Everything you have to do before graduating from UMass

Aside from flip out about leaving UMass

Fall Semester is rapidly approaching. For many of us, it’s a return back to our home away from home, with all the ups and downs that arise during another year at UMass. For others, it’s the very first time being an actual student at this awesome campus. Regardless of who you are, it’s good to have a friendly reminder of some of the things you really should do before graduating.

Some of these things may seem obvious to seasoned students, but it’s meant to be a list for those who already go here as well as those who are just joining the party.

Chill at Puffers Pond on a beautiful day

Puffers Pond is great area in North Amherst to relax at on a nice day. There’s a pond that you can swim in, an area for some beach volley ball, trails to hike around, a waterfall, and a ton of dog walkers (Doggo!!!).

If you just want to kick back and relax at a nice area, head to Puffers – this is a definite must for UMass students!

Attend at least one frat party

This is more for the incoming Freshmen. I’m not going to start a debate on whether or not Frat parties are worth it, I’m just going to say that every student at UMass should attend one just to…”see what it’s like.”

The decision to go to ANOTHER one afterwards is totally up to you.

Check out Antonio’s 1$ Slices on a Friday night

Antonio’s is arguably the best pizza in Amherst. On a Friday night, however, it becomes more than a Pizza place, it becomes a rally point for everyone after whatever debauchery they’ve gone through (or will continue to go through) that night.

Chicken bacon ranch ❤

A photo posted by Antonio's Pizza (@antoniospizza) on Aug 17, 2016 at 2:01pm PDT

This is primarily because after midnight on a Friday large cheese pizza slices become 1$ until close, causing many drunken students to show up in hoards to claim their rightful slices. Helpful tip: pay in cash, not card, it’s so much faster!

Go to a UMass Tailgate

UMass Amherst is known for its massive home game tailgates. Say what you will about our football team, but we do know how to enjoy the games.

It’s totally fine to not drink if that’s not your thing! There’s a ton of grilling and school pride, along with mechanical bulls, and food trucks that offer plenty more to do than just show up and drink…If that IS your thing however, you’ll be right at home!

Participate in at least one UMass Protest

Let’s face it, UMass Amherst is known as a school whose student are not afraid to speak their mind. There is always something to be protested, and last semester the “Divest Protest” actually ended up making a difference! At some point during your UMass career, it’s worth it to make an effort to stand up in unison with your fellow peers for something you believe in!

Spend an overnight at the Library during finals week

If you plan on successfully graduating from UMass, chances are that at SOME POINT in your stay here, you will find yourself stuck overnight in the library during finals week, whether to write papers, study for exams, or just to offer mental support to a friend in need during this hellish time.

The truth is you really can’t call yourself a true student unless you’ve gone through the trial of staying overnight at the library.

Make the effort of walking down the stairs of the library from the 23rd floor

Aside from just being able to say you’ve walked from top to bottom of the tallest library in America, the murals on each floor are actually really impressive and become a sort of “art gallery” throughout your descent. Bonus points if you do the opposite and walk from bottom to top…

Attend a day drink

Similar to a tailgate, but much less maroon clothing and grilling. Day drinks are not anything particualrly special, but again it is worth it to check out at least one just to see what UMass students can do!

Go to at least one Spring Concert

It’s not always the best performers, but it still can be fun to have a cheap concert within walking distance of your dorm, and UPC puts a lot of effort into the Spring Concert each year so going to one can be your own token of gratitude!

Finally, one last thing everyone should do before leaving UMass Amherst…

Have an existential crisis because you have no idea what to do when you graduate…

Whether you have a good head on your shoulders or not, chances are you will freak out at some point during your final year at UMass. You’ll feel like you have no clue what to do after you graduate, you feel like you didn’t spend your time as wisely as you should have, or you just won’t want to leave UMass and all of the good times you’ve had.

It’s important to know that most people, if not everyone, will be freaking out as much as you, and just know that as long as you keep moving forward once that day comes, things will most likely work out in the end!

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