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My Senior Year Bucket List: UMass Edition

By Mahidhar Sai Lakkavaram

July 16, 2023 Student life

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Image of Minuteman statue in front of Dubois Library

In a few months, I’ll be entering my last year at UMass, which means I only have the next two semesters to finish anything and everything that I ever wanted to do in Amherst. As dramatic as that sounds, there are so many things that you can do in the area, a lot of which I never got the chance to do before. So, here’s a bucket list of things I want to do in Amherst, one last time. 

Hit up all the student-run businesses and cafes 
Here’s the thing. Yes, UMass Dining is amazing and I’ll definitely miss it, but I’ve always meant to go to every single one of the other smaller cafes and student-run businesses that are all over campus as well. I’ve done the usual, Worcester Cafe’s become a staple study spot and Sweets and More has satisfied many late night dessert cravings. But there’s still so many more to try, I just found out there’s a cafe in Marcus Hall, and I could never find the time so far to go to Greeno Sub Shop.

Students sitting at brown tables enjoying milkshakes and ice cream. "Sweets" text is large on the back wall
Students enjoying milkshakes and ice cream at Sweets and More

Yankee Candle Village
I also just learned that there’s a Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, which sounds very exciting! They have candles for everything, and my friends found a Harry Potter inspired set as well. They have various events throughout the year and lots of fun scents to explore, so I’ll definitely be checking it out sometime in the next year.

Picnics on Orchard Hill
If you’ve seen my study abroad blogs, you know I love a good picnic, especially with a scenic view. Orchard Hill tends to make a great spot for a fun evening with friends, the grass is soft and you get a gorgeous view of campus. Given the mostly cold or rainy weather, these picnics are usually only possible at the start of the year and a little towards the end, so I always miss the window.

This year, I’m definitely going to make it happen, so if it's sunny out and you see me on the hill, come say hi!

Atkins Farms

I’ve heard a lot about Atkins Farms, and their ice cream is famous across the country. They have fresh produce and lots of amazing treats available at their country market. Located about 15 minutes away from UMass by car, Atkins Farms makes for a great spot to visit when you have some off-time, it's just fun checking out what they have! I’m a huge advocate for their ice cream, so I want to go try it one last time. 

Durfee Conservatory

Brown bridge over water surrounded by green vegetation
Durfee Conservatory

Durfee Conservatory is hands-down one of the prettiest places on campus. When I used to live in O'Hill, I loved heading down there and exploring all the different plants they had. I’d sit in the gardens surrounding it and read a book as well, just for some relaxation. It makes for great photos as well, so that’s another thing I want to do!

That's a few of the many things that are on my bucket list before I graduate. What are some things you want to do at UMass before you leave? We’d love to communications [at] honors [dot] umass [dot] edu (hear) about it!

Article posted in Student life for Prospective students and Current students

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