Tips and tricks to Hudson Valley

Isabella Kokoszko
Layout Editor

Hudson Valley is full of many hidden opportunities. The school offers a wide array of benefits that can help make your semester more manageable and your time here worthwhile. For both returning students and new comers who may not be too familiar with the campus and its facilities, here are a few tips and tricks to make your first few weeks run smoothly.

Figure out your schedule beforehand

If this is your first semester, come a little earlier each day on the first week to walk around and get to know the campus. It can be intimidating at first, but after a few weeks you’ll get to know your way around very quickly.

Parking

The first few weeks of every semester are brutal when it comes to parking. Spaces tend to fill up quickly after 10 a.m., so if you’re able to, arrive on campus at least 20 minutes before your class so you can look for a spot. Usually during the beginning of the semester, public safety opens an overflow lot and the lots near the Joe Bruno Stadium if spaces are filling up quickly.

If you’re still unlucky and can’t find a spot, drive past the stadium and towards Williams hall where you will find some extra lots. Also, take advantage of the parking garage. Although spots can still fill up quickly, some students have better luck scanning for a space in there.

Leaving

After a day of classes, trying to get back home can also be a struggle. The roads turn into parking lot and you’ll find yourself just sitting at stoplights waiting for everyone to go. If you commute, the worst times to leave are between 1-2 p.m. If you can afford 20 minutes, just wait and grab a bite to eat or catch up on an online quiz. It can be a lot easier and quicker to leave if you avoid that time frame.

Buildings

You can’t really pick which buildings you get when you sign up for a class, but you can prepare to spend your time in there. Brahan is the smelliest of buildings, so arm yourself with some extra cologne or perfume before you enter.

Also, it tends to get a little warm, so it’s wise to dress in layers. The Science Building and BTC are by far the nicer buildings on campus. If you wind up with classes there, you’ve won the classroom lottery.

Computers

The library has a lot of computers that you are always able to use, but what do you do if all are taken? There are computer labs hidden around campus that are also available to students.
There is a computer lab with computers and printers on the first floor of the Siek Campus Center. Digital Media computers capable of using the Adobe Suite are available in BTC and the Science building also has a lab/study center for students.

Food

Hudson Valley is surrounded by a wide variety of restaurants within walking or driving distance. Prime by Mazzone, the on-campus option, can be very convenient, but is also pricey and not always the healthiest option. Instead, consider choosing from different places off campus, like Chicken Joe’s or Panera, that also tend to be more fairly priced. You can also find a variety of other options, ranging from fast food or pizza to Chinese or deli sandwiches.

Clubs

Have big gaps in your schedule? Fear not, because Hudson Valley has over 100 clubs that you can join! If you don’t see a club you want to join, you can even start your own! If you go to Student Activities, located on the second floor of the Campus Center, they will provide you with a list of all the possible clubs available. Keep in mind that a lot of club meetings are on Mondays at 2 p.m.

Student Perks

As a perk of being a Hudson Valley student, Student Activities offers discounted movie tickets on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for only $10. Each student is allowed 2 per week and can only pay with cash.

In addition to those spicy savings, Student Activities gives out free pizza in the Campus Center at 12 p.m. on Wednesdays! This is an easy way to grab lunch for students on a tight budget. Just be sure to get there early to make sure there’s a slice left for you.