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Tasty Coffee Spots on Campus to Satisfy Your Morning Needs

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Coffee is a staple in many college students’ morning routines. Some students drink it for a quick boost, while others rely on it to function throughout the day! No matter your preference for consuming coffee, the University of Miami can satisfy both. 

At the University of Miami, there’s a variety of delicious coffee spots to fuel your energy! These locations accept dining dollars with a simple swipe from your Cane Card. 

Here are some of the finest coffee spots on campus:

Starbucks 

Newly renovated Starbucks is ready to welcome students back on campus. Photo Credit: Nicole Daitschman

Check out the newly renovated Starbucks on the first floor of the Shalala Student Center. UM students rush to Starbucks before their morning classes to try its seasonal pumpkin spice latte, which is to die for. Some other popular drinks are caramel macchiatos and blonde vanilla iced lattes. Conveniently, Starbucks is open until 11 p.m. on weekdays. 

Across the street from UM is another Starbucks, perfect if you’re looking for a study spot away from the hustle of campus. 

Einstein Bros Bagels

Located in the School of Law’s scenic square, Einstein Bros Bagels offers excellent gourmet snacks, including the farmhouse egg sandwich and the new maple house egg sandwich. These bagels taste even better when paired with Einstein’s vanilla cream cold brew. 

Einstein Bros Bagels is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Daybreak

Daybreak is a great and popular spot on campus for a quick stop. Photo Credit: Nicole Daitschman

At Daybreak, hot coffee is only $2.29, making it an excellent purchase for those on a budget.

If you’re looking for order recommendations, coffee with waffles is one of my favorites. The food is tasty, the coffee is refreshing and the view from the restaurant is gorgeous. Daybreak offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can look out at the scenic beauty of Lakeside Village and Lake Osceola. 

Daybreak opens at 9 a.m. on weekdays and is open 7 days a week. 

Vicky Cafe

Cafe Vicky is a latin coffee shop inside of the food court. Photo Credit: Nicole Daitschman

Looking to change from your traditional coffee order? If Miami has anything to offer, it’s Cuban coffee. 

Vicky Cafe makes delicious Cuban coffees, including a tasty cafecito and an energizing cortadito. Include a tasty croquette or empanada in your order to really immerse yourself in Cuban culture. It brings out the true taste of authentic Cuban coffee and is a must-try during your time at UM!

Vickey’s opens at 8 a.m. and is located at the Hurricane Food Court.

Archivist Cafe/Pete’s 

Archivist is a popular spot on campus for good coffee, right in front of the library. Photo Credit: Nicole Daitschman

Need a coffee on your way to Richter Library? Like Vicky Cafe, Pete’s Coffee, served in Archivist Cafe across from Richter Library, makes authentic Cuban coffee that is to die for, Iconic in Miami culture, Cuban coffee has been around since 1959! The detail in their Cuban coffee makes it taste heavenly. Alternatively, it has tasty iced lattes in flavors such as mocha, vanilla and caramel! Have this with Pete’s chocolate or blueberry muffins and your breakfast will be complete!

Students can also enjoy their coffee inside the cafe or, if you’re looking to be more social, take a seat at the surrounding outdoor tables and wave to your friends as they make their way to class. 

Half Moon Empanadas

As soon as you get out of class, rush to Half Moon to try the empanada and coffee combo! This combo is a staple for students getting through long days of classes. 

Although the coffee selection is limited, it is reasonably priced and good quality, and the empanadas are worth waiting in line for. 

Half Moon has three locations on campus: the Dooly Memorial building, the School of Communication and the Herbet Business School.

So you think you can dance? Check out these organizations

UM is home to multiple organizations that teach members international dance styles, from Hispanic salsa to Indian Bollywood. During Homecoming Week, many of these clubs and teams compete on the Lakeside Patio stage.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in cultural traditions or make new friends, consider joining these dance organizations: 

Ibis Elegance

Elegance brings the historically Black college and university style of majorette dance to the 305. The spirited group invites all to learn the expressive dance form that dates back to the 1960s.

Majorette combines elements of ballet and hip-hop to create dynamic choreography that will make you want to jump along. The dance style originated at parades and has grown to be performed at championship sports games and rallies. 

Follow the Ibis Elegance Instagram @ibiselegance_umiami to see how you can contribute to the movement.

KAOS

The University’s first and only co-ed hip-hop dance team brings the energy to sports games, fundraisers, Homecoming and Greek Week events. Their end of semester showcase takes over the Rock Plaza with their swagger and infectious passion.

KAOS delivers hype routines that keep you on your feet. Their dance clinics held at the Wellness Center teach intense combos, such as their heels dance routine. 

