I don’t really know where to eat when I want to go out with my friends. What local spots should I check out?

There are actually a ton of local spots within around a twenty minute drive! If you and your friends are looking to recover from a late weekend night, the Raspberries Diner has all of the classic American brunch foods, with an 80’s feel and pretty reasonable prices. Also in New Hartford, Mitsuba Ramen and Sushi are both great options. Mitsuba Sushi is very reasonably priced and has complimentary sushi as an appetizer — this was a huge selling point for us. It is right next to The Marquee Cinema, so it could be a fun post dinner activity or of course you could grab some delicious froyo afterwards at Sweet Frog. Mitsuba Ramen has great boba and sits right next to a delicious bundt cake shop — they always have samples. Try the snickerdoodle bundt cake! You have probably already heard of the local classics — Deli Taco and Rio Grande Tex Mex — but both are great options. I would say that Tex Mex has a better ambiance for a larger group of friends, while Deli Taco has a more intimate cozy atmosphere. Try out Pho Vietnam. They have amazing vegetarian Pho options and the portions are huge for the price.

I’m losing motivation for my work as finals season approaches. What are some healthy ways for me to unwind on campus?

It is a pretty universal experience to feel burnt out towards the end of the semester with the weather getting nicer and work feeling less and less necessary. On a warm afternoon post class, a walk in the Glen could be a perfect way to unwind. There are two trails by the Glenview parking lot, and another couple trail entrances on Minor Field. These trails are short but scenic and there are a couple of benches dispersed throughout the trails which can be great spots to read or chat with a friend. You may have heard of the “Bab Pav cookouts” but Minor Field can also just be a great place to play spike ball with your friends. If you do not have a kitchen in your dorm, head over to the DMC kitchen and have a dinner party with your friends. Make some pasta and garlic bread and enjoy some fine dining. Late night diner always has a chill ambience and is a great environment to unwind with friends.

I’m feeling tired of the food options at the dining halls. Any thoughts on how to spice up meals?

Time to get creative! For breakfast or lunch, make fried rice at the egg station — white or brown rice with soy sauce on the skillet topped with two eggs, and some ham and onions! Also, the panini press has made a return to Commons! I always go for the classic ham and cheese with pickles and honey mustard. However, if you’re really going to commit, you could slice up the grilled chicken with some pesto mayo and tomato slices! An idea for a healthy breakfast is an egg white omelet. Crack an egg separate egg whites into a bowl. Fry up with spinach, opinions, cheese and tomato. Toast some whole wheat bread and you have a delicious and sustaining breakfast! Let’s not forget sweet treats. You could try toast with peanut butter, bananas and chocolate chips. I’ve recently been in a straight up white bread with butter and jam, kick. Also, if you mix sprite and cranberry juice you’ll get a make-shift shirley temple. Also, don’t sleep on the hot chocolate. Do not miss the gluten-free desserts in Mcewen. They’re in the back corner of the salad/yogurt bar area and are actually better than the regular desserts (try the Chocolate chip cookies). Another fun treat idea: slice a banana, put a little butter in a pan, and fry them up. Scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and you have a warm dessert. Or mix oreo pieces and peanut butter in a bowl and add a dollop of fresh (somewhat) whipped cream and you have peanut butter pie!

I’m getting sick of Pub every Friday and Saturday. How can I shake up my weekend?

Get some blankets and snacks and set up a movie in a classroom in List or KJ. Go support our student athletes this weekend! Head down the hill on Friday night for Chabad dinner at the Sands Chabad House at 6:30 p.m. This Saturday, watch the women’s tennis team face off Bowdoin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Or at 12 p.m. Saturday, go watch women’s lacrosse take on Trinity. While you’re out and about at athletic festivities stop in at the DMC at 12 p.m. for their Planti-ful Pancake Brunch with plant based pancakes and toppings! Saturday at 7:30 p.m. watch the contemporaneous musical ensemble perform in Schambach Hall. If you want to get off campus for a little adventure, head to Yoga Shala in the Clinton village on Saturday for either their “Sweat and Surrender” or “All Levels Flow” class, both at 10:30 a.m.

I’m a graduating senior and I’m feeling sad about having my last experiences on campus. How can I enjoy this period rather than just await graduation?

Senior spring is both exciting and daunting, and as sophomores, we are definitely lacking in wisdom. But we have some ideas about how you might enjoy the rest of your time at Hamilton. It might be nice to reach out to people you haven’t spoken to in a while or professors you haven’t taken classes with lately. Journaling about how your feelings might help to take some anxiety away. Go on walks and soak up your favorite spots on campus. Share wisdom with underclassmen about how they can make the most of their time at Hamilton. Enjoy your favorite restaurants in the area. Try out orders at diner that you’ve never tried before. Make senior T-shirts with your friends. Listen to some of the songs you listened to during your previous years at Hamilton. Write thank you notes to your professors or people who have impacted you during your time at Hamilton.