Illustration by Earl Larrabee

While it's important for new students to know (and older students to remember) the ins and outs of campus life, there's more to see than just the outer surface. After braving the financial aid office, selecting classes, moving more stuff than necessary into new residences and the rest of the university bonanza, it's time to learn the hidden gems that the UA provides.

On the academic spectrum, one of the most important aspects of college (and yet perhaps most tedious) remains the art of studying. Generally, students view the library as the optimal place to spend long hours surrounded by class notes and over-priced books. However, other areas boasting greater scenery and solitude should not be overlooked. Park yourself by Old Main's fountain once the heat wave begins to dissipate. Sit near the theater building in one of the festive, artsy chairs (well, they're statues, but they serve multiple purposes). Stretch out on the Alumni Plaza's grassy knoll, which students flocked to in record droves upon completion last year, especially when certain religious zealots shared their thoughts. Finally, with one of the most enjoyable views on campus, the 4th floor of the Student Union houses tables that remain relatively vacant.

But the university offers a vast deal more than just academia. Want the good news? Most of the programs, presentations and other forms of entertainment are either at reduced costs or free. FREE. Cherish this word.

So, what's lurking in the university shadows? For entertainment purposes, check out the Charles Darwin Experience. This improv comedy troupe performs for free at the Cellar, and they are brilliant at distracting you from that paper due the next day. If the music scene suits your style, KAMP student radio can fulfill those needs. With a myriad different DJs, show styles, music selections and events coordinated (including a free Battle of the Bands on the mall), KAMP epitomizes the college radio experience. Plus, you have the chance to hear your peers at their most exposed moments (priceless).

Katie Paulson Columnist

Now, most students know about the ILC and its numerous computers. Unfortunately, this creates extensive lines that might interfere with approaching deadlines. Luckily, university administrators forecasted such an occurrence and created OSCR (Office of Student Computing Resources) labs located in dorms and university buildings. These locations contain computers, printers and software available to students needing to complete word processing or other more general projects. In the Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering building, all the computers are brand-new Macintosh G5s, which makes writing essays a tad more thrilling.

What else? UA sports tend to be dominated by basketball, football and softball. However, these mark only a fraction of the diverse sports games available for students to attend. For instance, numerous club teams compete throughout the year. You have the rugged intensity of rugby followed by the equally intense and buoyant water polo. Other clubs include ice hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee, synchronized swimming, wrestling, and over 20 more. With just as much power and passion as NCAA teams, club games are definitely worth attending (plus, there's no lottery).

Another gem: Gallagher Theater. While it does require some stretch of the movie-going imagination, where else can you see recent movies for the price of $3? Because theatres around Tucson refuse to offer a student discount, Friday night movies take a significant toll on one's wallet. If you're fortunate, you can even view pre-releases for movies at no cost. Perhaps you can convince your roommate to work there. This can also release the monetary burden.

Finally, both the UA Museum of Art and the Center for Creative Photography are well known to the general public. But, students seem to treat these treasures indifferently. Why are these places so special? The art museum contains over 4,000 works including pieces by major artists such as Edward Hopper, Rembrandt van Rijn, Pablo Picasso and more. The CCP follows suit with multiple exhibits and collections, which includes a research collection featuring photographs by Ansel Adams, Lola Alvarez Bravo, W. Eugene Smith, and more. Again, correlating with the theme, admission is free. The arts provide necessary aesthetic pleasure that can and will enhance your life. Well, at least you can view some of the most famous pieces in the world.

All across campus, these hidden gems exist and wait to be discovered. It's easy to take life at face value, especially when the university seems to provide a depth of services. Yet, after looking beyond the surface, you can truly discover what college life is all about.

Katie Paulson is a junior majoring in English and Political Science. She also wants to promote the Writing Center and its free tutoring services but doesn't believe in self-advertising. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.