I’ve spent my first two years at Miami University living in two dreaded places on campus: East Quad and North Quad. I was on East Quad last year and North Quad this year, tucked away in my little corners of campus.
However, I’ve recently noticed people’s reactions when I tell them where I live. Their eyes soften as they throw a sympathetic look my way. I’m always being offered rides, and I’ve been told I live in Narnia.
I recognize the burdens that come with these quads, though I don’t think about them often. I’ve come to accept my circumstances as the new normal, and I don’t dwell on the hardships. Why groan about how annoying living here is when you can appreciate the cool parts of it?
Oftentimes, the first thing people comment on is how far I am from campus. This is a valid concern, as the buildings on campus I go to most often are at least a 10-minute walk, and the paths are extremely uphill. I’m no stranger to calf pains, as I experience them at least once a week, although this is partially my fault: I often take the “scenic route” instead of alternative paths that are shorter or less straining on my muscles.
I could walk by Bishop Woods to get to Armstrong each week, which is more of a flat walk, or I could trek uphill on the other side of Upham and enter by the newsroom, which I choose to do. But I prefer my routes; I often run into people I know and I love seeing a familiar face in a sea of strangers.
And there are benefits to these treacherous walks. I walk about 5,000-6,000 steps a day, which equates to roughly 2.5 miles. The daily walking I do, plus my dance rehearsals three times a week, keeps me active and in shape. I’m also not tempted to go back to my dorm whenever I get a break. I keep myself on campus until I’m finished with everything.
East Quad was quiet during my first year, and North Quad has been the same, despite the warnings about the fraternity houses across the street. I’ve been told I won’t sleep from Thursday to Sunday night, disturbed by loud music. My roommate and I even placed bets at the start of the year on how long the peace would last until we began hearing music from inside our room.
But, strangely, it has been quiet. I know it's only the first few weeks of the semester, but so far I haven’t heard anything. Sure, sometimes I can pick up the base of whatever is blasting from the speakers, but it's not as loud as people have forewarned.
People also tend to forget the cool places on East and North Quad. On East Quad, there's the most beautiful outdoor study spot on campus: Conrad Formal Gardens. You also have easy access to three different hiking trails.
North Quad is convenient if your car is parked in the Millett Hall parking lot, which makes grocery store trips much easier. It’s also the perfect place for sports fans, as you’re living by all the major sports facilities. Millett is close by if you love basketball or volleyball. If baseball interests you more, McKie Field resides behind Withrow Hall. Yager Stadium is a closer walk for North Quad residents than the rest of campus, which means less travel for football fans.
I could be bitter about my living situation, or I could accept what's likely to be my future for the next three years. In fall 2026, the MJF department will move to Bachelor Hall. By then, I hope to be in an apartment or house, which is on the other side of campus. I’ve accepted the fact I’m destined to forever be traveling far. But, I bet I’ll have some defined calf muscles by my senior year.
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Taylor Powers is a sophomore double majoring in journalism and media and communication. She is the assistant opinion editor for The Student and edits for The Miami Student Magazine. She’s also a PR chair for Miami Dance Corps.
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