As the fall semester begins, there are many new Miners who question what the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has to offer. Such as where the essential places to study are, how the parking works on campus or where to find resources on campus. If you’re looking for that, then you’re in the right spot!

The secret do’s and don’ts of UTEP

On campus, there are a few basic things you should know that aren’t explicitly told.

To start, when you enter your classes, there isn’t assigned seating, so DO feel free to sit wherever you want in class, and if later that seat doesn’t suit you, you’re more than able to sit somewhere else.  

One thing you SHOULDN’T do is ask to go to the restroom. If you need to step out of class to use the restroom or for other reasons, you’re able to step outside of class. It is recommended to be as quiet as you can, so you don’t interrupt the class.  

Another thing you SHOULD do is when it comes to your classes, do not feel afraid to ask questions. That’s what your professors and classmates are for. Don’t run yourself short and risk getting behind if you’re stuck on something.  

A final thing you SHOULD NOT do is procrastinate on your homework and projects. Trust me when I say that if you do so, it will pile up and you will run far behind. You do not want to fail a class so quickly.  

How to navigate parking and driving around campus

The parking here on campus seems simple, right? You’ve already got your parking pass so that means it’s secured! Well… sort of. All parking spots on campus are on a first come first serve basis, meaning that if the parking lot gets filled, you are going to have to wait until a car ends up leaving so that you may park there. It’s recommended to at least try to find parking an hour before your class starts, so that you won’t have to worry about not finding a place to park when your class starts so soon. If you try to find parking ten minutes before your class… good luck.  

When it comes to driving on or around campus, you should follow the speed limit, especially if the school zone lights are blinking which usually happens throughout the entire day. Also make sure to follow the rules of the roundabouts on campus, many people tend to ignore it which can lead to accidents. You do not want to be one of those people! 

Resources

There are many resources for students on campus, which some students might not know about, so take the time to know about them! UTEP offers many resources such as counseling, the recreational sports center, childcare, dining on campus and more! For more information on resources, you can find it on the “Resources for Students” page on the official university website.  

Places to study and socialize

If you can’t focus at home or in your dorm, UTEP has many places for you to study. There’s the library, where they have many tables and areas for you to study by yourself, with, classmates or friends and study rooms that you can use. Rember though, study rooms require groups of at least three people who all have to be present during the request. Texas Western Hall also has study rooms, both areas having them as a first come first served basis, so make sure to secure those rooms as soon as possible for your studies. 

If you want to find a place to socialize with your friends after or even between classes, there are many places to do so. The Union East building has a lounge area, including places to dine there so you can enjoy some refreshments to unwind with your friends.  

If you’re wanting to find a place outside of campus, there are many spots around there as well, such as Kinley’s House Coffee & Tea, 787 Coffee Co., Tippi Teas and many more places near campus to socialize.  

There are also exciting events that will be happening throughout the fall semester at UTEP. The biggest and most anticipated one being Minerpalooza on Sep. 11. The event feature games and activities hosted by student organizations, live music, food trucks and vendors in the artisan market. For kids, there is a dedicated are called Pete’s Playground and for those over 21 there is a beer and wine garden. UTEP events can be found by visiting the events page on MineTracker.  

Here’s to an exciting semester and first year for freshmen at UTEP, and as always, go Miners! 

Aziel Ramos is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]