How to Hack CUA –
Photo courtesy of Ani Shubert
By Jaci Jedrych
Life at a university can be difficult. From long commutes to difficult hours, finding ways to make your life easier is key. The Catholic university community strives to make your experience at CUA better, but it can be hard to find the information buried on university websites, so we’ve compiled our top six tips for hacking life at CUA:
- Take the shuttle bus for long trips.
Catholic University hosts a free shuttle service to transport students anywhere on campus. Collection on request can be called in at any time from Monday to Friday, at 08.00 to 22.30. The Student Government Association even recently ran a pilot test program to possibly extend the service to weekends. Track the shuttle anytime here. Still, from O’Boyle to Barnes and Noble, the shuttle will help you avoid pesky hills and let you get more sleep!
2. Contact the liaison librarians for research assistance.
Are you writing a research paper and not sure where to start? We’ve all been there. Fortunately, the librarians at Mullen are here to help! Check out their directory and if they have a liaison librarian in the subject, email them. They will help you find resources and make recommendations on which direction to start. See the catalog with contact information here.
3. Go to the Kane Center for free personal training and fitness classes.
Between weird schedules and dining room classes, it can be hard to find time to stay consistent with going to the gym in college and hitting the cute guy from statistics class while not having a clue about the scales can make it even harder to motivate yourself to walk. If this sounds like you, sign up for the Kane Center’s free personal training or fitness classes. Certified Personal Trainers are free for all undergraduate, graduate and law students who want to create an exercise plan, improve their fitness or just have someone to hold them accountable. Training classes are held almost every evening of the week. With classes from yoga to HIIT, there’s something for everyone! Check their timetables or sign up for personal training here.
4. Use Esports Lounge’s free gaming equipment.
Do you love video games but don’t have room for a computer in your dorm room? Head over to the Esports Lounge in Room 224 at Pryz and use their gaming gear. Students can use 12 state-of-the-art Alienware computers, 2 TVs, 3 Nintendo switches, 2 Occulus VR headsets, 1 PS5, 1 Xbox X and various accessories to play recreational games during business hours. Check out the classes and learn how to join the competing teams here.
5. Get free groceries or swap clothes from organizations on campus.
If you’re struggling with food insecurity on campus, Cardinal Cupboard can help. Located on the bottom floor of Pryz, they hold open hours where students can pick up free groceries. They even partner with the community garden to provide some fresh produce! And if your wardrobe needs a refresh, swap your clothes for free at the Cardinal Closet, the thrift store on campus, every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
6. Get drinks (almost) anytime.
If you need to fill your water bottle in Pryz, but the food court is closed, you can go down to the Food Court: the drink machine behind the fountain in the Food Court is always on. Fill with clean water and ice when Pryz is open. And if you have a friend studying media or architecture, ask them to swipe you into Crough, where you can get hot chocolate or coffee from the hot drinks machine.