Check out their first clinic on August 28 to prepare for dance team auditions on September 4. Follow the KAOS Instagram @umiamikaos to stay-up-date on their unforgettable on- and off-campus performances.

LOCKED

The Love of Chinese, Korean and Eastern Dances dance team covers some of Korean pop’s most exciting dances. Learn routines that have launched Korean bands like BTS, Twice and Stray Kids into stardom. 

Join enthusiastic fans that will teach you how to mimic every iconic step for LOCKED’s semester showcases. Head to their open dance workshops at the Wellness Center for some casual lessons that will entice you to make your own dance covers.

Follow the LOCKED Instagram @umlocked to see their electrifying dance covers. 

UJhoom

UJhoom combines Bollywood, hip-hop and bhangra dance styles to create something no one has ever seen, and the organization has competed internationally. to show UJhoom is more than dance, but a symbol of unity that transcends words. 

Their carefree yet thrilling drills have taken them across the nation and led them to victory. Learn from the champions in their dance workshops that invite you to join the UJhoom family. 

Meet the team on August 27 at the Lakeside Volleyball Courts at 6 p.m. and get ready for tryouts  Follow the UJhoom Instagram @ujhoom to catch all their events this semester.

Salsa Craze

What better place to learn Cuban salsa than Miami? Salsa Craze hosts salsa dance lessons at StormSurge for every level. Don’t be surprised to hear their students’ footsteps and music radiating through the walls every Wednesday and Friday night on campus.

Attend their first fall class on August 3 at 6:30 p.m. You won’t miss Salsa Craze during October’s Hispanic heritage month and Halloween campus events, so why not get an early start on the fun?

Follow the Salsa Craze Instagram @salsacraze to see what exciting events and classes they have in store.

Healthy and happy: Top tips for college wellness

Your first semester in college can be stressful. With so many new things to absorb, it can be easy to let your health routine go by the wayside.

There are many aspects to your health: physical, emotional, nutritional and mental. Finding ways to maintain all of these can be difficult, especially in a new environment. 

Keep reading for a list of resources to stay in your best shape while at UM.   

Take advantage of the dining options 

Nutrition is a crucial part of staying healthy, and students should learn how to utilize the dining options on campus so that they are properly fueled and feel their best. 

Within the dining halls, there is a station called “Flame.” At Flame, you can order grilled chicken, fish, variations of a burger and other simple proteins by scanning a QR code and placing your order from your phone.

The dining halls also have a salad bar, which normally has chicken available as a topping, and assorted fruits. 

Another great on-campus option is Corner Deli. Students love Corner Deli for many reasons, but the primary one is that it accepts meal swipes. Because of the restaurant’s build-your-own style, you can easily customize your meal to include the exact proteins or vegetables you’re craving. 

Invest in cleanliness 

Between classes, communal bathrooms, and the various events you’ll be attending, you’re bound to get sick. However, there are some easy things you can do to minimize how often you get sick and how severely. 

Toss a hand sanitizer into your bag and order an air purifier for your dorm. Filtering the air should help with allergies and prevent germs from spreading, especially if your roommate gets sick. 

Also, invest in cleaning supplies for your dorm (and bathroom if you have one) and form a cleaning routine with your roommates. Clorox wipes are a staple and a Swiffer mop makes cleaning the floors a breeze. 

For extra cleanliness, wash your sheets and towels on the hot setting weekly. 

Find a workout routine 

For many people, exercise is a form of stress relief. Finding a workout routine that works for you is crucial to keeping your body and mind healthy. 

The Herbert Wellness Center is a great on-campus spot to get your workouts in. Not only are there dozens of weight lifting and cardio machines, but there is even an indoor pool with a hot tub and free workout classes for students. 

UM also offers a wide variety of Club Sports and Intramural Sports for students looking to casually compete. These groups are not only a great opportunity for exercise and to get outdoors, but an easy way to meet people with common interests. 

If you like to run, you can also take a lap around IM field or the streets surrounding campus.

Maintain your mental health 

Combating homesickness, adapting to a new environment, and managing the stress of classes can be a heavy burden. 

One way to improve your mental health and work on handling stress is by visiting the Counseling Center. The Counseling Center offers telemental health, individual counseling, psychiatric assessments and other similar services. It is much better to ask for help than to suffer in silence. 

You can also get involved in COPE, a program facilitating a connection between students and the Counseling Center to destigmatize mental health.

No matter what route you take to support your health, it’ll make adjusting to campus life that much easier and make you feel much more at home. 

What can U eat on campus this fall?

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University of Miami Dining is introducing new dining options for students to try this fall.

With the final touches being put on Centennial Village, the new housing option for incoming freshmen, a two-story dining hall will be available to all students starting this fall. 

