UMass Bucket List: Things You Should Try Before You Graduate
By your friendly UMass rising senior, Grace Chai
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So, you’ve explored all the places everyone keeps talking about, eaten your way through every single dining hall, and grown tired of Googling “things to do around Amherst,” only to see the same three things pop up every time. Maybe you’re bored while reading this. You’re wondering what you could possibly do now.
Don’t worry, I got you.
I was once a floundering first-year student using Google Maps to find my way around (by the way, there’s no shame in using Google Maps. I’m directionally challenged and I still use it occasionally to find that obscure building that I happen to have a class in), but now I’m a wise old soul who spends more time crocheting and watching old episodes of Dance Moms. What I’m trying to say is that I’ve been around the block a few times, and I know what you’re going through.
So from your UMass buddy, here are a few things you have to try before you graduate:
1. Sit on the top of O Hill after eating dinner at Frank
The best time to do this is in the fall or late spring, when the ground isn’t muddy and wet and when it’s not too cold. The reason you need to do it after dinner? It's not so hot in the late afternoon, and I personally feel more relaxed after I’ve eaten a meal. Try to time it so the sky is still a little blue when you’re setting off, especially because I know that you’re getting that exit ‘cream (that’s some ice cream on your way out of the DC!) and filling up your water bottle at the water filling station downstairs. Don’t worry, we all know that the best water on campus is in Frank.
Anyway, what you have to do is climb the hill using the path directly up the graffiti stairs next to the willow tree. Maybe grab a buddy while you’re at it, and find a good spot. There are a couple of good trees on the hill where you can sit, or there’s another hill near Field where people like to bring their picnic blankets. Once you get there, you can do a couple of things: I like to just sit and take it in sometimes. Other times, I like to put on a vibey playlist and pretend I’m the main character in a movie or fool around with my friends. One time during finals week, I brought my camera with me, and I did an impromptu photoshoot with my friend during golden hour. It was my last time living on campus, and getting to spend that moment on the hill as the last rays of the sun warmed the grass was honestly one of the highlights of my semester. Do a cartwheel, heck, do a bunch of cartwheels! You’re a college student; you only get to live this once.
2. Have a study session somewhere that is not “your” building
Bonus points if it’s at night. What this means is that you need to study somewhere that is not the home for your major. While I’m personally partial to the ILC during the day (who doesn’t love the light, the windows, the gorgeous view on the third floor of the Comm hub?), I've tried studying in different areas of campus that are open later in the day, and it’s really fun people watching and watching the sun set from a different part of campus. I feel like you get different vibes from different parts of campus too, and I enjoy the feeling of secretly writing my articles in Isenberg or editing my photos in Lederle late at night.
3. Make it a goal to visit every student business on campus
If you didn’t know that there were multiple, now you do! They are scattered across campus, though there are a few that are pretty accessible in the Student Union, like Earthfoods, the Bike Co-op, People’s Market, and Campus Design and Copy. All of these businesses are student-run, and the idea of co-op businesses, where everyone is an owner, is actually a pretty unique thing, and there aren’t a ton of them on college campuses. We’re lucky to have a vibrant variety of student businesses, and they have their own personalities and specialties. I especially challenge you to make the traditional UMass student trek up O Hill (or you could take the 34 or 35, I guess) to visit Sweets and More, or to find the McNamara basement to satisfy a craving for mozzarella sticks at the Sylvan Snack Bar. And of course, Greeno, oh Greeno. You have to try their waffle fries.
4. Pick a performance art event at random on a day you’re free and go watch a show.
Again, I’m a little biased here because I’ve been a musician all my life, but there’s something so freeing and immersive about losing yourself in a musical, play, concert, or show for an hour or two. I’ve gone to some of these just to see my friends perform, but I always leave with a greater appreciation for what they pour into their passions.
If you’re looking for recommendations, I suggest the UMass concert band, string orchestra, chorale, anything UMass Theater, UMass Theatre Guild shows are amazing, and definitely check out all the UMass Comedy League’s comedy troupes because they’re very creative.
5. Go to the Rec Center and try to take every single class they offer
Definitely not at the same time, but honestly one of the most fun things I’ve done is challenge myself to do something that I thought I wouldn’t like. I tried spin for the first time and left looking like a human tomato, but all the stress in my body was completely wiped because I could no longer feel anything: it was amazing. Since then, I’ve tried pilates, strength, and Zumba, and each one has been manageable and fun, and all the instructors have been really nice. If you’re not a huge fan of trying to find a spot during peak hours, classes are a little better because there are limits. Also, going a little bit after the semester begins is helpful to avoid the huge influx of people.
6. Seasonal traditions. Not just at UMass, but at the other five colleges
As someone who once had to look for events to photograph for their photojournalism class, there are plenty of things to do around here. I’m not just talking about Halloween when they bring out the lobsters and steak (although that is a beloved tradition). I’m talking about navigating Mike’s Maze when the leaves have changed colors and watching the sun set on Mt. Sugarloaf. I’m talking about Bandtoberfest on Amherst Common. I’m talking about Merry Maple in early December, where you can see the UMass marching band decked out in festive gear — instruments adorned with lights and ornaments — and play crowd favorites like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and "Hanukkah Medley.” I’m talking about one of my favorite spring occurrences — the Smith College bulb show, hosted at the college’s greenhouses. There are tons of events happening, and one only has to look to find (often free) things to do.
7. Stargaze near the UMass hotel and campus center on a cool evening when there’s no snow on the ground
Sometimes they’ve got string lights and it’s beautiful. There’s nothing better than having a deep conversation with a friend while watching the stars twinkle from miles away.
8. Wear that outfit you’ve been meaning to wear
If you feel like you don’t have anything to wear, hit up Thrift & Exchange downtown, or make a trip out of it and visit Goodwill (Big Y Plaza) and the Salvation Army in Hadley. But I’m telling you, some of the people here have awesome outfits, and you’ll find people wearing all sorts of styles and rocking different aesthetics out here. Wear what makes you feel happy, and accessorize to your heart’s content. Play around with different styles. While it might feel a little weird at first, it does feel more comfortable as you get used to it. It’s like the adult version of dress-up, and we should all nurture our inner child.
You really never know what will come out of going on a little adventure. Three years ago, I went to the Emily Dickinson Museum (another must-see) with my friend, who was pretty much a stranger at the time (it’s free for Five College students!) We toured the museum for the first time together and got matchas at Share Coffee afterwards. Since then, we’ve gone back every year, and it’s one of my favorite traditions. One minute you’ll be touring a poet’s house with a near-stranger, and the next thing you know, you'll be moving off-campus with them two years later and helping them build a bed frame. You literally never know.
I hope that helped! Now, fly, fly, my little campus goslings! I know you’re going to have a great college experience.
Featuring
Grace Chai
Grace Chai is a communications assistant in Commonwealth Honors College.
