The Mercury - Orientation Edition

reveal Your future

By the time you attend your fi rst class at UTD, I’m sure you will have heard countless speeches about the universi-

ty’s growth in num-bers and quality since its establish-ment in 1969. As enrollment pushes past 20,000 this fall you might think of yourself as a faceless statistic. But I’ve learned in my time here that

despite the increasing numbers, at its core, UTD remains a small school where each person is valued as an in-dividual and can truly make a di� er-ence.

Look beyond the growth of the uni-versity and focus on the growth of yourself. Each of you comes from a background where you defi ned your-self by what you do — as UTD students, this likely means you have also placed a strong emphasis on academics. I’m not saying that you should let go of these values, but if you simply stick to what you know and focus all of your energy on grades you won’t take from this college journey all of the unique experiences UTD has to o� er.

For many of you, diversity in previous years meant interacting with people of di� erent skin colors or from di� erent states. UTD expands the idea of diver-sity and provides a truly unique mosaic of cultures from around the world.

Interacting with students from dif-ferent cultures can open your mind and increase your knowledge in a profoundly personal way that a class-room lecture alone could not achieve. You might even forge some wonderful and surprising friendships if you open yourself up to this possibility. Getting to know my diverse friends at UTD and seeing how di� erent and yet so alike we are even helped me discover a new passion and major, sociology.

So if you’re living in the res halls, don’t limit yourself to acquaintances next door. Likewise, if you commute, don’t simply associate with old friends you have known since childhood. And there’s no better way to meet more people than becoming involved on campus. At UTD anyone can become a student leader through hard work and devotion, yet still have quality competi-tion that promotes improvement within the student and the organization.

So take advantage of this opportunity and try something new. If you thought you weren’t good at something, give it another chance. No one knows what your talents or weaknesses were in the past, and confi dence (even if this means at fi rst you “fake it till you make it”) can work wonders. We seldom have opportunities in our lives to remake ourselves and our surroundings, but for the next few years (whatever your time at UTD may be) you can. George Ber-nard Shaw once wrote, “Life isn’t about fi nding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” So get out there, and reveal your future.

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Create yourselfUTD’s unique culture fosters

personal growth

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The Mercury is published on Mondays, at two-week intervals during the long term of The University of Texas at Dallas, except holidays and exam periods, and once every four weeks during the sum-mer term.

Advertising is accepted by The Mercury on the basis that there is no discrimination by the advertiser in the offering of goods or services to any person, on any basis prohibited by applicable law. Evidence of

discrimination will be the basis of denial of advertising space. The publication of advertis-ing in The Mercury does not constitute an endorsement of products or services by the newspaper, or The University of Texas at Dallas, or the gov-erning board of the institution.

Copyright © 2011UT Dallas 800 W. Campbell Road,

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Editor-in-ChiefLauren FeatherstoneManaging Editor

Sheila DangDirector of Sales and

PromotionsNada Alasmi

Photo EditorChristopher Wang

Staff WritersAnwesha Bhattacharjee

Samantha LimJoseph Mancuso

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Connie ChengCedric Davis III

Miguel PerezElizabeth del Rosario

Parth SampatJohn Thottungal

The Mercury is published on Mondays, at two-week intervals during the long term of The University of Texas at Dallas, except holidays and exam periods, and once every four weeks during the sum-mer term.

Advertising is accepted by The Mercury on the basis that there is no discrimination by the advertiser in the offering of goods or services to any person, on any basis prohibited by applicable law. Evidence of

discrimination will be the basis of denial of advertising space. The publication of advertis-ing in The Mercury does not constitute an endorsement of products or services by the newspaper, or The University of Texas at Dallas, or the gov-erning board of the institution.

Copyright © 2013

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MAIL:800 W. Campbell Road, SU 24, Richardson, TX 75080-0688

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contents

Organizations- 4SG Prez greeting- 8ON-CAMPUS SERVICES- 10crime prevention- 11DECIDING on A MAJOR-12COOL CLASSES- 16GETTING AROUND- 18UTD bus route guide- 20DART transit- 22local restaurants- 24dallas culture- 28Nightlife- 29Making money- 32dorm tips- 34Study spots- 35on-campus dining- 36sports- 38leisure- 39

LAUREN FEATHERSTONE Editor-in-Chief

Cover Design by Elizabeth del Rosario

reveal Your future 3utdmercury.com n june 2013

reveal Your future

Getting involved with an on-campus group is a great way to make the most of your col-lege experience. As of spring 2013, there are 227 registered student organizations on cam-pus. With so many options, you’ll be sure to fi nd the right group for you. Getting involved on campus will not only help you meet peo-ple and make friends, but you will also make an impact on the university and gain real-life experience. Check out some of UTD’s student organizations below. For a complete list, visit utdallas.orgsync.com/search.

Academic OrganizationS

Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA)- This na-tional organization helps members gain knowledge on health professions. Mem-bers are also involved with health-related charities and compete in national competi-tions. To learn more, email Devina Jagota at [email protected].

International Political Economy Student Association (IPESA) - IPESA connects IPE students with one another to keep up with their academic, career and so-cial goals. Students who are interested in pol-itics, international a� airs, development and travel are also invited to join this organization. For more details, check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/ipe.utd.

Institute for Supply Management (ISM) - ISM is the oldest sup-ply management association as well as one of the most respected in the world. At UTD, ISM o� ers several opportunities for students who want a career in supply management with a mentoring program, invitations to Dallas Gen-eral Professional meetings and access to guest speaker events with experts in the supply chain industry. For more details, contact Antonio Si-mancas at [email protected].

Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) - IIA aims to develop the future leaders in internal auditing, IT auditing and fraud examination

while providing members with opportunities for career development through networking among its members and practicing consultants and auditors. Contact Linh Mai at [email protected] for more details.

