Second semester comes with more than just responses from colleges for seniors; it marks a period of independence and well-deserved free time to pursue activities outside of academics and building a college profile. Conveniently, late winter to early spring in New York City provides every mean for students to find a new passion or more actively pursue other ones.

One of the things available to students are New York City’s finest museums. From travelling exhibits to things they have been eager to see for months, anybody with more time on their hands would be glad to see that there exists an array of new experiences for them to get a hold of. On Chrystie Street in the Lower East Side, a pop-up display called the Egg House features six colorful and interactive rooms. Although the price to enter the Egg House is $18, visitors have direct access to a cart of Eggloo, trendy Hong Kong style waffle establishment, and plenty of ‘instagramable’ bright neon signs.

With more time on their hands, second term seniors may now be able to experience events like these that they haven’t found the time to experience before.

Students who wish to apply themselves to the STEM subjects can apply to an eight-week long high school program at the Center of Excellence in Youth Education in Mount Sinai Hospital. It provides several immersive programs that high school students can apply to, such as shadowing doctors, zebrafish toxicology, and Drosophila melanogaster experimenting. The primary goal of the institution is to expose underrepresented minority students from families of low socioeconomic standings to professional settings like the hospital. At the end of the program, a ceremony is held with family and friends.

For all the foodies, seniors’ free time this spring semester could bring them outside of their food truck comfort zone. Chocolate Fest 2018 will take place on May 6, 2018 in the Upper East Side, appealing to everybody’s sweet tooth. For those looking to expand beyond sugary indulgences, the annual Ninth Avenue International Food Festival – the city’s largest and oldest culinary celebration – will take over the West Side on the weekend of May 19, 2018.

Perhaps they’re looking for an activity that will last longer than a single weekend. Both in and out of school, there have been opportunities to find a new hobby. With more time on their hands, second term seniors may now be able to experience events like these that they haven’t found the time to experience before. Whether it is enrolling in a cooking class, volunteering for a new community, or learning a new language, there is something for everyone with a few extra hours on their hands.