Now that school has been in session for a few weeks, we thought we would get together and ask each of our members, Freshman-Seniors, about some basic pointers to help everyone out on campus this fall.
1.) Take advantage of our #1 voted dining halls in the nation. Every UMass student proudly stands behind this. Our food is amazing. If you have back to back classes also try Worcester Grab-and-go! It is extremely underrated and trust me you will definitely want to stock up.
2.) PSA! Find your table before you get your food. Leave your backpack or UCard by your table. I promise no one will steal it! Nothing says freshman quite like walking around with your backpack and a plate of food (you’re welcome, no one wants to be that kid).
3.) Go watch the sunset by the Honors College and the intramural fields (Everyone does it). Trust us, this is the best spot for sunset pictures with the picturesque mountain background.
4.) Participate in events on campus (including the multicolor mile in just a few weeks)!
5.) Download the bus app onto your phone…DO THIS ASAP if you haven’t already. You will want to have this down to a science when the November chills hit or if you’re ever running late to class. In the meantime however, enjoy the beautiful, nice weather and walk to class!
6.) Attend a sporting event!
7.) Try waking up at the same time everyday and sticking to a similar weekly routine (I know this one gets hard sometimes with our hectic college lifestyles, but having a routine will make you feel more on-task, put together, and less stressed).
8.) SLEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!! Even one all nighter per semester can throw you off tremendously. Try your best to avoid these!
9.) Get to the Rec center early in the day (avoid the crowds and save that late afternoon time for some Netflix or even for a quick power nap).
10.) Go say Hi to Chancellor Subbaswamy! If you see him walking around campus give him a wave! He is extremely approachable, and loves to meet students.
11.) Get yourself to Antonio’s pizza! slices are only $1 after midnight on Fridays. Memorize this fact (if you have never been stop reading this and go there now)!
12.) Eat more ice cream. For maximum ice cream, use a salad bowl at the soft serve machine….More toppings and more ice cream?? How could you go wrong?
13.) Explore other campus buildings and find your own, unique study spot. Some of our new science buildings are SERIOUSLY spectacular and are full of study rooms and cool little workspaces! Try the ISB or the ILC to start!
14.) Be kind to UMass Workers. Remember that we are a community here at UMASS. Be patient and kind to our workers. Many of them are fellow students!
15.) Get to know your professors. Even if you’re only a freshman, you should understand the importance of networking and creating bonds with the adults around you. As they say, never burn a bridge.
16.) Check your weather app before you leave in the morning! It may not be raining now, but you don’t want to be that girl getting drenched after your 3pm gets out. In fact if your school bag is big enough, you may want to keep a small umbrella on you at all times.
17.) JOIN SOMETHING (How about SAA?)! I know this has been said over and over again, but you must find something on campus, outside of your academics that you feel passionate about doing. Looking for an engaged and welcoming group of students who LOVE UMass?? Join the Student Alumni Association. We are committed to campus and community involvement, connecting students and alumni, and ensuring that everyone feels they are a part of the UMass family before and after graduation. Come to our next meeting! We meet Mondays at 7pm in Memorial Hall.
AND THAT’S IT! Good luck this fall, Minutemen. GO UMass!
Co written by members Lucy Armstrong and Hallie Menchin