As we enter the final month of classes before finals, it’s time to reflect on the many quintessential hiccups that University students have likely experienced — or at the very least, observed from afar. Whether you’re an incoming first year preparing for your arrival on Grounds or a current student at the University who has been spared thus far, be aware and ready to encounter some or all of these tragic affairs. You’ll come out stronger, we promise.
1. Tour groups walking through Clark Hall
It’s a chilly Tuesday morning and you’re ready for a long library study session, so you pick a seat in the grand atrium of Clark Hall. You’ve just sat down with your homework when a swarm of 30 17-year-old high schoolers and their parents enter the building. All of a sudden, the room is too loud to focus and the smell of coffee and fresh cookies coming from Rookie’s is attracting tourists that won’t leave. You exit the building, but come face-to-face with three more groups outside. Escaping conveniently isn’t an option, and you must either shove through or speed around the crowd. Take your pick!
2. The trainwreck of course enrollment
The day is here. You have all your top classes loaded into SIS, and you couldn’t be more ready to get this over with. You open your laptop as soon as your enrollment time begins, just to find that many of the classes you so carefully planned out have been filled. If they haven’t, the available seats are being reserved for those who have already declared their majors. Now, you have to completely change your perfectly-curated schedule. As frustrating as not getting your planned classes is, the freed-up space gives you the opportunity to fulfill those disciplines!
3. Tripping down — or up — the Trin stairs
Trinity on the Corner is one of the most popular places to be around Grounds, either on weekend nights or for “Trin Tuesday.” It is a staple for nightlife at the University, boasting three floors to choose from. However, with multiple levels come many flights of steep stairs. No matter what is in your cup, navigating your way through the dark, crowded stairwells of Trin will prove to be a challenge. Be careful, because those bruises on your shins from the journey up to Trin 3 do not heal easily.
4. Deciding against taking the bus and then watching it pass you as you walk to your destination.
TransLoc is an enemy hiding behind false claims of convenience. Countless University students have surely had some sort of trouble with this app, with a primary common occurrence being the issue of inaccurate ETAs. After waiting 15 minutes for the bus that should have arrived in five, maybe you will decide to suck it up and walk — but be prepared to painfully watch the Gold Line bus finally speed past you as you trek toward your destination.
5. Sunday afternoons at Shannon Library
While Shannon may be one of the most beautiful places to work on Grounds, arriving after noon on a Sunday is a grave mistake that each and every student is likely to have made. The Sunday scaries are real, and they can happen to everyone. With no empty seats in sight, you may be forced to wander through each of the five floors, before shamefully retreating to the dreaded Clem 2 to suffer through its noise and pandemonium. Next time, be sure to get your pick of seats by showing up at 9:30 a.m., half an hour before the building even opens.
6. Walking all the way to Grit Coffee for there to be no seats available
In a similar fashion to Shannon, those hoping to secure a good table at the Grit on the Corner — a prime sip-and-study spot at the University — must arrive early. Grit provides perfect ambience and tasty coffee for a lock-in, but if you want a good table, you must get there early in the morning before the locals and coffee date crowds arrive. If you miss this window, you can just play off your mistake by ordering to-go and finding space somewhere nearby, like Starbucks or 1515, even if the vibes don’t quite feel the same.
7. The terror of Veos
Common among the school’s athletes, electric scooters are a convenient mode of transportation on and around Grounds. However, if you are not a frequent rider, they can also be a hazard. Whether they are meant to be ridden on the road or the sidewalk, we will never know, because they appear in both places, being dodged by pedestrians and drivers alike. Make sure to look both ways when crossing the road, because Veos likely won’t stop for you.
8. The pain of racing up to Humpback Rocks before the sun rises
The Humpback Rocks hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a University tradition, and every student needs to do it at least once during their college career. There is something even more special about doing it as a sunrise hike, although the legs of both athletes and NARPs — non-athletic regular persons — alike will feel like Jell-O after rushing to make it to the top on time. But this pain is worth it, because the view is breathtaking, especially in the fall during the window of peak foliage.
9. Frozen toes at LOTL
Lighting of the Lawn is regarded by students as one of the most spectacular events on Grounds each year, complete with an array of student performances and an extraordinary light show. However, be prepared for the cold, because your toes may start to feel like they’re falling off. A life-saving tip is to place HotHands warmers under your toes, but even these can only help so much. Also, beware of flying muddy beach balls.
10. The scorching heat of the Fall Activities Fair
In stark contrast to LOTL, the Fall Activities Fair is a well-heated event. Though it is an important event that occurs at the beginning of each school year, the fair is known for being overwhelming, especially when the lingering summer heat is taken into account. Once you are finally home, away from the crowded tables and stuffy tent and no longer drenched in sweat, you will likely open your phone to a mere 30 new GroupMes and emails. While the fair is great for getting plugged into clubs and student organizations, remember not to bite off more than you can chew.
It has been a wild semester and year. As we near finals, it’s important to look back on some of the year's outtakes. And don’t forget — having a good laugh matters just as much as studying hard.
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