Future Ducks tour campus
THE EUGENE RAIN DETOURS NO ONE
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH KESSEL
I can’t say that I was surprised when it rained during my
college tour at University of Oregon on Saturday, Nov. 5.
After many U-turns (that I’m sure weren’t permitted),
and between myself, my friend Jaime and Google Maps
I finally found the Ford Alumni Center.
At check-in, I learned that we would be sitting for a
30-minute talk and then going on a 90-minute walking
tour. After driving for. two hours, I wasn’t very excited
to sit down again.
The talking portion was informational, but as a transfer
student some of the information wasn’t helpful. Parents
accompanied many of the students because most of them
were incoming freshmen. UO’s website does show tour
dates specifically for transfer students^
Many students came from other states, including
California, Oklahoma and Nevada. So when our groups
were led outside, m any people took the umbrellas
offered, but as a true Oregonian I decided not to use
one. (Halfway through, I regretted my decision).
The tour Was simple. Our group went from building
to building in a circle until we reached the Ford Alumni
Center again. As a journalism major, everything was
exciting to me no matter how simple our walk was.
Along with learning facts and information about each
building, I took in the scenery and possible story ideas.
I noticed a bunch of tiny red flags in some parts of
the lawn. Called the Red Zone campaign, the flags are
meant to raise awareness about sexual violence and the
prevalence of sexual assault within the first six weeks
of a term.
The scenery was interesting, hut learning that UO has
seven libraries was impressive, too. P.S. my favorite
building was Allen Hall where journalism classes are
held.
I don’t know which part of the tour made more of an
impression on me: the rock wall in the gym or viewing
the
“ shittiest” smallest dorm room. The rock wall was
exciting, and if someone needs to find me, they know
where to look. Use of the fantastic gym is included
in student fees, so students don’t have to pay for a
membership. But on the other hand, I had been itching
to see a dorm room in person rather than online.
Even though the dorm room is small, it’s livable. The
tour guide told us that the tight space forced him to get
out and explore.
I found that the student life there is pretty awesome.
The Erb Memorial Union is a place for students to hang
out and eat, With a Chipotle and Starbucks close
to each other, why would students want to go anywhere
else? Other than food, the EMU also hosts bands and
singers every now and then/
Since my tour was on a Saturday, I didn’t expect to
see many students out especially on a rainy day. But on
the field outside the gym, a bunch of students played
soccer in the rain, and a huge group of people shouted
and cheered them on. Music was blaring, and even from
a couple blocks away I could still hear the crowd cheer.
While I was amazed at the college I will potentially
attend, I only cried twice about how much debt J would
be in as a result. As an undergraduate, according to UO’s
website it will cost (give or take) $25,815 per year for
Oregon residents.
But the cost shouldn’ t discourage anyone from
applying. There are many scholarships available as
well as financial aid.
At the end of the day, evert if the tour was meant more
for freshmen I still learned a lot. I’m happy I decided to
go because it was informational. I am excited to see i f f
get in. This is a perfect fit for me and I hope it could be
for other students too.
The University o f Oregon deadline for fall 2017
admission is May 15,2017.
Left: Potential students listen to the
tour guide talk about Deady Hall, built
in 1876. It and Viljard Hall are National
Historic Landmarks.
Below: There wasn’t a single unopened
green umbrella through the guided
tour on Nov. 5.
8 Clackamas Print NOVEMBER 16,2016 theclackamasprint.com