Neuroscience Student Association (NSA) - This organization is de-voted to the fi eld of neuroscience and related neuroscience careers. NSA provides a variety of opportunities that will pique and broaden your interest in neuroscience. Anyone interested in the technical side of how the brain works is wel-come to join. For more information, contact Erik Yarmey at [email protected].

Club SportsClub Sports are recognized student organiza-tions that promote and develop common sports or recreation related interests. Students at any skill level can join. For the complete list of club sports groups, visit utdallas.edu/recsports/ and

click on club sports.

Archery - This group’s focus is to teach students archery. Membership in the club provides range use and equipment, but per-sonal equipment is allowed. The club meets each Monday from 7-9 p.m. Meeting sched-ules in the fall will be changed or added to adjust to members’ new class schedules. To learn more, visit the group’s Facebook page at facebook.com/CometArchery.

Rock Climbing - This is a co-ed group for people searching for camaraderie, new climbing partners and the occasional com-petition. All levels of climbers are welcome. The fi rst practice is free and includes gear rental and a belay lesson. For more informa-tion, contact Jordan Atchinson at [email protected].

Men’s and Women’s Rugby - These popular club sports are for individuals inter-ested in playing rugby. Rugby is a mixture of football and soccer; every player on the fi eld is allowed to tackle and score. No experience is required to join these groups. For more de-tails, visit utdallasrugby.weebly.com.

Wakeboarding - Wakeboarding is very similar to surfi ng except that a wakeboard is used to ride over water while a motorboat pulls the wakeboarder around. This new club sport is for anyone interested in learning how to wakeboard or wakeboarders wanting to

improve their skills. Contact Bradley Stewart at [email protected] to learn more.

Cultural

Bangladeshi Student Organization(BSO) - BSO is an organization for Bangladeshi students as well as students who are interested in learning more about Bangladeshi culture. BSO hosts Iftar events, where Muslims break

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Discover YOUR NICHEA SAMPLING OF UTD’S STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

utdmercury.comjune 2013

JOSH CARTER/STAFF

ALEJANDRA PRADOOnline Content Manager


MERCURY FILE PHOTO

Japanese Student Association holds an annual Japanese Street Style Fashion Show, featuring students modeling the latest unique clothing trends in Japanese culture.

their fast during Ramadan and Eid parties where members celebrate the end of Rama-dan. BSO is also involved with the annual inter-national talent show during International Week. For more details, email Sarkar Rahat Anwar at [email protected].

Black Student Alliance (BSA) - This or-ganization is available to all students who want to experience college with an enhanced sense of unity in the black collegiate community. BSA provides career preparation and strives to members at the student and individual level. To learn more, contact Deona Thomkins at [email protected].

Chinese Student Association (CSA) - CSA supports the Chi-nese community and promotes Chinese culture. CSA hosts cultural events with other cultural organizations and departments, volunteers at multiple events and participates in bettering the local community. Contact Yiang Chen at [email protected] for more details.

Japanese Student Association (JSA) - JSA aims to increase awareness of Japanese culture on campus, along with providing op-portunities for Japanese students and those interested in Japanese culture to engage in

fellowship, extracurricular activities and share academic advice. Some of the events JSA hosts are the Japanese Street Style Fashion Show and the Maid and Butler Café. Visit utdallas.orgsync.com/org/jsa/ for more information.

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) - LULAC is dedicated to serve the Hispanic community. At UTD, it fo-cuses on community service and team leader-ship. Members strive to change the future and advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political infl uence, housing, health and civil rights of the U.S. Hispanic population. Contact Miguel Diaz at [email protected] to learn more about this organization.

Service

Alpha Phi Omega (APO) - APO is a co-ed, national service fraternity committed to help-ing members develop leadership skills, provide service to others and foster friendships. The UTD chapter was chartered in 1998 and contin-ues to be active in the campus and surround-ing community. Contact Kevin Nguyen at [email protected] for more details.

Comet Cat Coalition (CCC) - CCC aims to assist Facilities Management at UTD in the

continuous process of humanely reducing and managing the feral cat population on campus through the trap, neuter, return method, caring for feeding stations and promoting responsible pet care, spay and neuter practices throughout the campus community. To learn more, email Alice develop friendship among students of all races and creeds. GSS strives to promote a lifelong commitment to service and diversity in an environment of unity and equality, while creating opportunities for growth. Although technically a sorority, men are allowed to join. Contact Zainah Asfoor at [email protected] for more information.

Helping Hands - This pre-health organi-zation strives to help underprivileged children in the community and end the cycle of pov-erty by ensuring the children have available educational and health resources. Members volunteer and tutor children and give back to the community through programs like Adopt-A-Kid. To learn more, email Palak Patel at [email protected].

UNICEF at UTD - Its mission statement is to educate students about what UNICEF does worldwide, to enrich the lives of others locally by volunteering and to raise money for the UNICEF U.S. Fund to help children around the world have access to education, water and other needs. Email Kusha Nezafati for more details at [email protected].

Special Interest

Entrepreneurship Club (E Club) - The purpose of E Club is to inspire and endorse in-novation and entrepreneurship at UTD via net-working, workshops, a speaker series and other related events. For more information, contact Parth Narendra Acharya at [email protected].

Gourmet Club - This organization aims to teach students how to cook and bake on a college budget and schedule. Members host cooking events on campus and fundraise with bake sales. For more details, email Yasmin Noor at [email protected].