The dining hall will consist of similar stations to the existing Mahoney-Pearson Dining Hall, such as the deli bar, pizza station and grill. But it will also feature an all-day breakfast, “Delicious Without,” an all-new allergen-friendly station, and . 

“There are both indoor and outdoor terraces overlooking scenic lake Osceola on both the first and second floor,” said Ana Alvarez, assistant vice president of auxiliary services. 

This new dining hall also has a variety of exclusive features, including “a state-of-the-art athletic training table serving UM Olympic sport student athletes, as well as a new showcase bake shop and an expanded teaching kitchen,” said Alvarez.

After 10 years, the Starbucks located in the Donna E. Shalala Student Center will have a new look with a redesigned line queue to improve speed of service.

SoCal Cantina, a popular Cali-Mex style restaurant, will be replacing Tacos and Tattoos restaurant in the University Center this fall.  It will serve tacos, burritos and bowls and have a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian options. 

“The Southern-California-inspired concept offers innovative, flavorful bites along with good vibes and a cool hang out.” said Alvarez. 

For more information on dining options, visit www.dineoncampus.com.

Errands and essentials: Where to shop near campus

College is the first taste of being alone, and with that, comes the responsibility of caring for yourself. Your parents may be able to help stock your groceries and dorm essentials for the first few weeks, but you’re bound to run out of supplies at some point. Whether you want to grab some groceries or new clothes, there are a variety of options near the Coral Gables area. Here is a list of stores near campus for all of your shopping needs and wants:

Groceries:

Publix

Out-of-state students will quickly familiarize themselves with Floridian’s beloved grocery store. You can definitely get your grocery shopping in for the week, but you also may have to stop in the bakery section or deli for a classic pub sub.

This Publix is located at 134 SW 13th St Miami, FL 33130.

Whole Foods

Health nuts can enjoy all of the clean brands this store has to offer. Don’t forget to try the viral iced coffee on your way out.

This Whole Foods is located at 6701 Red Rd Coral Gables, FL 33143.

Target

The target at Dadeland is another solid option to stop for groceries. Beware, you may leave with items that were not on your original list.

This Target is located at 8364 South Dixie Highway, Miami.

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s is a very popular option for college students. Not only is it cheaper than some of the other stores, but how could you resist the Trader Joe’s frozen food section and seasonal items?

This Trader Joe’s is located at 211 S Dixie Hwy Coral Gables, FL 33133.

Milam’s

The classical music that blasts throughout Milam’s grocery store definitely elevates the experience here. When you check out, you will find that there is a price for being boujee. However, many of their items are high quality, and the store is located directly off of the metro.

This Milam’s is located at 3050 SW 37th Ave Miami, FL 33146.

Aldi

Aldi is another great option for college students shopping on a budget. If you’re looking for the cheapest option near campus, grab yourself some Aldi brand groceries!

This Aldi is located at 3750 S Dixie Hwy Miami, FL 33133.

Drugstores:

Walgreens

Luckily, there are a few Walgreens located close to campus. There is also one inside of the Lennar Foundation Medical Center, in case you need to pick up a prescription after stopping at the student health center.

This Walgreens is located at 5555 PONCE DE LEON BLVD in Coral Gables, FL.

CVS

The walkway above Dixie Highway will lead you to many student’s favorite store, CVS! Whether it’s medicine or cleaning supplies, CVS is your one stop shop to any dorm room necessity.

This CVS is located at 1160 South Dixie Highway, Coral Gables, FL 33146.

Clothing:

Dadeland Mall

If the Miami heat (or rain) is too much to handle, an indoor shopping mall is the way to go. Enjoy all of your favorite stores and restaurants in the comfort of air conditioning. Also, Dadeland is home to the infamous Apple Store, which is there to handle any technology mishaps you come across during your time at UM.

Dadeland Mall is located at 7535 N Kendall Dr, Kendall, FL.

Shops at Merrick Park

If you’re looking for a tropical outdoor shopping experience, the Palm Trees at Merrick Park are sure to make for a pleasant time. Merrick Park has more higher end stores than Dadeland, plus it’s home to Yardhouse, where many students like to watch away sports games.

The Shops at Merrick Park are located at 358 San Lorenzo Ave Coral Gables, FL 33146.

Brickell City Centre

Brickell City Centre flaunts a modern, luxurious look that make it a popular destination for photoshoots. The multi-level complex is surrounded with city views that come to life with bright lights in the nighttime.

Brickell City Centre is located at 701 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130.

Miami Design District

There’s a reason the Miami Design District has a reputation for luxury among locals and tourists alike. If you’re looking to spend some money, or want to feel like a millionaire for the day, head to the Design District to treat yourself to a grand time.

The Miami Design District is located at 140 NE 39th St. Miami, FL 33137.

