After having been a SOUL (red-polo orientation person) and an RA (hopefully not a term that triggers your gag reflex) at Miami, I could tell you with quite the chipper PR voice about all the “excellent student services we have to offer here at Miami University!” I could tell you about the free writing assistants at King Library who will help you through all things grammar and APA-related. Or after believing that Calc would be the death of my GPA, career, and overall happiness, I can personally attest that the tutors at the Rinella Learning Center will get you through any course. I can also strongly urge you to take advantage of your six free counseling sessions at the Health Center, should you experience death in the family, anxiety—anything emotional, really—during your schooling.
All crucial resources. But I’d much rather tell you about my favorite Miami quirks, the little things that helped me through my undergrad years:
- Kofenya’s bottomless mug: I usually alternate shamelessly strong coffees with sweet iced tea for my paper-writing or exam-prepping marathons. When I go up for another refill, the barista usually grins in quiet solidarity.
- Alternative study space: We all love King Library—until there aren’t any study tables left during finals week. Grab a friend and caffeine and set up camp between two aisles of books. It’s cozier, quieter, and probably nostalgic. (PS: did you know Miami has a new library? It’s called the B.E.S.T. Library—Business, Engineering, Science, and Technology—located in Laws Hall. Go, even if only for the sake of cutesy acronyms.)
- Natural beauty: In all my years at Miami, I’ve never seen anyone else at the Formal Gardens over on East Quad. It’s the quietest place on campus if you just need some time to think. Or grab your biff (that’s your boyfriend) and have a little romantic stroll around the flowers, without anyone glaring at you for your PDA.
- School spirit outside the rink: We are oozing with enthusiasm for Miami’s party scene and Greek life—and I’m all for enthusiasm!—but where’s the school spirit for sports (other than our awesome hockey team)? I think a few football or softball games could really round out the Redhawk pride.
- Smiles, good mornings, and how-do-you do’s: Next time you rush to class and pass someone walking in the opposite direction, make eye contact! Say hi with a smile. It doesn’t have to be dramatic—just acknowledge their presence. Instant endorphins for the both of you.
Try one or all five, but also find your own little favorites! They’ll keep your time here bearable during the rougher patches in memorable ways.
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