This is totally our opinion, but we figured freshmen would enjoy benefiting from our years of experience in Kent. Without further ado, here are 25 things we think you need to know about Kent and Kent State, in no particular order of importance.

1. Pete’s Arena pizza, in the lower level of the Student Center, is a hidden secret.

2. Halloween at Kent State turns into a big, citywide party. Be careful not to get arrested or violate open container laws.

3. Main Street Continental Grille has Middle Eastern cuisine, including lots of vegetarian options.

4. A U.S. Post Office is located in the basement of the Student Center.

5. Taco Tonto’s on Franklin Avenue has the best water (yes, water) you can possibly drink.

6. The chef at Cajun Dave’s, inside the Water Street Tavern, was taught by Emeril Lagasse.

7. Anthony’s Café and Cakes on Water Street has the best breakfast in town, and it’s really cheap.

8. “The Rock,” at the front of campus on Main Street, gets painted nearly every day.

9. KentNewsNet.com is the independent, online news venue of student media at Kent State.

10. There’s a bowling alley in the lower floor of the Eastway Center.

11. Ice skating is $3 on Wednesday nights at the Kent State University Ice Arena, but only for students. Skate rentals are an additional $2.50.

12. Stahl’s Bakery on East Main Street has great pastries.

13. University Plaza Theatre, located off of state Route 43, has $5 ticket Mondays.

14. The Schwebel Garden Room on the third floor of the Student Center has a diverse menu and is a good place to take visiting parents.

15. Board games can be rented in the basement of The Student Center.

16. Beckwith Orchards, a family-owned and operated farm in Franklin Township, has a 2.5-acre corn maze and sells fruits and vegetables.

17. The Kent Stage on East Main Street offers good live music – check out Kentstage.org.

18. Scribbles Coffee Co. on North Water Street is a good place to go when you don’t want to be found – it’s out of the way and quiet and has free wireless Internet for customers.

19. The football and basketball teams aren’t the only ones at Kent State worth following (our field hockey, wrestling, gymnastics and men’s and women’s golf teams won the MAC last year.)

20. Jimmy John’s has good subs and will deliver anything for free – and they’re “freakishly” fast.

21. The rec center hosts dive-in movies at the pool where you sit in an inner tube to watch

movies.

22. E-mail is the official communication tool of Kent State. Check it every day.

23. Woodsy’s Music on South Water Street sells instruments and music supplies and offers music lessons.

24. Parking Services is the most efficient department on campus. Park where you shouldn’t, and they will find you. They waive your first ticket, though.

25. Fred Fuller Park, right downtown, has great trails, a lovely view of the Cuyahoga River and is a great place to have a picnic.