Coconut Grove

While many students love Coconut Grove for its nightlife, the Grove is a family-friendly place all other hours of the day. Aside from its amazing restaurants, the Grove has a few clothing stores including the Instagramable Love Shack Fancy.

Coconut Grove is located at 3250 Mary Street STE 305 Miami, FL 33133.

New coaches, new players and renewed hope for Miami soccer

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Miami soccer enters its 2024 campaign looking to rebound from its unsuccessful showing last season. The program has made moves, placing its hopes on new head coach, Ken Masuhrr, who was acquired last December. Known for having an eye for talent, Masuhr has brought in nine promising transfers in 2024, including an international student, and three new assistant coaches.

His proven track record as an associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Vanderbilt gives hope to the fans disheartened by last year’s performance. Often described as a strong personality and passionate leader, Masuhr has shown the ability to field organized, disciplined and cohesive teams.

According to Masuhr, energy, competition and a focus on work rate are the keys to achieving any improvement. Masuhr is adamant that if his players compete at a high level every single day, the championships will follow.

Masuhr is accompanied by Kelly Keelan at Miami. Keelan brings 10 years of coaching experience, having worked together with the new head coach at Penn State and Vanderbilt.

Peter-John Falloon, another valuable addition to Miami’s coaching staff, has over two decades of coaching experience and is a renowned recruiter for United States soccer. Falloon produced a 57-40-20 overall record while serving as a head coach at Kean University in New Jersey.

Devin Zvosec, who helped propel ACC rival Duke to an NCAA Championship appearance, was enshrined into UM’s coaching staff at the beginning of this year. The young assistant coach has an impressive resume, which includes stops at James Madison, Duke, North Florida and Ole Miss, leading successful players at collegiate and pro levels like Mercedes Sapp and Orlando Pride player, Thais Reiss, who was capped by the Brazilian national team.

Miami has added three forwards, two defenders and four midfielders from the transfer portal, adding depth to its roster. Four captains have been named, including graduate student Julia Edwards, red-shirt sophomore Reese Wheeler, senior Adrianna Serna and redshirt junior Skylah Klein.

Earlier this summer, UM announced its 16-game slate, nine of which will be hosted in Coral Gables at Cobb Stadium. The Hurricanes will clash with six opponents who appeared in the NCAA Tournament, three of whom made it to the Final Four, including ACC rivals Clemson and Florida State. Miami has a great opportunity to showcase its new talent against the cream of the crop in NCAA women’s soccer.

The ’Canes face Florida Gulf Coast on August 4 and Central Florida on August 10 in two exhibition games for the preseason.

A look at all the transfers and their impact for the 2024-25 Football season

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The Miami Hurricanes were one of the most active teams in the transfer portal this past offseason. Coming off a disappointing season, the ’Canes were in need of some extra talent. Miami was able to add difference-makers all over the field on both sides of the ball.

Starting at the quarterback position, the ’Canes landed one of the best quarterbacks in the transfer portal. Cam Ward has transferred from Washington State to Miami, where he’ll use his last year of eligibility to run Miami’s loaded offense.

In 2023, Ward led the Cougars offense to a bounce-back season where Ward showed off his talents through the air and on the ground. The dual-threat quarterback threw for more than 3,700 yards and 25 touchdowns while scoring eight more times rushing. Ward has improved year over year and will be surrounded by the most talent he’s ever had in Coral Gables.

Some of that talent is in the backfield, like Oregon State transfer running back Damian Martinez. A stud for the Beavers makes his way from the Pacific Northwest to the Sunshine State to be the lead back for the ’Canes. Martinez rushed for the ball 194 times for 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns. With Martinez in tow, the ’Canes have an incredibly strong backfield with Mark Fletcher entering his second season.

On the outside, the ’Canes get an addition from the south in Houston’s Sam Brown. The Colbie Young replacement for the Hurricanes recorded 1,286 yards last season to go along with seven touchdowns. The 6’2 wideout also reunites with his offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson.

The ’Canes added a replacement for hard-working center Matt Lee in Indiana’s Zach Carpenter. The three-year starter for the Hoosiers is as solid as they come and should fill a hole left by Lee. Carpenter was named honorable mention All-Big Ten honors by conference coaches and media following his final season at Indiana. Carpenter has played both center and guard and will be a solid piece for the Hurricanes offensive line.

While the Hurricanes did add some major pieces on offense, they were far busier adding on defense.

Along the defensive line is where the ’Canes found the most impact. The interior was beefed up with Simeon Barrow Jr. from Michigan State and Marley Cook from Middle Tennessee State. Both players are huge, run-stuffing interior linemen who will bring a nastier presence to the middle of the Hurricane defensive line. During his three seasons with the Spartans, Barrow produced 110 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. In his five seasons at MTSU Cook had 61 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks. Cook even added one interception and two forced fumbles. Both will add veteran leadership for some young prized Hurricanes interior players.

