One of the best parts of college is that your school becomes your home. This is especially true if, like me, you live on campus. I have made so many great memories on the Naz campus, but these few stand out when I look back!
1) Move in
Nothing beats the moment when you fold up the last box, hug your parents goodbye, and are left to collapse on your bed and hang out with your roommates. Whether it’s your freshman year and you’ve got an amazing and fun-filled weekend of orientation and new experiences, or its your senior year and you’re almost ready to move on from Nazareth, move-in is an exciting moment that you’ll remember for years to come. And yes, reliving the experience each year as an Orientation Leader is the greatest!
2) The first campus snow
Walking to class in the cold and snow isn’t a necessity because of Nazareth’s awesome tunnel system, but walking to class in the first snow is a perfect way to appreciate the Rochester weather. Plus, once it starts snowing, the end of the semester is likely coming to an end so it’s something to look forward to. Campus in the winter is as beautiful, if not more beautiful than spring and summer, so although it’s cold, it’s a great time to see campus.
3) Sledding at the French House
Speaking of winter, it means lots of fun on campus, and the French House has the perfect hill to catch some serious speed on when sledding. Grab your friends and a saucer, or order some river tubes and spend the day cruising down the hill. Maybe sledding isn’t something you want to do? Make a massive snowman in the fields with the endless snow that we get here during the winter.
4) Family Dinners
Nazareth is a great place to make friends, and what’s better than food to bring everyone together? With kitchens located throughout dorms, everyone can make homemade meals to share with friends, especially around Thanksgiving or after a particularly long week. Maybe cooking isn’t something you want to do – you can have family dinner at the dining hall, or order from local businesses such as Pontillo’s Pizza or China Kitchen and have your meal delivered.
5) Winning Grocery Bingo
Nazareth’s Campus Activities Board puts on Grocery Bingo each month, and it is a BLAST. When in college, snacks are a necessity and why pay for them when you could win a giant bag full playing bingo? It takes a lot of luck and there’s always a crowd of people playing, but it’s an event not to miss, whether you win or not. During this year’s “Ghostry Bingo” on Halloween, I won for the first time, taking home tons of goodies including coffee, dried fruit, candy, peanut butter, and cookies.
6) Looking at the stars from Smyth Lawn
Nazareth is lucky to be located in an area that is close to the city but also rural enough to see the stars. On clear days, you can even see the Milky Way if you let your eyes adjust enough. Whether you take some time to look at the stars by yourself, or you bring your friends, looking at the sky can be a peaceful and grounding experience during the busy semester.