How long can you look at a tree before you get bored? I found out my answer to that question this term as I sat in my college’s Deer Park (46 minutes, give or take). University is often thought of as a time for noise and exhilaration. You’re young! Do something! Go out, make friends, drink, dance, work, run (why is everyone I know suddenly doing a half marathon?), read, talk, do as much as you possibly can with every ounce of the time you have.

Sometimes it can feel like if you’re not out and about doing something for some specific purpose, then you’re not doing university right. Of course, it’s important to make the most of the community here, and the countless opportunities that are at our fingertips, but what’s equally important is to make time to just walk around by yourself doing nothing but looking at how beautiful everything is. I understand the danger of coming across as extremely pretentious writing this, but here is a list of my favourite things in Cambridge to just walk around and notice.

The trees lining the walk to Sidge

I do not know the species of said trees, but whatever they are, they’re nice. Knowing I’m going to spend my day locked away in a Sidge library often fills me with dread, which is why I like to savour my journeys by walking at a glacial pace looking at the trees lining the way. If you want to feel sentimental, watch the Lorax beforehand or something.

The lights of the Granta at night

For those who are abstaining from the pub during exam term, why not look at one from a distance instead? The Granta is covered with a string of white lights, and with the river in front of it, it’s the perfect place to go for an evening walk. Who said you need to get a drink to enjoy a pub?

“I’ve spent many nights looking out at the river with Lorde playing through my headphones”

The bridge by Magdalene over the Cam

The river looks beautiful, and you get a view of Las Iguanas, which is great if you fancy a Mexican after your walk. I’ve spent many nights awkwardly perched by the railing looking out at the river with Lorde playing through my headphones. I recommend.

The weeping willows at Coe Fen

I adore weeping willows, they’re like the gentle giants of the tree world and are perfect to read a book under (or have a drink from The Mill under). The ones at Coe Fen are gorgeous; when it’s golden hour the light streams through the branches like poured gold. Ugh.

“Buying flowers has become a ritual my set-partner and I do every other week or so in an effort to liven up our rooms”

The flowers on sale at market square

Buying flowers has become a ritual my set-partner and I do every other week or so in an effort to liven up our rooms with tulips, peonies or roses while we descend into academic hysteria. The flowers at market square are in such pretty brown paper bouquets, and I bought tulips there once and the guy was lovely.

The swans on the Cam

I’m slightly terrified of them because I know they’d beat me in a fight, but from a distance you can both admire and fear them.

The magpie that I’m convinced is stalking me

This has become a problem because I’m superstitious and look insane constantly saluting at this bird that won’t leave me alone.

The lamp posts along King’s Parade at night

Maybe it’s because I watched Narnia too much as a child, and I grew up in a city, so one of my favourite views is light pollution, but the lamp posts along King’s Parade always seem comforting against the night’s backdrop.

Term can be hectic; this was a very short list of the things I like to notice when I want to step back from the bustle for a while. Go for a walk, sit on a bench. You don’t need to know where you’re going or have any goal. You don’t need to entertain, or talk, or think. You don’t need to do anything. Just look around, and notice. Everything looks different when you start to pay attention. Exhibit A: I just saw a second magpie for the first time in weeks, maybe my luck’s on the up.