Five places that make the UMass campus special to me.

Image

Butterfield Dorm: Freshman year I lived in Butterfield. Although I had to walk up the hill to get there and it can seem a little isolated it holds great memories for me. I created great memories and navigated adjusting to college life in that building. That dorm is the place where I met some of my best friends on campus. I met my best friend who is now my roommate, my boyfriend, and other of my close friends. Every time I drive past it, I get reminded of all the special memories and connections I was able to build in that red-brick building.

Image

South College: In the center of our campus, South College is a great spot to stop and do some work or just hang out in between classes. I love how the outside of the building looks like most buildings on campus, but as soon as you walk in it’s very modern and has a very interesting design. I discovered it while taking art history as a general education class. It is pretty quiet inside the building, and it is a place where you can escape the busy-ness of your day or get a lot of work done. As someone who needs quiet to concentrate, it is a lovely spot and a place that I have spent a lot of time in during my time here.

Image

Benches around the pond: I love walking around campus and looking at the seasons change. I love it when it gets warm enough to sit on the benches along the pond. As an animal lover I really enjoy sitting there and looking at the geese, swimming around, and just lying down on the grass and enjoying the
weather. It feels like an escape from campus and for a few minutes I can sit and enjoy nature and forget about work. There are also other animals such as squirrels, turtles, and birds that can be observed from that spot. This has been a special place for me at UMass because it’s a safe space I go to when I feel stressed or overwhelmed to calm myself down.

Image

Roots Cafe: Roots is a great place to go get a snack, do some work and chat with some friends. Whenever I am there, it has a very homey vibe. There is always some music playing, people talking, and it smells like yummy food. There are always people going in and out, which I also like. They both have inside and outside seating, so it’s nice to hang out there all year round. It’s nice that you can see the workers and the kitchen area isn’t closed off. My boyfriend works at Roots, so I like going there and doing some homework while waiting for him to finish his shift.

Image

Steps in front of the Rec Center: I spend a lot of time at the Rec Center taking the fitness classes and just working out during the week. I like staying active and working out with people, so I always go there with my friends and I have some good memories. The steps right outside are the perfect spot to sit before or after a workout. When the weather allows it my friends and I like to get a smoothie or acai bowl from Courtside Cafe and sit there. I associate it with a feeling of well-being and positive emotions, because I always feel good after a nice workout.