After experiencing your first week at the University of Connecticut, you might have a schedule where your classes have large gaps of time between them each day. Going back to your dorm might not be an option if it’s far from your classes, so here are some recommendations and things to do on campus while waiting for your next class.
Eat!
One thing that every student must do is eat. A rumbling stomach can be embarrassing in the middle of class. To avoid this scenario, students should turn to the many dining halls around campus.
The closest ones to the middle of campus are South, Connecticut and McMahon. Of course, each one varies in quality and accessibility. South is usually a safe option, as their international section is the highlight of anybody’s lunch. McMahon’s menu is fancier and on pre-made plates, so while the dishes are nicer, the portions are smaller than what people prefer. Connecticut Dining Hall is the newest addition, so students can enjoy the latest furniture, cuisine and environment.
The Student Union’s food court is very crowded in the middle of the day, as everyone is trying to get a snack before their next class. Be mindful of how long the lines are and what kind of food you’re in the mood for. Earth, Wok & Fire, One Plate Two Plates and the Union Street Market are the busiest shops on any given day.
Study/Homework
It can be difficult to wind down on days with classes. To maintain momentum and adrenaline, students can find various study rooms around campus to work in. The Homer Babbidge Library and Wilbur Cross Building are popular destinations for students searching for silence. Also, the study rooms in the library can be reserved for both individuals and groups of students.
Both study areas are great for winding down and preparing for your next class. Some use the time to get a head start on homework they were just assigned, while others like to live on the edge, completing assignments right before they’re due. There’s no wrong way to spend your time but be mindful of how much noise you’re making. Socializing is fun but there are others who’re just trying to study!
Office Hours
Each professor’s office hours vary; you may never see them outside of the classroom or they will pop up everywhere. Even though it’s only the first week of classes, it’s crucial to get a head start on the material. For students who already know they’re going to struggle, try to become familiar with your professor’s office and what hours they are available.
Each of the academic buildings houses the various departments at UConn. Susan V. Herbst Hall predominately houses the journalism, political science and linguistics departments. Monteith consists of mostly of the math department and any related courses.
Utilize your professors’ open periods to ask them questions. It could be on homework, long term assignments or for any way to boost your grade. Most are accommodating and willing to help their students whenever they can. That said, don’t burn them out. Your professors may be handling hundreds of students at a time, so it’s good to know exactly what you need to talk with them about before starting your meeting.
Hangout Spots
Your new classes may come with new friends, so hanging out between classes is a great way to get acquainted. As with the last recommendation, don’t hang out in the library unless you are doing work. Silence is greatly appreciated, so take your conversations to open areas if the weather permits.
The lawn in front of the Student Union is the perfect place for a picnic. Students can sit down on the grass or the benches littering the area and take their time to admire the scenery and catch up. The Great Lawn — located along Storrs Road and by the Phillip E. Austin Building — is a prime sun-tanning spot for those lacking in vitamin D.
The weather in Storrs is not always cooperative, so buildings like the Student Union or the UConn Bookstore have chairs and tables to relax inside.
Use the Recreation Center
For some, group projects are the worst part about college. Screaming your lungs out at them isn’t an option, so use one of the main attractions on campus, the Rec Center.
Depending on how much time you have between classes, you might have the chance to work up a sweat at the Rec Center. Each floor offers various types of workouts. The first and second floors offer cardio and other types of machines, each one exercising a specific muscle or area of the body. Timing is key at the Rec, with some hours of the day having more people than others.
The Rec Center app shows the building’s capacity at any given time; aiming for 20 percent to 40 percent capacity will usually have enough open machines for everyone. Anything about 50 percent or 60 percent is a risk as you’ll have to wait for machines to open, or will be asked by other students how many reps you have left.
The track is on the top floor and the climbing center can be accessed on the first floor. Both are great options if there aren’t enough machines or if you just want a light workout.