Here are 10 things (in no particular order!) that every Skidmore student should know in order to be successful at our tiny but mighty school. I hope you learn a thing or two that will “spice up” your life at Skid. And even if you’re not, I hope you learn some of the things that make our school such an amazing and supportive home.
#1 “Skidmore sunsets” are much different from regular sunsets.
I have attempted to explain this to many friends and family members at home and they never quite grasp it. I don’t know if there’s any scientific explanation for it, or if it’s just magic, but Skidmore sunsets are unlike any other. Be sure to keep an eye on the sky, you won’t want to miss it!
Best places to watch the sunset: a friend’s window seat in Joto (Jonson Tower), the Joto penthouse, in front of the Library, the top of the Tang!
#2 You are friends with the writing center.
The Boshoff Writing Center is a lifesaver. Whether you want a writing center tutor to glance over your paper one last time before you submit it, or you are struggling to even come up with an idea for your paper, a wonderful tutor is more than willing to help. It’s as easy as scheduling an appointment online (you can even choose a tutor whose major pertains to your paper) and heading to the third floor of the library!
#3 PAC, PAC, PAC, PAC.
If you’re a Skidmore student, you’ve probably heard the pitch for Peer Academic Coaching over and over again. But, there’s a reason for that! As a freshman, I silently struggled through my Psych 101 class, too afraid to subject myself to yet another new and awkward situation. DON’T DO THIS! Although I am not a Psych major (maybe I would have been if I had gone to PAC), as a sophomore, I now live in PAC and couldn’t imagine my day-to-day life without it. The tutors are beyond helpful. It is a collaborative and chill environment (that sometimes has food and dogs if you’re extra lucky).
#4 Dhall closes at 9 p.m. on weekends!
Dhall does close two hours earlier on weekends than it does on weekdays, so make sure to get your fix before 9 p.m. But do not fear, the infamous SPA is open between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. on weekends. SPA is unfortunately not included in the meal plan, but she is well worth the trip!
#5 Professors want to see you.
One of my favorite parts about Skidmore is the plethora of wonderful professors that teach here. If you are ever struggling in a class, never be afraid to reach out to your professor. They are here to help, and — more importantly — want to. With that being said, professors are resources beyond the academic world. As a sophomore, I have already formed strong bonds with a few. While it is liberating to be away from home, we all could use a little advice from a “real” adult now and again.
#6 No, the bus doesn’t stop at Target!
Oh, the journey to reach Target! Boy, it’s a tough one, but worth it, nonetheless. I would recommend getting off the bus at Wilton Mall (the last stop) and then cutting through the parking lot into the adjacent shopping center that contains Target. The first weekend of my freshman year, I tried to get from Walmart (the bus DOES stop at Walmart) to Target by crossing a highway-like road (and I am from New Jersey, so I don’t use the term “highway” lightly). DO NOT DO THIS! Get off at the mall. It may be a frustrating route, especially when snow is on the ground (and there is always snow on the ground), but it will get you to Target in one piece.
#7 The Wellness Center is hidden a gem.
Not many people know about The Wellness Center, but it’s beyond awesome. The Wellness Center is run by the Skidmore PHEs and is a fantastic place to escape the stressful nature of college life. The Wellness Center sells Condoms (10 for $1), lubricant, and pregnancy tests. Therapy dogs also visit the Wellness Center on most weekdays. How could one resist?
#8 Late night SPA Mac & Cheese Bites are remarkable.
The employees at SPA know me by my weekly Mac & Cheese Bite run and I couldn’t be less ashamed. I have had these heavenly bites to top off a fun night with friends. I have chowed down on them while working on a final at 2 a.m. in Case. I have gone out in the pouring rain to acquire them. Pro tip: drizzle Sriracha on them and then buy a bag of Cheetos from the vending machine, crush them, and sprinkle Cheeto bites on top. Viola! Skidmore’s finest dish.
#9 Case is open 24/7!
If you’re like me, there will be many moments in your college career when you will be doing homework past 1 a.m., aka after the library closes. If you’re like me, you will also fall asleep if you go back to your room. No need to stress, Case is open 24/7! Just note that the Dell computers shut off at 3 a.m., so if you’re really pulling an all-nighter (yes, I’ve been there!), you’re going to want to move to a Mac. You may also want to note that Case has no printers, so if you’re finishing an assignment there, you’re going to have to wait until the next morning to print. Good luck waking up to do that! (Hopefully, you have better time management skills than I do, and will never be in this situation).
#10 Most classrooms are always open!
Want to have a chill movie night with friends? Screen a movie in a classroom! It’s a big screen without paying to go to the movies. Highly recommend!