On the edge, Miami added stud pass rusher Tyler Baron from Tennessee. Baron had 28 tackles and six sacks last season while being a huge presence on the edge for the Volunteers. In addition to Baron, the ’Canes added Elijah Alston from Marshall. The small school product was productive in his five seasons at Marshall. Alston was selected to the All-Sun Belt Conference Third Team following his final season with the Thundering Herd. Baron looks to start on the edge for Miami while Alston should provide some tremendous depth and leadership.

For the linebacker core that lost Corey Flagg Jr. and K.J. Cloyd, Miami welcomes Jaylin Alderman from Louisville. Last season, Alderman totaled 62 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He will join Francisco Mauigoa and Wesley Bissainthe in what should be a fun group of linebackers for the Hurricanes.

Miami also added some talent in the secondary with safety Mishael Powell from Washington, cornerback Dyoni Hill from Marshall, and safety Isaiah Taylor from Arizona. Powell is the biggest get for Miami in the secondary. The national champion runner-up spent five seasons with Washington recording 92 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three interceptions. Powell will bring a veteran presence and leadership to the secondary for the Hurricanes.

UM got bigger and better this offseason, adding key players with experience and toughness at all levels of the defense and offense. The ’Canes left no stone unturned in their search for impact players and they have a plethora of new faces ready to make a big impact in Coral Gables this fall.

All stats and data via 247Sports and Miami Hurricanes unless otherwise noted.

Unique events you can only attend in Miami

About 71% of incoming students at UM are from out-of-state or international. Therefore, even if they have visited Florida for a campus visit or vacation, most students will largely be unfamiliar with what events happen here, especially in Miami, on a yearly basis.

So, here is a list of events unique to Miami.

Formula One Miami Grand Prix

If you haven’t heard of Formula One (F1) racing yet, you will soon because it is taking the sports world by storm. F1 is a high-speed, single-seat motor race where each car goes an average speed of 200 mph. It is both a team and individual sport as 20 drivers are split into 10 teams of two.

Miami is lucky to be one of the selected cities to host an F1 race. The so-called Miami Grand Prix is held every May at Hard Rock Stadium. Next year the Grand Prix will begin on Thursday May 1 and run through Sunday May 4. Each day is packed with different racing events with the main F1 race taking place that Sunday.

To find more details or purchase tickets, click here.

Inter Miami Soccer

Last July, Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest soccer players ever, announced his move to Inter Miami, the MLS team located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Since then, Inter Miami games have become some of the most popular events in the area with crowds packing the arena. The environment in Chase Stadium is like no other Miami sporting event and emphasizes Latin culture. One section of fans, called “La Familia,” stand and chant all game, a phenomenon also unseen at almost all other sporting events in the United States.

With an opportunity to watch one of the greatest soccer players ever and experience a unique environment, an Inter Miami Soccer game is a must for all UM students.

Ultra Music Festival

Incoming students who love music festivals and raves have come to the right city. Miami is full of the best music festivals and events in the country with Ultra being the crown jewel.

Ultra takes place at the end of Miami Music week every year and features some of the best DJs in the world. Last year, Ultra featured Afrojack, Calvin Harris, and Alan Walker along with tons of other DJs and it is sure to be just as amazing this year.

The three-day festival takes place at Miami’s Bayfront Park, about a 20 – 30 minute drive from campus. This year, the festival is from March 28-30 and tickets can be purchased using this link.

Art Basel

While both the sports and the music scenes in Miami can appear to take over the city, art lovers are not to lose hope. Miami features one of the marquee art festivals in the country, Art Basel.

Art Basel takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center this December 6-8 and features more than 280 galleries from 34 countries with 31 first time participants. Art Basel is part of the larger Miami Art Week, which every gallery and museum throughout the city takes part in.

There are also concerts, parties and events throughout the city that sync up with Art Week and give students even more to do. Students interested in this should be on the lookout for Miami Art Week events starting on December 2, 2024.

The unique Miami events do not stop here. Miami is host to numerous other internationally acclaimed events including the Latin Grammy Awards and Miami Open, that UM students regularly attend.

Navigating UM as a first-year student

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Navigating a new place, especially one as large as the University of Miami, can be challenging, so here are a few places you might want to become familiar with.

Donna E. Shalala Student Center

Named after former UM president, this building sits in the center of campus overlooking Lake Osceola. It is home to suites for student organizations such as Student Government and the Association of Commuter Students. It features outdoor tables beside the lake as well as plenty of spots to study inside, including in the Kornspan Lounge, which is open 24/7.

