As students start to adjust to campus life, they may look to upperclassmen for advice on what to do in their free time. College can be stressful for all students. Having fun is a way to increase their overall motivation, productivity and experience.
For students like SUNY Brockport junior Keegan Beamish, the Seymour Union, which hosts many different clubs and events, is a great place to start.
“Go to the Union to make new friends and go downtown. Honestly, you’re going to find a lot of cool places to explore,” Beamish said.
SUNY Brockport junior Lavashia Prout agrees with Beamish.
“I usually just sit in the Union, meet new people, work on my homework and eat,” Prout said.
The Union’s Square offers Subway, Pizzaz, Fiesta and Jitterbugs. For allergy-friendly options, Bport bowls serve custom salads, and the nearby Brockport’s Fresh Fridge is stocked with grab ‘n go selections.
Club meetings held in the Union sometimes provide light refreshments for students to indulge in while they participate in club activities. For those eager to get more involved, there are over 60 student organizations and clubs available on campus. Students also have the option to form a club through the community development office.
“When the Psychology club opens up, I plan to join it. I went to the introduction meeting and so far it is a lobby thing. There’s a little refrigerator and stuff in there you sit and talk to each other while doing homework together,” said Prout.
For students like SUNY Brockport senior Julia Coats, getting involved in certain clubs can help build their own skills with a like-minded community.
“Just joined the Brockport community and college orchestra. I like going into the practice rooms in the tower to play piano and violin,” Coats said.
Some clubs and activities are not exclusively on-campus. In the village of Brockport there are several different shops and restaurants to visit.
“I love to go to Java Junction and the farmers market on Sundays” said Beamish.
Other novelty stores along Main Street include the Unique Gift Boutique, Eclipse, Bittersweet, Smartypants Clothing and the Lift Bridge Book Shop.
There are many activities around Brockport that can help make the move to college a lot easier on students.