Onomatopoeia - This student organization’s purpose is to promote the cultural vitality of its members through improvisational stunts. Onomatopoeia has an annual “Brains for the Cure” walk on campus where members dress up as zombies while raising money for charity. To learn more about this organization, contact Pooneh Jabbarnezhad at pxj111330@utdallas.

see ORGS on page 6

reveal Your future6 utdmercury.comjune 2013 n

Pride - This group serves as a safe fo-rum at UTD to meet and share thoughts, ideas and issues about sexual orientation and gender identity. Pride aims to moti-vate respect for all sexual orientations and gender identities. For more details, contact Lisa Bird at [email protected].

Yoga and Meditation Club (Yoga Club)- Yoga Club members meet once a week to meditate and practice yoga. This club is a great way to meet others who are interested in meditation and gen-eral well-being. Contact Devan Earle at [email protected] to get added to their mailing list.

Student MediaStudent Media consists of four outlets: The Mercury, Radio UTD, A Modest Proposaland UTD TV. All Student Media outlets of-fer pay for contributors in leadership posi-tions. For general information on Student Media, contact Chad Thomas at [email protected] or Misty Hawley at [email protected].

The Mercury - The Mercury was estab-lished in 1980 and is the award-winning student newspaper on campus. The Mer-cury releases new issues every other Mon-day throughout the school year and once a month over the summer. Contact Lauren Featherstone at [email protected] for more information.

Radio UTD - Since 2003, UTD’s online ra-dio station features various styles of mu-sic, talk shows and band interviews. Radio UTD was nominated among the best in-ternet radio stations in the U.S. by College Music Journal. For inquiries, email Radio UTD at [email protected]. If you are interested in applying for a DJ or writer po-sition, click on the applicable form at ra-dioutd.com/forms.

A Modest Proposal - Established in 2004, A Modest Proposal is a student pub-lication about student life, global politics, arts, events and social commentary. A Modest Proposal publishes once a month in the fall and spring semesters. For more information, contact the editors at [email protected].

UTD TV - Established in 2009, UTD TV is

the youngest student me-dia outlet at UTD. Mem-bers broadcast news, entertainment shows and other online media cre-ated by students. To learn more about UTD TV or to get involved, visit utdtv.com

Fraternity and Sorority LifeUTD is home to 21 na-tional Greek fraternities and sororities. Joining a Greek letter organization is a great way to expe-rience the life-long fra-ternal ties, which include scholarships, leadership development, philan-thropic events and broth-erhood or sisterhood. UTD’s Greek organiza-tions are grouped into four councils, or govern-ing bodies. For more in-formation on the College Panhellenic Council or National Pan-Hel-lenic Council, contact Assistant Director of Greek Life Programs Julie Murphy at [email protected] or at 972-883-6173. For more details on the Interfraternity Council or United Greek Council, contact Assistant Director of Greek Life

College Panhellenic Council (CPC) - Consists of three women’s organizations: Alpha Gamma Delta, Delta Delta Delta and Kappa Alpha Theta.

Interfraternity Council (IFC) - Con-sists of six men’s fraternities: Kappa Sigma, Fiji, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Chi Phi, Pi Kappa Phi and Delta Tau Delta (beginning fall 2013).

National Pan-Hellenic Council - Consists of four historically African-Amer-ican organizations, which are open to all members of the UTD campus: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

United Greek Council - Consists of eight culturally based organizations: Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority, Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Delta Epsilon Psi Fra-ternity, Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority,

Beta Chi Theta Fraternity (Colony), Kappa Delta Chi Sorority (Colony), Sigma Sigma Rho Sorority (Colony) and Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity (Colony).

Create Your Own StudentOrganizationIf you are interested in creating an orga-nization that does not currently exist, you can learn more about the process and re-quirements at utdallas.edu/sof/create/. You must fi ll out the new student organiza-tion application available on their website. Assistant Director of Student Life Programs Tineil Lewis will contact you to let you know what else to do after you submit the form. For more details, contact Tineil Lewis at [email protected] or at 972-883-6449.

Funding For Student Organiza-tionsNew o¤ cial student organizations have the option to receive $100 per year from UTD. Organizations that have been around for one year or more are eligible to receive $200 per year. There is also a pool for pro-gramming funds for campus-wide events. Any petitions for money from this pool must be approved by the Student Organization Forum Advisory Board. For more informa-tion, visit utdallas.edu/sof and click on the Student Organization Manual.

RADIO UTD/COURTESY

Radio UTD can often be found blasting tunes on the plinth and giving away freebies, such as their signature sunglasses.

ORGScontinued from page 5


Welcome and congratulations on begin-ning your journey here at UT Dallas. You have chosen to attend one of the best uni-

versities in the nation, a somewhat hidden gem, “the MIT of the south,” or simply UTD. It is a place full of opportunities and adventures just waiting to be discovered. You should be very proud because UTD consists of students who are com-munity leaders, valedic-

torians, athletes and everything in between. Being here in itself is a big accomplishment!

You will soon discover that there are many services and organizations that exist on campus for the sole purpose to benefi t stu-dents. I feel privileged to have been elected president of one of these organizations, Student Government. It is a tremendous honor to be able to create positive change on campus and to be able to be the voice of the student body. One of my main goals for the next year is to focus on the needs of the student body and to hold events on cam-pus that would allow the senate to receive feedback from students in regard to things they feel strongly about at UTD. I also hope to increase the visibility of Student Govern-ment so that every student will personally know at least one senator and in turn will feel more comfortable sharing their ideas and views on what they would like to see at UTD.

Student Government is the oldest student organization at UT Dallas: a body run by students, elected by students and repre-senting students. The primary purpose of Student Government is to voice the opin-ions, ideas and thoughts of students to the administration in order to positively impact our campus. A lot of the events and proj-ects that Student Government works on throughout the year are centered around

student outreach. Whether it is the need for more food options on campus, a convenient place to register to vote or a desire to cre-ate school tradition by hosting the home-coming tailgate, Student Government pro-vides a venue that allows student voices to be heard.

