Walking around on campus is a lovely thing to do, but if you want to get around faster without sacrificing your morals on an electric scooter, I present skating.
Whether it is a skateboard or longboard, skating makes the commute to class quicker and more fun. My choice is a longboard, and while I can’t do an ollie, I can go fast.
My suggestions are focused on spots where you are not looking to do tricks. If you want tricks, try right outside Gampel Pavillion, at the end of Fairfield Way.
Disclaimer: some spots are best at night when the number of cars around is minimal; I do not recommend some of these during the day. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best longboarding spots on campus.
Student Union Lawn
The student union lawn is a great place, especially for beginners. The spot offers smooth paths with enough decline to pick up speed. You can even get a friend to throw a football or frisbee while you ride over here.
A great way to maximize this spot is to ride from the hill between Information Technologies Engineering Building and the Business Building, or from the beginning of Fairfield Way.
Auditorium Road
If you ride Auditorium Road on the hill next to the Arthur B. Bronwell Building, you will pick up a lot of speed. The well paved road helps this speed feel smooth.
Then when the sun goes down and less cars are around, combine it with the Glenbrook Road hill from Shaw and you will fly.
South Campus Commons
I learned the name of this area while writing this guide — the South Campus Commons are a twisty, steep mess of pathways that are great for getting from Alumni to the rest of campus. Just watch out for the path that leads toward Connecticut Hall which gets steep very fast. Whitney Road is a nice ride to complement it, with much less traffic than Gilbert Road.
Mansfield Road
This spot contains a lot of possible combinations; you can go slightly off track to the Great Lawn or to the paths near the Family Sciences Building. Then you can head down Mansfield Road to Downtown Storrs. Hop onto the sidewalk next to mirror lake for a scenic ride.
Bolton Road
Going from the top of Alumni Quad down to the Fine Arts Complex via Bolton Road gives you a lot of speed. This spot feels straight out of video game “Skate 3”; a perfect place to carve and go fast.
North and South Garages
The best place to skate on campus is the garages; South is better than North because it has more levels. The best time to hit the garages is after 10 p.m. when they’re empty and there are no cars. The carving and paths you can take are unlimited.
It is an awesome alternative for snowboarding during the fall, with great opportunities for speed and six levels to ride. Then, once you reach the bottom, take the elevator back up and repeat.
Bonus: The best residence hall to live in for skating is McMahon. When living at McMahon, you can step onto the board and get to most of campus without going fast and with minimal pushing. Check out McMahon to Rowe; you will cross through a spot found earlier on this list.