School is back in session and if you're a first year, there is plenty to learn about being a student at Mount Holyoke College. Here's what you need to know about the various traditions, "curses" and logistics involved with our campus complete with GIFs. Don't mess with the superstitions, or the PVTA schedule and learn the logistics of the Blanch Lunch Rush and the Milk & Cookies tradition. This is a big deal, so pay attention to these pro tips from an experienced upperclassperson.
1. Don’t walk out of the main gate.
For the love of all things Mount Holyoke College, please don’t walk out the main gate. It’s a superstition but I don’t mess with that stuff. If you’re going across the street, just use the exits that are right next to the gate. Don’t use the gate. You can stand near it, stand by it, stand outside, walk IN it. Just don’t walk out.
2. Blanchard Lunch Rush
You will definitely have a class that ends at 12:15 and/or 12:45. There are so many classes at start at 11 or 11:30 that it almost gets annoying, considering that three of the classes you wanted to take happen on the same day and time. Blanchard has good food that comes fast, compared to waiting on a line in a dining hall and having to swipe in, get a plate, etc. so a lot of people go there at this time. The cafe is absolutely packed on all fronts. The salad and culinary creations lines are wild. People are rushing to get slips for the grill station because they only put out a certain amount now. People crowd around where the food gets served (please don’t do this and block other people from checking on their food, they call out your name and other people are waiting too). As soon as your class ends, power walk to Blanch and beat the rush.
3. M&Cs
MoHos take this so seriously. I worked M&Cs last year so I know how seriously people take it. More than likely there will be some sort of craisin abomination served, but if it’s a good day and there are brownies or cupcakes, or something with chocolate be at the door by 9:30. One time, the snacks were cleared in seven minutes. Also, please don’t walk in and take ten juice boxes, then look the worker in the eye like everything is okay. I love juice boxes as much as the next person, but there’s rules against hoarding.
4. The PVTA
I could probably write an entire article about the PVTA. Mount Holyoke is the last stop for most of the buses (the only exception I can think of is the R29, which takes you to Holyoke Mall), so it’ll be sitting in front of Blanch for ten minutes. They leave on the dot. They run less frequently on the nights and weekends. The last bus back, if you’re at UMass, is at 1:25 am. If you’re at Amherst, 1:35. Hampshire: 1:45.* Sprint to the bus if you have to. Remember these times.
*I really wish they would extend the hours going back to MoHo.
5. Being Called Out
This one is a little more serious but I think it should be said. Mount Holyoke has people from different ethnicities, nationalities, socioeconomic statuses, cultures...basically everything. If you say something that’s inherently problematic or harmful to a marginalized identity, they will let you know. Instead of rushing to be defensive (which is human nature, I get it), try to listen and understand their perspective, and use it as an opportunity to learn. One of the awesome things about this school is how much you learn in a short amount of time, so do not shut yourself off from criticism and keep an open mind. Basically, don’t react like this gif of Sarah Jessica Parker.
6. The Staircase
Most, if not all of you, probably already know about the staircase in the library and the mascot thing. I didn’t. I walked on the wrong staircase quite a few times, so I’m writing this just in case. Walk on the correct staircase (for tradition’s sake)!
