Living in Vermont: 5 Essentials

Hey everyone!

It's getting closer to decision time, 2016! Many of you might have already decided to come to St. Mike's next year (good choice!) and others may still be weighing your options...that's ok! It took me until accepted students day last year to figure out that SMC was perfect for me...and there were many things that I questioned before deciding...was SMC a good size for me? Do they have a good journalism program? (yes!) And also, how would I like living in Vermont?

...Well, I can say now that it's definitely awesome, but the weather does like to change about every 2 seconds. There a few things that I didn't think to bring when I first made the move up to St. Mike's during orientation, and some others that I did and were definitely essential...so here are a few of my recommendations:





Rain boots! Take it from the class of 2015, we know all about this necessity. Our orientation weekend got hit with hurricane Irene, and I forgot my rain boots- talk about wet feet! With Vermont's unpredictable weather, this is a staple for everyone's wardrobe.

A fan! Yes, it is HOT during the summer when we first arrive on campus. I had two or three fans going at once during many days, so this is something to definitely not to leave behind. I remember thinking before coming to St. Mike's that it wouldn't get that warm, I mean it is Vermont after all..but I was totally wrong. Bring a fan, you won't regret it...I got mine (pictured right) from Target for less than $15!

Ski areas in Vermont!

Skis/snowboard! You can't come to Vermont and not try one of these fun winter activities...especially with the super cheap student season pass for Smuggs! There's also Stowe, Sugarbush & many more just a car ride away. Even though we've had an unusually mild winter this year, that hasn't stopped anyone...get out there and try it, even if you haven't before!

a different way to
rock the tie dye look!

Flannel & tie dye! Ok, well I guess this isn't really an essential, but it's definitely stereotypical Vermont! So hey, why not participate in the fun...embrace your inner Vermonter! I was skeptical of these things at first too, but there's really nothing better than putting on a flannel with some leggings and rain boots on a cold Vermont day.

A sense of adventure! This might not be something to put in your room or hang up in your closet, but it is definitely something I'd recommend bringing with you to Vermont. There are SO many awesome things to go do and explore...go for a hike, head to the waterfront downtown, go explore Church Street, take a long walk in the woods, go skiing/snowboarding, participate in a Wilderness Program event (rock climb, sea kayak, etc), and much much more! Coming to St. Mike's isn't just about sitting in a classroom (which is also great, just for the record), but it is also about branching out and finding new interests and activities in this exciting time in your life. Embrace it, live big, and don't hold back! College is supposed to be the best four years of your life- but it's up to you to make it that way!  :)

Don't forget about Formspring & Twitter! Feel free to ask me anything :)


-Juliana

Super Bowl Weekend

Hey everyone!

Hope you all have had a great weekend, I definitely did! My parents came to visit on Saturday, and since this semester has been a lot busier for me, it was nice to get off campus for a little while and relax. Of course we did some shopping on Church Street and then went out to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants downtown- Trattoria Delia...if you like really great Italian food, that's the place to go! (Their bruschetta is amazing!) So that was Saturday night...pretty laid back, which was the exact opposite of last night...

Why? Because the Giants just won the Super Bowl!!!! :)

This Super Bowl Sunday was definitely the best I've ever experienced...friends, great food, and a super close game! Even though I watched the game in a room full of Pats fans, that just made it way more exciting! I'm pretty sure I've never yelled at the TV that much in my life.

Our night started off around 5pm when we all went out to dinner down in Winooski at Our House Bistro. Seriously, I ordered the best veggie burger I've ever had...not kidding! This little restaurant serves "twisted comfort food," which is basically a creative take on everyday favorites- so good! So after we finished eating, it was time to go watch the game!

My friend Galya's parents were here for the weekend to visit and drop off her harp (cool, right?), and they were nice enough to take us all out to dinner & then bring us back to the hotel with them to watch the game! Of course, Clare and I were completely outnumbered by Pats fans..but that just meant I had to cheer twice as loud..which wasn't too hard :)  

...and the Giants took the win!!! Great way to end the weekend.

Now I guess it's time to hit the books again, oh the life of a busy college student...





*Hey, 2016! I know you all have questions...ask me!


-Juliana