Student Government is not only a great way to get involved on campus, but also a provider of on-campus services, many of which can be found in the Student Govern-ment o� ce in the Student Union (Suite 2.4):

• Free exam Blue Books and pencils • Free attorney services • International Student Airport pick-up• Parking Ticket appeals process • Comet Discount program• Comet Cruiser services

Student Government has also brought some amazing traditions to the UT Dallas campus:

• Homecoming• Spirit Rocks• Alma Mater

In my eyes, as I am sure in that of many others, UT Dallas is a very unique school. I think we are di� erent not due to the lack of a football team or being a “commuter” school; I think what makes this university di� erent is the vast variety of opportunities that it o� ers and what it allows the students to accomplish. Where else can a freshman work directly with a professor and be heav-ily involved in research? Where else can a freshman run for Student Government vice-president and win? UT Dallas may be a young university, but it o� ers unlimited op-portunities and allows students to achieve to their highest potential. I challenge you as new Comets to go out there and go after what you want; get involved and you will discover the amazing world of UT Dallas just like I have over the last two years here.

I look forward to meeting all of you during the year to come, and please feel free to contact me at 972-883-2285 if you have any questions or would just like to chat. Whoosh!

student voice sG Prez to expand outreach

LIZA LIBERMANSG President

reveal Your future10 utdmercury.comjune 2013

find what you needstudent services on campus

ELIZABETH DEL ROSARIO/ STAFF

UTD has many departments that can provide services or advice in a multitude of areas, whether it be fi nd-ing ways to fi nance your education or helping you land the perfect internship. Here’s a handy guide of services that are conveniently o� ered on campus.

Student Services Building (SSB)

The SSB is a one-stop-shop for many of the campus services that are avail-able to students. Each of the four fl oors o� ers something di� erent as well as comfortable seating if you need a place to relax in the middle of the day.

First floor- The circular desk on the fi rst fl oor is the hub for admission and enrollment services, fi nancial aid o� ce and the registrar. Consult the atten-dant at the desk for information about your fi nancial aid package, academic records and other related concerns.

Second floor- The bursar o� ce can answer any questions regarding tuition payment plans, outstanding bills and payment histories. Making an appointment with the o� ce can be conveniently done by calling 1-855-883-7537, or by texting “UT Dallas” to 626-414-3210. You will be given an esti-mated wait time and notifi ed when you are near the front of the line.

The Multicultural Center is also housed on the second fl oor and pro-vides a wide variety of cultural pro-grams, educational resources and support services. The center also has a computer lab, study room, TV lounge and copy, printing and fax services for all students to use.

Third floor- This fl oor houses the O� ce of Student AccessAbility, which provides academic and physical ac-

commodations for disabled students. Resources, referral information and advocacy support is also available.

Be sure to become well acquainted with the Career Center in 3.300; you

can attend one of the many career seminars o� ered throughout the se-mester, such as interview tips, resume workshops and how to write a cover letter. You can also schedule a mock in-

terview, search for internships and jobs or simply receive advice on fi nding the right career after graduation.

International Student Services O� ce, or ISSO, can be found in 3.400 and can

answer questions about visas, fi nancial aid, traveling in the U.S. and o� er other resources to help ease the transition into a new country.

Fourth floor- The Galerstein Women’s Center in 4.300 o� ers the only dedicated lactation space on campus for nursing mothers, as well as a meeting and study space and a small library. You can also fi nd information at the center about counseling services, diversity retention scholarships and in-ternships.

Three other important centers are located on the fourth fl oor that are aimed at improving students’ well-be-ing: the Student Wellness Center, Stu-dent Health Center and Student Coun-seling Center.

The Student Wellness Center can of-fer advice about nutrition, eating disor-ders, STDs, alcohol and drugs.

Getting sick for the fi rst time at col-lege away from your parents can be di� cult, but the Student Health Center o� ers free o� ce visits for checkups, immunizations, treatment of chronic stabilized diseases and minor emer-gency care. You can also purchase health insurance through the cen-ter; visit utdallas.edu/healthcenter for more information.

The Student Counseling Center in 4.600 can assist you with anything re-lated to emotional well-being. If you’re struggling with homesickness, depres-sion, time management or other issue, you can receive up to 12 free, private and discreet counseling sessions.

Library

The Multimedia Center on the ground fl oor of the library has a wide variety of DVDs that are free for checkout to UTD students. You can borrow up to three DVDs at a time for three days, as well as check out digital cameras or calcu-lators for a seven-day period.

The library also has 10 study rooms that can be reserved up to 24 hours in advance. Each room has a whiteboard, and you’ll get dry erase markers when you pick up the room key at the circu-lation and reserve desk.

SHEILA DANGManaging Editor


Although UTD is a relatively safe community, theft is the most preva-lent crime reported on campus.

Most thefts on campus are not forced or violent but instead are crimes of opportunity, in which vic-tims make it easy for or present op-portunities to thieves, according to UTDPD Lt. Ken MacKenzie. Students will occasionally leave belongings unattended or their apartments un-locked, making it easy for thieves to take advantage of them.

Students can be proactive and secure their belongings using ser-vices readily available on campus. Both the Activity Center and the li-brary, two hotspots of theft, have free lockers for students and sta to use. Should items be stolen, free tracking software is available for most major smartphones and the university o ers LoJack tracking for laptop computers at a discounted rate through the UTD Technology store. Bicycles, one of the most stolen items on campus, can have identifi cation etched into their frames. Free etching services are

available via UTDPD. The problem of residential theft is

most prevalent among apartments or dormitories with multiple room-mates. Residents will often leave their doors unlocked, thinking that either their roommate will lock the door behind them or that the apartment will not be burglarized if a roommate is home. According to police, some thieves walk door-to-door testing the locks on apartments and, if one is open, will enter to try and steal from the residence.

