May 9, 2016
Rachel Librach
[email protected]
Many possibilities exist for students on campus to explore your interests or discover new ones, meet different people and get the most out of your college experience.
But it might be helpful to know where to start to help make this transition easier.
First, remember to never go anywhere without your student ID. You need the student ID to swipe for meals at The Lodge or Roaring Fork. Without the swipe, you can’t eat. For students that live on campus, this key card opens every door to the dorm buildings, including the laundry room.
Trust me; you do not want to walk from the Aspen House all the way to Monarch shin deep in snow with a full load of laundry just to realize you left your ID in your dorm.
Use your Resident Assistants. These students are usually upperclassmen that have experience and advice to help you cope, seek out resources on campus or provide an outlet for fun activities with your floor. Take advantage of their experiences, and ask questions.
The two main dining halls on campus are The Lodge and Roaring Fork. The Lodge is convenient for those living in Summit Village while the Roaring Fork is great for students living in Alpine Village.
Breakfast at The Lodge is served from 7-9 a.m., on Friday. Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner is from 5-8 p.m. Continuous dining is Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. The Lodge is closed over the weekend.
Lunch is served Monday through Friday at the Roaring Fork from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner is from 5-8 p.m. and on the weekend brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5-7 p.m.
These dining areas are strictly cashless operations, so have your card ready.
Other fun and convenient eateries around campus include Café 65, Sanatorium Grounds and Clyde’s, all of which are located in the University Center. Unless you have flex-dollars or munch money pre-loaded on your student ID card, you can use cash or a credit card to pay for your meals at these locations.
One of the most frustrating aspects of college is parking. For those with jobs or homes off campus and who know they will be commuting to and from school, a parking pass is essential. Go to the Department of Public Safety to purchase your permit.
Purchase a parking pass early because there is a limited number of permits per semester that sell out quickly. The busiest time for parking in the most popular lots, Lots 224 and 222 in front of the University Center, are usually full from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
While you’re here, take advantage of the resources available, including the Excel Centers.
“For anybody majoring in something science related, you need to visit the Science Center. I didn’t for the longest time, but I’m so glad I did,” said freshman physics major Rahsha Kerven.
“Definitely go to the Math and Engineering Center for help; the environment is very relaxed and there are people there who want to help you,” added sophomore business major Scott Bailey.
The campus also isn’t too difficult to navigate, according to freshman communication major Alyssa Redd.
“This is an easy campus not to get connected with, but you should definitely put yourself out there. It’s worth it,” said Redd.
“Get connected with a club right off the bat. If I hadn’t joined a club my first year, I wouldn’t be as social,” added junior anthropology major Ashlie Scott.