservations on Mondays to get reduced rate tickets for the following Wednesday. The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States and home to thousands of animals and hundreds of different species so that you can explore for hours.  

Where to Eat:

Most Bronx eateries have made accommodations for outdoor seating, which is great for a sunny day. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Best Deli

Open 24/7, Best Deli is a fan favorite among Fordham students. It’s located on East Fordham Road a couple of storefronts down from the White Castle. It is not a sit-in eatery but a great place to get take out from to eat on Eddie’s or somewhere else outside. The menu is massive, including everything from pancakes and muffins to mozzarella sticks and veggie burgers, all costing under $10. It is also a great place to stock up on snacks and ice cream.

2. Rams Deli

No list would be complete without Best’s counterpart and biggest rival, Rams. It is also located on East Fordham Road, across from Dunkin Donuts. Its menu features an array of sandwiches all with quirky names. My friends swear by the FB751, which includes both chicken and beef as well as a hash brown. Try both Best and Rams to join the ongoing debate of which is superior.

3. Estrellitas

Estrellita Poblana, located at 2328 Arthur Avenue, is slightly more expensive than Best Deli but far cheaper than other Arthur Ave. eateries, making it the perfect location for a weekend dinner with friends. It serves authentic tacos, fajitas and some of the best guacamole I’ve ever had.