Additional UTDPD services include emergency call stations — the prom-inent blue or black poles scattered throughout campus buildings and residential areas that are lit at night with a blue light. There are over 40 call stations, and they connect di-rectly to the UTD police dispatch. UT-DPD also o ers free escort services any time of day or night to accom-pany students or sta on campus.

For more information or tips on how to avoid theft, students can contact crime prevention o� cer Da-vid Spigelmyer via email at [email protected].

better safe

Protecting your

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JOSEPH MANCUSOMercury Sta�

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reveal Your future

Life as inbetweeners — i.e. that age group where bars aren’t all that fun, and you’re only really an adult on pa-per — is never as nicely put as it seems in media. The truth is, many people don’t have any more insight into what they “want to do when they grow up” now than they did when their nosy aunts would ask them when they were nine years old.

Then there are the people that have an idea but still have major questions left unanswered about job prospects. Understanding your college’s de-gree programs can save you time and money.

So, what can you expect from popu-lar majors at UTD?

School of Arts & Humanities:Arts and Technology (ATEC ma-jors make up 44 percent of A&H)

Graduates with a B.A. in Arts and Technology can pursue careers in sound engineering, game design, web development and education.

The job outlook for multimedia artists and animators is less than ideal. Em-ployment is expected to rise by 8 per-cent from 2010 to 2020.

Those pursuing careers in ATEC re-lated fi elds should have a high tol-erance for change. This fi eld of work is very erratic in terms of work envi-ronment, stability and pay. In 2010, 29 percent of graphic designers reported being self-employed. Expect job-hop-ping.

ATEC majors at UTD must have the versatility to handle a variety of courses,

from literature to computer science. Current ATEC majors and students

joining the ATEC family in 2013 will see the completion of the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology building. The com-plex will house all kinds of amenities for ATEC students, including a game library and 1,500 square foot design studios.

All ATEC students will encounter group projects, and it’s not uncommon for students to work with faculty mem-bers on research projects.

If you’re at all considering game de-sign, UTD is the right place. It was the only Texas school to receive an honor-able mention in the Princeton Review’s Top Undergrad Schools to Study Video Game Design in 2013.

School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences: Psychology (Psychology majors make up 27 percent of BBS)

Some common careers with a B.S. in Psychology include advertising agent, career counselor and social worker. Stu-dents can pursue a teacher certifi cation plan under UTD’s psychology program for those interested in education.

The job outlook for psychology majors is agreeable. Employment of psycholo-gists is expected to grow 22 percent be-tween 2010 and 2020, according to BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook.

A signifi cant portion of your time and e� ort will be focused on reading and writing if you major in psychology at UTD. The program calls for students to participate in faculty research studies as part of the research exposure credit re-quirement.

UTD’s psychology program leans to-

wards a science focus because of the nature of the degree. Cur-rently, a Bachelor of Arts in psy-chology is not o� ered.

It’s pretty important to note that if you’re leaning towards a degree in psychology, you’ll have to start thinking about grad school; licensed psycholo-gists need a graduate degree. Luckily, UTD’s fast-track program allows under-graduate students to take a maximum 12 hours that will count towards both their undergraduate and graduate de-gree.

Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science: Computer Science (CS majors make up 34 percent of ECS)

Possible jobs with a B.S. in Computer Science are as ubiquitous as the com-puters. Some careers include network administration, software development and web design.

According to a survey from the Na-tional Association of Colleges and Em-ployers, or NACE, college graduates with a bachelor’s in computer science begin earning an average of $60,000.

While not a requirement, computer science majors who have a background in trigonometry, calculus, physics and chemistry before starting the program usually fi nd themselves better suited and less stressed.

Computer science majors looking for practical experience can count on ECS. The school places about 500 students in internship positions at local compa-nies like Texas Instruments and Ray-theon every year.

School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences: Criminology (Criminology majors make up about 22 percent of EPPS)

Most careers for graduates with a B.A. in Criminology are largely academic in scope, meaning a signifi cant portion of criminologists work as researchers and lecturers at academic institutions.

Other possible career paths include criminal and private investigation, cor-rections and social work. Expect em-ployment in the public sector. Employers include federal and state government, police services and non-profi ts dealing in social welfare.

Only a bachelor of arts is o� ered for the major at UTD, meaning the only substantial math requirements are col-lege algebra and statistics. Upon com-pletion of all core course requirements, criminology majors participate in a re-search capstone project in their senior year.

The criminology program at UTD is a great place to gain knowledge about academic publications. As an example, criminology professor, Dr. Alex Piquero, is co-editor of the Journal of Quantita-tive Criminology. Several other faculty members manage academic journals in criminology.

UTD’s criminology program was ranked fi fth in the world in terms of scholarly publications and their impact

12

Undecided?what to expect FROM

popular majors at UTD


MIGUEL PEREZMercury Sta�

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on students in a 2012 study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice Educa-tion.

School of Interdisciplinary Studies: Interdisciplinary Studies (I.S. majors make up 72 percent of the school)

Possible careers with a degree in In-terdisciplinary Studies are too varied to quantify any top career paths. With that said, I.S. sets the holistic groundwork needed for careers in management, education and business.

Students pursuing interdisciplinary studies are required to choose two foundations from other schools and one concentration. Areas include busi-ness issues, environmental studies, law and public relations.

Students opting for a B.S. in I.S. must take higher-level math courses like calculus, and their concentration must include both statistics and science courses.

Majoring in I.S. is a good idea for people who have focused areas of in-terest and no degree plan that matches with that interest. You’ll work with an academic advisor to form specifi c foundations and concentrations to fi t your career vision.