If you’re feeling hungry, Shalala has several dining options, including the new and improved Starbucks debuting this fall. The Corner Deli, a Kosher location that accepts meal swipes, is a popular place to get lunch and dinner.

Right next to The Corner Deli is Instamarket, a 24-hour grab-and-go place to get a quick snack. The Rathskeller, UM’s on campus sports bar, has indoor and outdoor seating in addition to special events such as Tuesday night trivia and Wednesday karaoke nights.

Hurricane Food Court

Whether you’re looking for an alternative to the dining hall or just want to sit in the air conditioning to beat the Miami heat, the Hurricane Food Court has you covered. Dining spots inside the Food Court include Panda Express, Pollo Tropical, Subway, Sushi Maki, Tossed and Vicky Cafe.

UM’s convenience store, The Market, is stocked with snacks, on-the-go meals and other basic essentials. It is also located in the Food Court and is open 24 hours, seven days a week.

Richter Library

As UM’s largest library, Richter is one of the most popular study spots on campus. In general, Richter is open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. while classes are in session, but exact hours of operation can be found on their website.

In addition to studying, students can also check books, movies, video games and other materials out of the library. At the entrance of the library is the circulation desk, where students can check books in and out, pick up reserved materials and borrow items such as markers and chargers.

Through the turnstiles at the entrance is the library’s group study area, which features vending machines and the Learning Commons, where students can receive help with math and writing.

If you are looking to work in a more quiet environment, the second floor is dedicated to quiet study. It also has group study rooms available for reservation up to 24 hours in advance.

The Student Technology Help Desk, located on the third floor, offers help with software installation and updates, troubleshooting issues, configuration of UPrint, UM’s printing system, DUO Multi-Factor Authentication and other electronic-related needs

The fourth through seventh and ninth floors of the library, known as the “stacks,” are where most of the books are found and feature study spots for those who prefer silence.

Campus Bookstore

The first floor of the bookstore includes a large variety of UM merchandise. Miami-branded shirts, pants, hats, pillows, umbrellas and many other items are available for purchase. In addition, there is a U.S. Post Office location on the first floor.

Near the back of the store is UM’s Technology store, which sells Apple devices including laptops, phones, chargers, headphones and accessories. They also repair Apple laptops and desktops.

The upstairs portion of the bookstore sells physical copies of any textbook you may need for classes. There are also school supplies available for purchase such as poster boards and notebooks.

Student Services Building

The bottom floor of the Student Services Building is home to ‘Canes Central, where students can receive assistance with financial aid, registration, billing, payment and getting a replacement ‘Cane Card if needed.

Just up the stairs is the Camner Center for Academic Resources. Peer tutoring, conducted by qualified students, is available at Camner and can be reserved free of charge on Navigate. In addition, the Office of Disability Services is on the second floor and can answer questions about academic accommodations.

UM’s Counseling Center is located on the third floor. The Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling as well as psychiatric services and massage chairs. Visit their website for more information on how to make an appointment for a brief assessment.

Herbert Wellness Center

The Herbert Wellness Center, UM’s on-campus gym, is open from 6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 8 a.m to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate for the varying schedules and lifestyles of students.

The Wellness Center has 18,000 square feet of weight and cardio equipment as well as gymnasiums, courts and fields that can be used to play volleyball, badminton, soccer, floor hockey, basketball, racquetball and squash

Students can take free group fitness classes by reserving their spot up to 72 hours in advance on the Wellness Center website or app. Personal training is also available at the Wellness Center for an additional fee.

University of Miami represented well at 2024 Paris Olympics

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The University of Miami has been a hub for Olympic excellence, with over 50 Hurricanes qualifying for the Olympics since 1936. This year, another 13 athletes will represent “The U” alongside their countries, nine of whom will make their debut in France.

Seven of Miami’s representatives come from its track and field squad, a testament to the outstanding program coach Amy Deem has built over her 33 years with Miami.

Two of them, Alysha Newman and Murielle Ahouré-Demps, are back for the third time. Newman, representing Canada, still holds the school record in pole vault, and Ahouré-Demps, representing Côte d’Ivoire, won the 2009 indoor women’s 200m title. Ebony Morrison, from Liberia, is another returning ‘Cane. Her first go-around in Tokyo saw her break the Liberian national record in the 100m hurdle. They will compete in their respective events in Paris.

As for those making their debut at the Olympics, Russell Robinson leads the way as the only current UM track and field athlete to qualify. Robinson, a triple jumper, had an outstanding senior season, taking home gold in the national indoor championship and silver during the outdoor season. He also broke several records on his way to earning his spot on Team USA.

