The University of Kentucky is a special place, and anyone who steps foot on this campus can tell. Whether you're a freshman finishing up your first semester of college, a transfer who has something to compare the experience to, or a senior that is just looking back on the early days spent at UK, there are just some things unique to this place that we can all relate to. After finishing up my own first semester, here is a compilation of realizations that I've come to.

1. Saturday morning breakfast at commons is a must.

Commons is typically never appetizing (sorry UK Dining) but for some reason, Saturday mornings after a long night out are magically made better with some bacon and tots. I don't know when tots became a substitution for hash browns, but I approve. I definitely approve. And as for that chocolate milk, it's the perfect chocolate to milk ratio that goes beautifully with your meal. Conversations had at Commons that last an hour past finishing your food will end up being some of your fondest memories while living on campus.

2. Getting a driver for a frat party is both an art and a science.

We all know the struggle of trying to get to party off campus. Here at UK, the "moist" campus atmosphere calls for party houses that are usually un-walkable and those frat boys can be real uptight about sharing the addresses. Sometimes I think that they might actually think there are undercover UK police dressed as sorority girls. You call drivers named "Shrek" and "Larry" a million times but they're consistently backed up and then you end up settling for stealing someone else's ride at the 90 (RIP Frat Lot). Don't lie, we've all done it.

3. Willy T is undoubtably a great hang out spot.

I never thought that I would say that one of my favorite places to hang out is the library, but it really is an awesome facility. As one of the largest university libraries in the nation, Willy T has everything. You can hang out in the Hub and get help with anything technology related, get a study room if you're trying to get ready for an exam, sit at a cubby if you want some time to yourself to get things done, or my personal favorite-a big table on the fifth floor between cores 2 and 3. I can typically find at least one or two friends to sit with anytime after 7 in this spot Sunday through Wednesday. It's just a great place to spend time gettin' all smart and knowledgable and you can always make friends who are struggling with the same courses.

4. Walking across Limestone never gets any less scary.

Are you the kind of person that always waits for little crossing sign or the kind of person that is on a time crunch and takes the risk? Either way, there is always the possibility of getting hit. Even when you have the crossing sign, it doesn't stay on long enough for all of the students to get to the other side of the street! And let's be real, nobody in Lexington should even be in possession of a driver's license because no one knows how to drive here! Trying to get to Dickey Hall from Memorial might as well be an episode of Wipeout, I mean all the obstacles you have to endure just to get to class? 

5. We're referred to the University of Kenstruction for a reason.

As a student, I'm super thankful for all of the time, effort, and money that UK has put into making this campus a better place but sometimes it can be a little frustrating when you're woken up at 5 am by the sounds of loud drilling and yelling construction workers. Not to mention the extra 15 minutes it takes to get to class having the walk around the giant work zones. I wonder if it'll all be done by the time I graduate? *not getting my hopes up*

6. If you didn't already like basketball, you will join the bandwagon.

UK is the number one ranked college basketball team at this current moment and for good reason. We have a young team that works their a**es off to reach the ultimate goal. I don't know about the rest of the class of 2018, but I think it'd be pretty sweet to see them win a National Championship our first year at UK. From the lottery to the Erupption Zone, this team is making history. 

7. Basically, UK is the best school ever. 

After being at UK this semester, I can already tell that being away from this place for a month over winter break is going to be absolutely terrible. And being away for a whole summer is just unthinkable. This place isn't merely about the facilities or the events; it's the time spent enjoying the company of the extraordinary students that the university has attracted from all over the country, soaking in the cultural differences between ourselves and our new friends, sharing a similar experience that is sure to be amazing. If you're a student here at UK, you know what I'm talking about. If you're a high school student, give UK a chance. And lastly, if you go to a different university, transfer.