Naveen Jindal School of Management: Accounting (Accounting majors make up 25 per-cent of JSOM)

The career path with a B.S. in Ac-counting is pretty straightforward — nearly every type of industry requires accountants. Some titles include public, management, fi nancial and forensic accountant.

A NACE survey from 2012 found that accounting majors were most likely to get job o� ers out of 16 of the most com-mon majors including business and en-gineering.

Accounting majors have a large list of major requirements, which only leaves an allowance of six hours of free elec-tive courses. However, course require-ments are wide-ranging, and they include classes in economics, manage-ment and law.

JSOM has a great scholarship pro-gram for all its students, and there’s a variety of scholarships available specif-ically for accounting students.

Keep in mind that certifi cation will

improve your job prospects signifi -cantly. The Uniform Certifi ed Public Ac-countant Exam is required to become a certifi ed public accountant.

School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Biology (Bi-ology majors make up 47 percent of NSM students)

The biology major is a favorite among students on the road to medical school, but it also prepares students for careers in biotechnology, animal sciences and the pharmaceutical industry.

The most common jobs for people with a B.S. in Biology include research and development lab technician, med-ical lab technician and secondary teacher.

A Bachelor’s degree in Biology is of-ten used as a preliminary degree to more focused fi elds, so most students consider some kind of post-undergrad-uate education.

A B.S. and B.A. in Biology are virtually the same in terms of major core course requirements, but students choosing the B.A. can opt out of calculus in ex-change for statistics for life sciences and applied calculus.

Only students pursuing a B.A. in Bi-ology have the option to pursue the UTeach program as part of their un-dergraduate degree plan, which gives them all the course work needed for certifi cation as a secondary school teacher.

If you feel that biology can comple-ment a more signifi cant interest, UTD o� ers specialized minors in biomolec-ular structure, microbiology, molecular and cell biology and neurobiology.

Final Tips from UTD’s Career Center: 1. You’re in the right place at the right time: According to Associate Director of Career Development Mick Choate, undeclared freshmen are in a good position to explore their options. Take your core classes and get a feel for your strengths and weaknesses. Take advantage of faculty o� ce hours to investigate job prospects and research opportunities.2. Don’t base your decision solely on numbers: Looking at median income ranges and stats on employment pros-pects can really help, but don’t let them be the deciding factor. 3. Strip the negative stigma: You’re very likely to change your major in the next four years, so tell your nosy aunts to deal with it.

14 utdmercury.comjune 2013

MAJORScontinued from page 12

reveal Your future

fi ction, fi lm and pop-culture. Expect to read and discuss Frankenstein and Dracula, as well as watch clips from The Walking Dead.

Beginning Japanese I- JAPN 1311With Yuki Watanabe

If you’re a fan of manga, J-Pop or Japa-nese cinema, consider taking this introduc-tory course in learning the Japanese lan-guage. You’ll learn the basics of listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as Japanese culture and civilization. Students say that Watanabe is a passionate profes-sor who’s funny and very interactive with the class.

Public and Professional Speaking for Business- COMM 3301With Elizabeth Bell

No matter how outgoing or sociable you may be, it’s possible that the thought of pub-lic speaking is still as terrifying as it was in high school. Take this class to learn how to overcome and control your nerves in front of a crowd — an important skill you’ll use throughout college and long after you leave UTD. Business-related interpersonal and in-terviewing skills, how to conduct meetings and teamwork are just some of the topics that will be explored.

16

japanese & monsters

a few of the most interesting classes

at UTD


Introduction to Sculpture- ARTS 2381 With Kristen Cochran

Eager to work with your hands and get crafty? Get your creative juices fl owing with this intro to sculpture course. You’ll work with concepts related to three-dimensional de-sign, such as space, mass and texture, and use materials such as plaster, clay and wood. You’ll also keep a personal blog and sketch-book to document your work and ideas.

The Psychology of Prejudice- PSY 4324 With Salena Brody

If you aren’t afraid of exploring the heavy issues that face society, consider taking this course to learn about stereotypes and preju-dice in the media, sexism, heterosexism, clas-sism and other social issues. You’ll also take part in a semester-long “Change the World” group project where each group will try to generate real-world social good. Lectures are engaging and include personal experi-ences, and students say that Brody doesn’t avoid any topic while managing to keep class discussions from becoming emotionally charged.

Whether or not you’ve decided on a ma-jor, college is a great time to explore di� er-ent subjects and take classes from fi elds you hadn’t thought of. Unfortunately, UTD doesn’t o� er Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions or Muggle Studies, but there are plenty of other classes that students rave about every semester.

Improvisation- DRAM 2372With Kathy Lingo

Are you a fan of Whose Line is it Anyway? Do you want to break out of your shell and learn how to think quickly on your feet? Con-sider taking this improv class with Kathy Lingo; you’ll learn the principles of spontane-ous creativity through listening and response techniques. Expect to play a lot of games to put your learning into practice. Who knows? You might become the next big comedy star.

Humanities- HUMA 1301With Peter Ingrao

This core class is a requirement on every degree plan, so you will have to take it dur-ing your time at UTD. Students say that Peter Ingrao makes it worth your time by focusing on a very interesting side of humanities. Of-ten called the “monster class,” you will ex-amine the themes of monstrosity in folklore,

SHEILA DANG/MANAGING EDITOR

CEDRIC DAVIS III/STAFF

reveal Your future

Even without a car, there are plenty of ways to get around, both on campus and o� campus. Al-though on-campus classes are within walking dis-tance, some students choose to use longboards, skateboards and bikes for faster transportation. If students live on campus, bikes must be registered with University Village at the University Village In-formation Center or the Residence Hall Front Desk. Students are strongly encouraged to lock their bikes in order to prevent theft.