Out of Canada, Aiyanna Stiverne, a standout in the 400m and 4x400m and 2016 All-ACC First-Team member, will also be making her debut. Blanca Hervas-Rodriguez, who most recently helped break Spain’s 4x400m record in the European Championships, will also be competing in her first Olympics. Molly Caudery, Great Britain’s current record holder in the pole vault, has made her first Olympics.

Track and field events, otherwise known as athletics, will take place from Aug. 1 to Aug. 11.

Diving is another prominent sport for Miami, with three current members qualifying. Junior Chiara Pellacani is making her return to the Olympics, as she first represented Italy at the last Olympics in Tokyo. Pellacani is a transfer from LSU, where she was highly accomplished in the SEC. She just missed a medal in the synchronized 3-meter springboard event, placing fourth. Her next event will be the 3-meter springboard individual event on Aug. 7.

Along with her is Mohamed Farouk, representing Egypt, who was an All-American in 2022–23. Incoming freshman Jake Passmore will be representing Ireland. Back in 2023, at the European Games, he finished in the top 10 for the 3-meter springboard despite being the youngest in the field. Both men will compete in the 3-meter springboard competition that starts on Aug. 6.

Basketball also has a couple of representatives. Former 11-year WNBA vet and current Miami women’s assistant coach Murriel Page is an assistant coach for Canada’s women’s team, and Davon Reed, who is fourth in games played for Miami men’s basketball, will play for the Puerto Rico men’s basketball team. Puerto Rico lost their opening game to South Sudan on Sunday, July 28, and will continue group play Wednesday, July 31.

The youngest player on the Dominican Republic’s volleyball roster, sophomore Ariana Rodriguez, rounds out the Hurricanes to make the Olympics. The Dominican Republic lost against Italy in its first game. Their next game will be Aug. 1 against Türkiye.

Transportation 101: Safe, easy, and affordable ways to get around Miami

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The hardest part about leaving for college wasn’t abandoning my bed, or missing out on home-cooked meals or living apart from my parents.

No, it was leaving my car behind.

Since first semester freshmen are unable to have cars on campus, I knew I’d have to adjust to the lack of freedom I’d been used to having since the day I got. I’m sure many freshmen are worried about being unable to easily run out for lunch or being trapped on campus when you’re suddenly craving a certain snack.

Lucky for you, UM and the city of Miami provide excellent options for safe, convenient and affordable transportation. Below, find my favorite ways to get around Miami without my car (because nothing is going to top my car).

Metrorail

The Miami Metrorail pulls into a station on Dec. 28, 2022.
The Miami Metrorail pulls into a station on Dec. 28, 2022. Photo credit: Phillip Pessar, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Metrorail might seem intimidating, but its location right across from campus and affordable price make the train a valuable tool worth learning how to use.

The Miami-Dade Metrorail has two lines, orange and green, which both travel north and south. UM is located at the stop called “University.”

During the week, both lines run every 10-15 minutes. On weekends, the green line runs every 30 minutes while the orange line only runs from Earlington Heights to Miami International Airport (MIA). The train ride to the airport is frequently a quicker alternative to sitting in Miami traffic, so having easy access to the station comes in handy during high-travel times.

Other notable stops include Dadeland South, which drops you off near Dadeland Mall, and the Brickell stop.

Brightline

The cabin of a Brightline train waiting to depart from the Downtown Miami station Miami on Mar. 4, 2019.
The cabin of a Brightline train waiting to depart from the Downtown Miami station Miami on Mar. 4, 2019. Photo credit: Phillip Pessar from Miami, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Brightline, a high-speed passenger train, is relatively new and also super convenient. The nearest station is off the Metrorail stop in Brickell.

The train travels north from Miami and stops in Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando. While this may seem like a limited number of options, the select number of stops significantly decreases travel time. For perspective, the trip to Fort Lauderdale is approximately half an hour and the trip to Orlando only takes a little more than three hours compared to the roughly four hour drive.

Given the longer distances that you travel on the Brightline, it is a much more affordable option than Uber, and UM students receive a 25% discount on all trips when they create an account using their student email.

As an added bonus, the facilities are incredibly clean and the train is equipped with tables, seat-back trays and free wifi so you can get some work done while on the move.

Zipcar

Until I arrived at UM, I hadn’t heard of Zipcar, but it quickly became one of my favorite ways to get around.

Zipcar is essentially a car rental service, but unlike traditional car rentals, you can book a car in 30-minute increments or for an entire day. UM students are provided a discount to the subscription when they sign up with their school email. You can pick up the cars at one of two locations on campus: the Pavia garage or the Mahoney Pearson parking lot.

Using Zipcar allows you the freedom of driving a car without the responsibility of maintaining the vehicle or paying for on-campus parking.

It also gives you the luxury of being in a car with only people you know, rolling down which windows you want, blasting your music, and stopping for food on the way without having to pay for the extra stop.

