9 Experiences You Only Get At Saint Mike's

Being a student at Saint Michael's College is an experience like no other. There are many aspects of SMC that are just really hard to explain to those who don't go here. From P-Day to the Grill, there's always something fun and interesting taking place on campus. Read on for some awesome and hilarious aspects of Saint Mike's you probably won't come by at other colleges.

1. SMC Squirrels

The SMC Squirrels are in a league of their own. Unlike other squirrels, they're fat, feisty, and don't carewhose path they need to cross in order to get to more food. They can often be found dumpster diving for delicious snacks and climbing on the vines of the residence halls.

2. Chicken patties are a delicacy.

On the weekends, SMC usually hosts a weekend grill on Friday and/or Saturday nights. Where chicken patties were once served every Saturday night, they are now a rare delicacy. Every time Alliot serves chicken patties, you can expect a mile-long line of students eagerly awaiting their patties. Speaking of which...

3. The Grill

This year, Saint Mike's has cut back a bit on how often The Grill takes place. But, usually, the grill occurs on Friday and Saturday nights from 11 to 12 PM and serves hamburgers, hot dogs, and sometimes, when all of the stars align, chicken patties. It's a great chance to grab a late-night snack on the weekends!

3. Seagulls

The seagulls at SMC are actually my arch nemeses. They can be found constantly battling over a piece of food—loudly, and usually at 6 a.m.

4. Derby Day

Derby Day at Saint Mike's is one of the craziest, most hilarious things SMC has to offer. Derby Day takes place during finals week, so it's a great time for students to take a study break and have a little (lot) of fun. Everyone on campus dresses up in their nicest attire and meets in the 3s field for the "Kentucky Derby." Here, jockeys and horses can be found, preparing for the big race. However, the twist is that the jockeys and horses are both actually people. Check out this awesome video of just how awesome Derby Day can be!

5. P-Day

P-Day, or Preparation Day, takes place the weekend before Derby Day (and finals week). The 3s field is filled with giant, inflatable slides, bounce houses, live music, games, henna tattoos, a food tent featuring some of Vermont's greatest food like Skinny Pancake and Ben and Jerry's, and so much more. Students can be found wearing some crazy outfits and letting loose before it's time to buckle down and study for finals.

6. Saint Michael's Crushes

Saint Michael's Crushes is a Facebook page where students can anonymously post compliments about other students on campus. It's a nice and easy way to brighten up someone's day!

7. O Leaders

Being an O (Orientation) Leader at SMC is an extremely coveted and sought-after position. O Leaders O Leaders help first year students move into their dorms on move-in day, and they are responsible for welcoming first year students to Saint Mike's campus in a fun, interactive way through a variety of ice-breaking activities. Many Saint Mike's students make their first friends in their O Groups. It's an awesome chance to ask questions and get to know the members of your class!

8. Wilderness Program

Amy Garlesky, Olivia Nestro, and Haylee Tower at Devil's Gulch.

Saint Mike's has a really great Wilderness Program that allows students to participate in a wide range of year-round outdoor activities. Students can participate in hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, ice climbing, and lots more. It's an excellent way to get some fresh air and explore Vermont's gorgeous scenery.

9. The community

My personal favorite part about going to school at Saint Mike's is really the community. People are friendly, kind, and always willing to reach out a helping hand to one another. A huge example of this is the MOVE Program, where students volunteer in activities ranging from apple picking, correctional volleyball, Cause for Paws, Baked Love, domestic international trips, and many more exciting, community building activities. Saint Mike's really has a community that is like no other, which really makes it feel like home.