There are also three Comet Cab routes to help students travel on campus: from the Residence Halls to the Activity Center, from the Waterview apartments to the Jindal School of Management, or JSOM, and from Lots A, B, C and D to JSOM and the McDermott Library. Anywhere along the three routes, a student can catch a ride from a vehicle. A sign in the window will indicate which route the Comet Cab is driving on or if the driver is o� duty.

To travel o� campus, students can rent a Zip Car or ride the Comet Cruiser. To use the Zip Cars, a student needs to register online at zipcar.com/utdallas. There is an application fee of $25 and an annual fee of $50. The hourly rate Monday through Thursday is $8.50 per hour and $69 for

the day. Friday through Sunday, the hourly rate is $9.50 per hour and $77 for the day. Gas, insurance and up to 180 free miles are covered with the fee.

UTD’s shuttle-bus service, the Comet Cruiser, goes to Bush Turnpike Station, UTD Berkner and McCallum Boulevard every day of the week and Walmart on Sundays; the schedule can be found by searching “Comet Cruiser” on the UTD web-site. Various bus stop stations along Rutford Av-enue will depart for those locations as scheduled online. At Bush Turnpike Station you can take the DART’s Red Line, which travels further throughout the Dallas Fort-Worth area to locations such as the American Airlines Center and the Eismann Center. UTD students can apply for a free DART pass ev-ery calendar year. Just search “DART” on the UTD website.

The Texas Express, a charter bus, also makes a non-stop trip to Austin on Friday nights at 9 p.m., departing from the tra� c circle on University Parkway and returning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday to the same location. Tickets must be purchased by 2 p.m. on the day of departure and a valid UT sys-tem photo ID is required to board the bus. Friends and family may also ride provided at least one member in the party has a UT system photo ID. For service dates and more information, visit the university website and search “Texas Express.”

18

No car? no worries


SAMANTHA LIM Mercury Sta�

COURTESY

Whether you live in the residence halls or commute, Comet Cabs are nearby to help you arrive to class on time.

UTD transportation takes students across campus, state

reveal Your future

Finding your way to places o campus can be hard if you’re new to the area. Here’s a quick guide on what buses to catch and where to get o without calling the Dallas Area Rapid Transit, or DART, hotline.

While the 883 is a free bus service, not all hot hangouts lie on the 883 route. For free travel around Dallas, apply for a DART pass online on www.utdal-las.edu/dart/ and remember to carry it in your wallet before you travel. If you don’t have a DART pass, you can pay $1.75 per ride or buy a Reduced Day Pass for $2.50, which is avail-able for students carrying their Comet Card.

DFW Airport If you need to head to the DFW airport and there’s no one to drive you there, reserve the Airport Super Shuttle on www.supershuttle.com/ for $34.

If you’re looking for cheaper transpor-tation, the DART will take you there. Be sure to start at least 2-3 hours before your check-in time. Catch the Comet Cruiser to Bush Turn-pike Station. Then take the DART Rail Red Line to the Union Station. At the Union Station, switch trains and take the Westbound Trinity Rail and get o at the CentrePort or DFW station. Here’s a quick note though: The Trin-ity Rail has di erent frequencies, de-pending on whether you’re travelling dur-ing rush hour. Make sure to look up the schedule before you plan your travel. From there catch the Remote South Bus that will drop you o at stops for connecting shuttles to Terminals A and C, Terminals B and E or Terminal D.

The walking distances are minimum so carrying luggage is not a problem.

Social Security Number office If you’re an international student and need a social security card, this is one destination you will need to visit at some point.

Take the 883 to Bush Turnpike station and catch the DART Rail Red Line. Get o at the Walnut Hill station and exit the station. Catch the 502 to Manderville and North Central Expressway and get o at the 10,000 block stop, right in front of the Social Security Number o� ce. On the return trip, take the bus from the same stop and get o at the Wal-nut Hill station. Take the Red Line to Bush Turnpike Station and the Comet Cruiser to campus. Plano Department of Public Safety

If you need to obtain or renew a Texas driver’s license and don’t own a car yet, here’s how to get to the Plano De-partment of Public Safety, or DPS.

Take the 883 to Bush Turnpike station and the Red Rail to Parker Road station. Board the 452 toward Jack Hatchell Transit Center and get o at the Parker at Silverstone stop. The DPS o� ce is within the complex right next to the stop. The wait at the DPS can be very long, so if you take the DART, prepare to spend the whole morning in line.

Also, remember to carry your checkbook or cash, because the DPS does not accept electronic payments.

Electronics and Apparel Best Buy - Get on the Comet Cruiser to Bush Turnpike Station and take the DART Rail Red Line to Parker Road Station. Walk north on Archerwood Street toward Ozark Drive. Turn right on North Central Expressway, and Best Buy will be on the right. The walk should take about fi ve minutes.

22

off-campus hotspotsdart at your service


ANWESHA BHATTACHARJEEMercury Sta�

ELIZABETH DEL ROSARIO/STAFF


Kohl’s - If you’re at Best Buy, it’s a minute’s walk to Kohl’s for discount apparel and accessory shopping. Subscribe via email to receive dis-counts. If you shop for more than $600 a year you can become a Most Valued Customer to receive additional discounts and o� ers.

Collin Creek Mall - The mall is home to popular stores like Macy’s, JC Penny’s, Forever 21, Rue 21 and Claire’s. Get on the Comet Cruiser to the Bush Turnpike Station and take the DART Rail Red Line to the Downtown Plano Station. Board the 870 Flex Shuttle to Collin Creek Mall. It will drop you o� at the mall entry.