Uber

Uber is a great and easy way to get to off-campus destinations. If you’re using Uber to ride to Brickell or Coconut Grove, you can easily keep costs down, especially if you and all your friends pile into one car and split the fare.

Within the Uber app, there are also multiple safety features to put you at ease. For instance, you can add contacts into the app and share your location with them. You can also require the driver to input a PIN, matching a code on your phone, into his app before he begins the ride to ensure that you are in the correct car.

You can also turn on RideCheck, a feature that sends you a notification if the driver is going off the course determined in the Uber app.

Your guide to Miami brunch

When there are no football tailgates to attend or you’re looking for a weekend activity, the answer is simple: go to brunch. Miami is home to diverse restaurants with fantastic brunch menus.

What better way to spend time with those you love than enjoying a meal from Miami’s finest brunch establishments? Below is a list of restaurants to try for delicious meals and uplifting atmospheres.

MTK Kitchen

If you’re looking for well-executed breakfast classics, look no further than MTK Kitchen. Their breakfast is complete with all of your staple breakfast items including: the farmhouse breakfast, steak & eggs, avocado toast and acai bowls.

While breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday, the lunch lineup goes until 4 p.m. Lunch has more adventurous items including a roasted beet salad and prosciutto sandwich with tomato jam. Seafood lovers should also try the Florida stone crab claws served at both breakfast and lunch.

Located on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, MTK Kitchen is a short drive from campus and perfect for a midday pick-me-up or weekend brunch.

MTK Kitchen is located at 1831 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL 33134.

Greenstreet Café

Greenstreet Café remains a popular spot among UM students because of its scenic outdoor atmosphere and large menu selections. With breakfast served from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m, this location accommodates both early risers and night owls.

The breakfast menu boasts different variations of french toast and pancakes, like cinnamon roll pancakes and coconut-crusted french toast. Lunch includes everything from burgers, salads, pastas and shareable appetizers like their truffle spinach dip and chorizo mac and cheese.

No matter what you like, Greenstreet has something for everyone.

Greenstreet Café is located at 3468 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.

Eating House Miami

Eating House Miami offers an amazing brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up or are celebrating a special occasion, this is a great place to go for a nicer meal.

They have some unique items including a watermelon caprese salad and yellowfin tuna tartare. This is definitely a foodie paradise, but picky eaters can enjoy their Cap’N Crunch pancakes or classic cheeseburger.

Eating House Miami is located at 128 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134.

GreenLife Organic Bistro

Sometimes a sit-down brunch is unrealistic for college students’ hectic schedules. However, that doesn’t mean tasty, healthy food is out of reach.

GreenLife is the perfect spot to grab some clean, organic eats that will leave you feeling good and satisfied. Their egg wraps, acai bowls and oatmeals are all amazing options for college students looking to get a nutritious meal in before class.

GreenLife Organic Bistro is located at 104 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134.

TUR Kitchen

For another out-of-this-world weekend brunch, check out TUR Kitchen in Coral Gables. Only the finest ingredients are served in this establishment, and it shows in the food quality.

This Mediterranean-style restaurant does a delicious Shakshouka, a traditional Mediterranean dish made from poached eggs and tomato sauce. Among their appetizers is the classic yogurt and fruit, but the addition of pistachios and dates gives it an interesting twist.

Brunch is served from 12–5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

TUR Kitchen is located at 259 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134.

Pura Vida

Pura Vida is another place with delicious, fresh food made with high-quality ingredients. Their smoothies and salads are great healthy options for a midday pick-me-up.

The beachy boho decor invites you to stay and get some work done. Head to the nearest off-campus location for a larger and less crowded dining space than the on-campus option.

Pura Vida is located at 244 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134.

Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar

This European-style cafe offers an escape from the busyness of Miami and is home to some of the best brunch items in the city. Their breakfast is served all day, so you can do brunch outside of the traditional hours.

Along with well-crafted lattes and teas that are sure to complement your fantastic meal, smoothie lovers can also enjoy one of the menu’s seven smoothies, ranging from peanut butter power to piña colada.

Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar is located at 169 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134.

The Gramercy Miami

If you like your meals to be an experience, The Gramercy is the place for you. Cheetah print booths, brilliant lights and extravagant artwork all marry together to create a lively ambiance.

This Asian-fusion restaurant distinguishes themselves on their website for being Instagram worthy, so be sure to bring your camera for pictures of the unique interior.

The Saturday and Sunday brunch is served from 12–4:30 p.m. and offers amazing cuisine with items like the truffle deviled eggs, miso ribeye and fried rice. Dining at Gramercy is a special experience that you won’t forget.

The Gramercy Miami is located at 65 Miracle Mile, Miami, FL 33134.