8 Simple Ways to Spread Kindness on Campus Today

A stranger's compliment might be exactly what someone needs to turn their day around. Random Acts of Kindness Day may fall on February 17, but students at Rutgers University are proving that compassion can happen any day of the year.

The concept is beautifully simple: intentional kindness creates ripples that spread far beyond the initial gesture. When you tell a classmate you love their shirt or smile, you might be giving them the confidence boost they desperately needed that morning.

Environmental kindness counts too. Picking up a stray coffee cup or candy wrapper during your walk to class helps keep the planet clean while making you feel good about your contribution.

Got an extra meal swipe or a few dollars to spare? Covering someone's coffee order or sharing a meal swipe with a friend creates instant joy. Even the smallest financial gesture can make someone smile and remind them they're not alone.

The door-holding dance is real, but when done right, it's a perfect micro-kindness. Just check over your shoulder before entering the library or lecture hall, and if someone's right behind you, hold the door open.

Professors pour their hearts into teaching, often without knowing if they're making an impact. Telling your instructor you're genuinely enjoying their class boosts their morale and strengthens your connection for future recommendations or mentorship.

Standing in line unsure what to order? Let the person behind you go ahead. Being considerate of other people's time is a kindness that gets noticed and appreciated.

Small businesses thrive on positive reviews. After trying that new restaurant on Easton Avenue, take two minutes to leave a thoughtful review online. Your words help local businesses build trust and attract new customers who will also discover your favorite spots.

Sunny's Take

The simplest act might be the most powerful: checking in on someone you care about. College life gets overwhelming, and a quick text asking "How are you doing?" reminds friends and family they matter to you. No hour-long phone calls required, just genuine care expressed in a few words.

These eight practices share one beautiful truth: kindness doesn't require money, time, or elaborate planning. It just requires noticing the people and world around you and choosing to make things a little brighter.