Tales from a campus veteran
August 18, 2008
As your feet start to roam Kent State University, here just a few things you should know:
&bull At Rosie’s Diner in Tri-Towers, no one named Rosie actually works there. Save employees the trouble, and don’t ask to talk to her.
&bull The fountain at Risman Plaza sometimes doubles as a pool or bubble bath.
&bull There are more than 200 student groups. Get involved with something because it makes your year a lot more entertaining.
&bull If you commute, leave yourself ample amount of time to get from Summit East. Trust me: If you are late and park illegally, Parking Services will find you.
&bull Parking Services will waive your first ticket of each semester. After that, it can get a bit pricey.
&bull Don’t be surprised when the Student Recreation and Wellness Center magically gets busy just after winter break.
&bull The campus post office is located in the basement of the Student Center. There are also pool tables, board games and Pete’s Arena, a pizza shop.
&bull PARTA has a late-night shuttle on the weekends, but it is unreliable. On the other hand, Go2Go Taxi is very reliable and is driven by a Kent State alumnus.
&bull If you can wait to see a newly released movie, University Plaza Theatre only charges $5 for students on Mondays.
&bull Look into forwarding your kent.edu mailbox to a different e-mail service. Kent State only allots you 15 MB. Gmail allots more than 7,000 MB.
&bull You pay $7 to Student Legal Services in your tuition. If you have a problem with the law, don’t be afraid to contact them.
&bull The Undergraduate Student Government brings in great bands like Third Eye Blind, who were popular when I was 11. Now I’m 23.
&bull Guy’s Pizza downtown offers $1 slices, a nice greasy addition after a night of drinking downtown.
&bull The Student Recreation and Wellness Center offers more than 20 sport clubs, such as volleyball, baseball and hockey, that compete on a regular basis.
&bull You can order Fat Billy’s pizza from inside Mugs.
&bull Jimmy John’s will deliver until 4 a.m. on weekends – a nice gourmet addition after a night of drinking at home.
&bull While Ray’s Place is the normal meeting area for last call in Kent, Europe Gyro offers a full menu of food, as well as a stocked bar.
&bull The Loft offers free peanuts to all patrons.
&bull The Kent State Police prefer not to be addressed, “Hey, Pigs!”
&bull There is an all-night Campus Escort Service. If you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to ask for its assistance.
&bull Do not prank said Campus Escort sService. It is more hassle then the humor is worth.
&bull If you hear a steady beeping in your room, ask your resident assistant to check your smoke detector. DO NOT remove it on your own. The campus police might visit your dorm in the morning.
&bull Be respectful of the May 4 Memorial. It is there for a reason. Don’t disgrace it.
&bull Your meal plan is not effective in the Hub between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
&bull Carrying a book bag around campus on a Thursday or Friday night may be seen as suspicious.
&bull The tennis courts behind Verder Hall are very well-lit, perfect for late-night tennis.
&bull There are fall sports other than football. It wouldn’t hurt to visit a volleyball, soccer or field hockey game.
&bull If you choose to go to a sporting event, beware of “Super Fan.”
&bull Buy a very warm coat for the winter months, otherwise known as August through March.
Contact photo editor Danny Doherty at [email protected].