1. The sunrise.
Yep, the sun also rises here. It is unlike any other sunrise you can experience just anywhere. The field on Lake Road when the sun is rising is something almost painted in its nature. The sun welcomes the fields with such intensity that it's almost magical. If UC Merced students are reading, experiencing the sunrise through the dorms buildings or through the vast fields is something you don't want to miss, especially if you come from a city.
2. The cherry blossoms located in front of the library and classroom building are gorgeous.
The season of the pink petals only lasts a few weeks, but when you walk in the middle of such a sight, it makes our impending doom of assignments and midterms a little less condemning. Almost a kiss of affection before we enter Dante's Inferno.
3. The animals.
Our potential mascots, the raccoons, are worth watching as they frighten other students in their hunt for food. Although it is kind of an odd sight seeing the butt of the raccoon sticking out of a trash can near the Dining Center. The hares, who are reproducing by the minute and watching their babies nibble on the grass. The rare site of an actual bobcat behind the SSM building. Plus the cow, because...I mean, enough said.
4. There is a little lake by the soccer field that is sometimes colorful at night.
It is like the Disney's World of Color, except, you know, without the music, colorful rides, and thousands of spectators. It's still nice though.
5. The new beginnings statue, or as we professionally say, "the vagina."
It was meant to symbolize roots, but as college students, we are open to interpretations.
6. The UC Merced classifieds and its memes.
I do believe it was just a way to see items at the beginning, but it seems like a communicator for students. Clubs advertise, students ask for surveys, people offer rides, and others include memes relating to the college struggle or whatever the topic of conversation may be.
7. Decorations on the windows of the dorms is an interesting site.
I have seen characters made up of post-it notes. By the way, where can I find black post-it notes? I didn't even know those existed till I saw one used on Pac-Man's eye.
8. The struggle up the hill is something all students and staff can relate to.
The means of transportation vary from golf carts to skateboards, scooters, and the preferred method walking. It takes five minutes to conquer the hill on a normal day, 10 during the summer, three minutes during the winter, and one minute when we're running late. People know when they're out of shape when they reach the top gasping for air.
9. The lake, which is good for barbeques and club socials.
10. Something I really like about this school is the respect some of us have for others.
I could leave my stuff in the library to use the restroom or a run for food, and everything will be where I left it. Also, people return phones, Catcards and wallets. Hope that doesn't change. Stay respectful bobcats.
11. The campus is clean.
The custodians here work very hard every day to keep the campus looking as amazing as the day it opened. They do an incredible job, and they even take the time to talk to and encourage students to keep strong. They are the MVPs of this campus, and it is because of them that we can pride ourselves in having such a beautiful campus.
12. Motivators.
Some bus drivers often tell us to have a nice day or to study strong. They are little phrases that go a long way. There are professors who actually take the time to learn their students names, and some of them genuinely care about their students' education. You can see some of the enthusiasm they have for what they teach.
I am sure there are some things I missed, but each UC Merced attendee probably has their own list.
