We’ve been back for about two weeks, and it feels great to be home. The memories made during these two weeks alone make me eager for the year ahead. Unfortunately, there are downsides to everything. Marquette is an amazing place, but there are some struggles that every student knows way too well.
1. Having a class in Marquette Hall right after a class in Cramer.
One of the reasons I found Marquette enticing was the size. It was just big enough for me. Even though the campus runs for about a mile, there are times where that mile is way too much. This is one of those examples. To complete this walk and navigate the crowds in 10 minutes is a feat that would make anyone feel accomplished.
2. Having a class on the fifth floor of Straz Hall.
Similar to the distance, another struggle is climbing the stairs in Straz. I had several people complain about this to me last year, and I never understood it until now. I show up to philosophy dying every Monday/Wednesday/Friday. That counts as my exercise for the day right?
3. Calling for a LIMO.
Marquette encourages its students to use LIMOs. This is a great thing in theory, but not in application. They either don't answer the call or it takes them forever to get to you. You’re lucky if you see one and flag it down. If, not you could be waiting the entire length of the party to get picked up.
4. The housing system.
This is what I believe to be the NUMBER ONE struggle of life at Marquette. Where you live is determined by luck. When you’re like me and have the worst luck ever seen by man, this is really unfortunate. You can come up with the best game plan of your life, but it will most likely crumble to pieces as the seconds tick away. If, by some miracle, it actually works out I salute you, but beware the looks of envy you'll get every time you leave your building.
5. Weather.
You wouldn’t think that there would be a big difference between the weather in Chicago and the weather in Milwaukee, would you? I didn’t think so either, but I was very soon convinced. One day it’s 80, and the next is 55. You leave for class at 8 o'clock and it’s chilly, only to have it boiling once you get out. No one ever knows what to wear, and Mother Nature is laughing at us all. Looking up the forecast is basically as helpful as Karen from "Mean Girls."
6. Bathrooms in Straz Hall.
I seem to have a lot of problems with this building, but the bathrooms are the worst. They’re only on every other floor, which is brutal if your class is on a bathroomless floor. The bathroom on the first floor may have the worst design ever. If you don’t believe it, go check it out. The size, the sink placement, and everything else makes this barely functional.
7. Listening to your friends from state schools.
It actually sounds like a foreign language sometimes. Everything from dorming, to the size of the campus, to football games leaves us wondering what it would be like. Sometimes it sounds appealing, but most of the time it’s just aggravating. Stupid football!
8. Getting a bagel at the AMU.
Is a bagel at Einstein's really worth the wait? I lose a little part of my soul whenever I walk in there to see hordes of people. The only good part is the adorable lady who always asks me if I would like anything sweet. She’s the only reason I put up with it.
9. The AMU/Straz being closed on weekends.
If the AMU was open on weekends I would be the happiest girl out there. Since everything closes at 6:30, which is also annoying, Schroeder, the Annex, or McCormick are the only food options, if you even count McCormick as a food option. The struggle to feed the late-night college student on a meal plan is a struggle for all.
10. Living in Cobeen or O’Donnell.
As a girl who always hangs out with the guys, getting a housing assignment of Cobeen was the end of the world. O’Donnell, arguably, may be even worse. Outside of the bros and sisses you make throughout your year there, it may seem like the school is purposely trying to kill your game. It’s unfortunate, but at least they’re freshman dorms.
At the end of the day there are so many struggles that we, as Marquette students, must face. College in general can be a complete struggle for a lot of people. No pain no game, ladies and gentlemen, and I must admit the gain definitely makes the pain worth it. If "Tommy Boy" did it, then so can we!
