Aside from the beautiful beaches that surround the Biddeford campus and the newly renovated buildings, the University of New England is filled with uncommon places and quirky things that are equally as beautiful but may not get the attention they deserve. These are the things that make UNE unique and differentiate us from that other University of New England in Australia. These are the things that we pay thousands of dollars for. These are the things I call UNE's hidden, and not so hidden, gems.
1. The clementine in the library bookcase
Depending on when you are reading this, it could be gone (or petrified). However, this clementine has gone about two months strong and no one has touched it. If you get the chance, I highly recommend that you check it out. The beauty lies within its unique orange-brown hue complemented by the off-white spot of mold as it simply lies there between two encyclopedias that have not been touched for decades. (It is in one of the bookcases on the main floor. I challenge you all to find it.)
2. The porch above Windward
Maybe not so much in the winter; however, in the summer and early fall, this is the finest spot on campus to do homework. You can revel in the picturesque view of the Saco River, get some fresh air, and, most importantly, people watch. It is also a very humbling experience since most of the med students congregate at this spot and you can listen to them discuss their accomplishments as you struggle to compose a two-page paper. WARNING: This is not a good idea for windy days. Papers will fly like Pocahontas’s Colors of the Wind.
3. The blue "track"
AKA the Poop Loop. This is, indeed, the spot for all geese in Biddeford to hang out, catch up with each other, and drop their waste. It is kind of like a track except better! It is made of asphalt, it has a couple of hills, and there is the added challenge of dodging goose droppings. This track truly symbolizes the UNE philosophy: when we don’t know what to do with it, paint it blue and put our logo on it.
4. The UNE squirrel memorial
RIP, UNE squirrel. This memorial gives me faith in humanity as students have taken the time to show their appreciation for a small yet precious life. A+ for creativity UNE.
5. That Sunday morning omelet
Whether you’re a broccoli and cheddar or a veggie and American cheese person, nothing is better than getting up on a Sunday morning, trekking to Decary, and waiting in an ungodly line for a deliciously mediocre omelette. There is something about it that makes you forget that tomorrow is Monday and you've accomplished maybe 10% of the schoolwork you were hoping to get done this weekend.
6. The Jetty
When you’re feeling artsy with your friends and you need a new picture to post on Instagram, this is your mecca. It is just a short, scenic walk down the beach, and if you walk down the jetty there is a tower of rocks defaced with either really inspirational words or highly offensive pictures. These graffiti-plastered rocks are great for climbing and reveling in the tranquility of the water or, the more common option, taking a "roomie pic.” Whichever you prefer, it is worth the trip.
You may already know about these campus gems, but if not, take some time out of your studies and walk down the jetty, give the UNE squirrel your condolences, try to find the mysterious clementine, or run a couple laps around the poop loop. You will not be disappointed.
