Top 10 things to do before you graduate

Friends meet outside the Kent Stage and enjoy the warm weather during the Kent Halloween festivities on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016.

Visit the Herrick Conservatory:

Those who walk behind Cunningham Hall will notice a small greenhouse connected. Some students might not know they can visit the Herrick Conservatory when the building is open. The Herrick Conservatory and Sustainability Club manages and upkeeps the greenhouse while gaining hands-on experience at the same time. Visitors can see plants from all around the world and different environments. Also, almost hidden in the greenhouse are fish swimming in the pond on the lower floor or in tanks on the main floor.

 Visit the Cuyahoga River:

Just beyond downtown is the Cuyahoga River. People can be found walking along it, visiting the dam at Riveredge Park or even floating down the river in a canoe, kayak or inner tube with the Crooked River Adventures. Crooked River Adventures is offered in the summer and provide guided trips, self-guided trips and will pick people up at the end of the river once your adventure is complete.

Kent Halloween:

When Halloween takes over Kent, students and residents of Kent dress up in costumes and hit the town. Downtown Kent provides a hub for seeing different costumes and entertainment in addition to extended hours at many bars and restaurants. Halloween can be a little wild at times and for that reason, the university and the police department stress the safety of Kent students and residence. If a student lives on campus in a residence hall, they are required to follow the guidelines set by the university for the students and their guest.

Fake St. Patrick’s Day:

Another day that students look forward to is Fake St. Patrick’s Day. People gather from many different universities to celebrate the national holiday a little early. Fake St. Patty’s day is usually set for the weekend before actual St. Patrick’s Day. Just like Kent Halloween, the university and the Kent PD stress students and residence should be safe and responsible throughout the day.

Go ice skating:

Something to enjoy anytime of the year is ice skating. Kent State offers public skating year round with some nights being more exclusive like College Late Night Skate that’s only for students with a college ID and is put on by Kent State Recreational Services. Late Night Skates also are notorious for its themed dress up nights. Ice skating is located in the Ice Arena across from Beall Hall and next to Deweese Health Center.

Order Insomnia cookies:

During late night study sessions, students may feel a hunger in their stomachs for something sweet. Insomnia Cookies might be going through their minds. Insomnia Cookies can be found in downtown and offers on-campus delivery. On average it takes about 30 to 45 minutes, according to their website, and Kent residents can see the process of their order — if it’s baking or on its way.

Go to a Kent State hosted Concert:

Kent State has seen Kesha, PartyNextDoor, The 1975 and more. Concerts held by USG typically happen every semester in the M.A.C. Center or outside by the student center. Each event requires students to buy a ticket, but it gives them a chance to relax, have fun and take some time away from course work.

Walk, Run or Ride a bike to Dix Stadium:

Dix Stadium seems far away from campus. It is about 1.8 miles from the Student Center. If someone is looking for a walk, run or bike ride, the Esplanade takes them all the way to the stadium while going through a wooded area, past a pond and over a bridge. Going through the path provides people with a different environment at Kent State and allows them to gain cardio.

Attend a sporting event:

A benefit of attending Kent State is that all home sporting events are free to students. Almost every week Kent State has a sporting event for students to attend and cheer on the Flashes. If students are looking to go to a football game but think Dix Stadium is too far, Kent State provides PARTA shuttles to take them there and back.

Graduate:

The last item on the bucket list would be to graduate. Students attending Kent State came for the purpose of achieving this goal, and the university aims at helping them. During the Spring 2017 commencement, Kent State offered the One University Commencement Ceremony where all campuses could attend and celebrate the students who achieved academic excellence. Each semester Kent State offers a graduation ceremony, and the university looks forward to each student gaining their diploma.

 Ray Padilla is the digital director. Contact him at [email protected].