The Shops at Willow Bend - The 883 Comet Cruiser will drop you o� at Coit at LakePark, right in front of the Bank of America. From the same stop, board the 362 towards the Addison Tran-sit Center. At the Addison Transit Center, change buses and board the 347 to the Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. Get o� at Park at Mall A and cross the road to enter The Shops at Willow Bend. Use the bus stop opposite Chase Bank while re-turning to board the 347 towards Addison Transit Centre. Burlington Coat Factory - To get there, you can take the 883 to Bush Turnpike station and then the Red Rail or the Orange Rail to the Parker Road Station. Catch the next 452 toward the Jack Hatchell Transit Centre, and get o� at the U.S. 75 at Ruisseau stop. Walk to the Burlington Coat Factory, which will be visible from the stop. Grocery Stores

Which Wich - If you feel like a fancy sandwich, Which Wich is within easy access.

There are 10 categories of sandwiches available, and customers can customize their own sand-wiches with as many ingredients as they like for a fl at rate. The sandwiches make a� ordable and fi ll-ing meals, for less than $10.

Located next to Mumtaz, Which Wich is about 15-minutes away from campus.

Sweet Mix Desserts - Your sweet tooth will be satisfi ed after a visit to Sweet Mix. With freshly made crepes and wa� es, stop here for your des-sert fi x. Its vibrant atmosphere makes for an inter-esting place to hang out. To get there take the 883 to Coit at Lake Park and cross the road to catch the 362 toward Arapaho Center Station. Get o� at Alma at Collins and walk for nine minutes towards N. Collins Blvd and turn right onto Greenville Ave.

Leisure

Cairo hookah lounge - Voted “Best Hookah Lounge in Richardson,” Cairo is located on Camp-bell southeast of campus. To get there hop on the 883 shuttle to Coit at Lakepark and ride the 362 to Arapaho Center Station. Get o� at Campbell at Old Campbell and walk for a minute to reach the hoo-kah lounge.

Cinemark Plano movies 10 - Ride the 883 shuttle to Coit at Lake Park and switch to 451 to-ward Northwest Plano. Get o� at Coit at American from where the theater is a one-minute walk.

Kohl’s - Kohl’s - If you’re at Best Buy, it’s a minute’s walk to Kohl’s for discount apparel and accessory walk to Kohl’s for discount apparel and accessory shopping. Subscribe via email to receive dis-shopping. Subscribe via email to receive dis-counts. If you shop for more than $600 a year you can become a Most Valued Customer to receive additional discounts and o� ers.

Collin Creek Mall - The mall is home to popular stores like Macy’s, JC Penny’s, Forever 21, Rue 21 and Claire’s. Get on the Comet Cruiser to the Bush Turnpike Station and take the DART Rail Red Line to the Downtown Plano Station. Board the 870 Flex Shuttle to Collin Creek Mall. It will drop you o� at the mall entry.

The Shops at Willow Bend - The 883 Comet Cruiser will drop you o� at Coit at LakePark, right in front of the Bank of America. From the same stop, board the 362 towards the Addison Tran-sit Center. At the Addison Transit Center, change buses and board the 347 to the Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. Get o� at Park at Mall A and cross the road to enter The Shops at Willow Bend. Use the bus stop opposite Chase Bank while re-turning to board the 347 towards Addison Transit Centre.

Burlington Coat Factory - To get there, you can take the 883 to Bush Turnpike station and then the Red Rail or the Orange Rail to the Parker Road Station. Catch the next 452 toward the Jack Hatchell Transit Centre, and get o� at the U.S. 75 at Ruisseau stop. Walk to the Burlington Coat Factory, which will be visible from the stop. Grocery Stores

Which Wich - If you feel like a fancy sandwich, If you feel like a fancy sandwich, Which Wich is within easy access. Which Wich is within easy access.

There are 10 categories of sandwiches available, There are 10 categories of sandwiches available, There are 10 categories of sandwiches available, and customers can customize their own sand-and customers can customize their own sand-and customers can customize their own sand-wiches with as many ingredients as they like for a wiches with as many ingredients as they like for a wiches with as many ingredients as they like for a fl at rate. The sandwiches make a� ordable and fi ll-fl at rate. The sandwiches make a� ordable and fi ll-fl at rate. The sandwiches make a� ordable and fi ll-ing meals, for less than $10. ing meals, for less than $10.

Located next to Mumtaz, Which Wich is about Located next to Mumtaz, Which Wich is about Located next to Mumtaz, Which Wich is about 15-minutes away from campus. 15-minutes away from campus.

Sweet Mix Desserts - Sweet Mix Desserts - Your sweet tooth will Your sweet tooth will be satisfi ed after a visit to Sweet Mix. With freshly be satisfi ed after a visit to Sweet Mix. With freshly be satisfi ed after a visit to Sweet Mix. With freshly made crepes and wa� es, stop here for your des-made crepes and wa� es, stop here for your des-made crepes and wa� es, stop here for your des-sert fi x. Its vibrant atmosphere makes for an inter-sert fi x. Its vibrant atmosphere makes for an inter-sert fi x. Its vibrant atmosphere makes for an inter-esting place to hang out. To get there take the 883 esting place to hang out. To get there take the 883 esting place to hang out. To get there take the 883 to Coit at Lake Park and cross the road to catch to Coit at Lake Park and cross the road to catch to Coit at Lake Park and cross the road to catch the 362 toward Arapaho Center Station. Get o� at the 362 toward Arapaho Center Station. Get o� at the 362 toward Arapaho Center Station. Get o� at Alma at Collins and walk for nine minutes towards Alma at Collins and walk for nine minutes towards Alma at Collins and walk for nine minutes towards N. Collins Blvd and turn right onto Greenville Ave. N. Collins Blvd and turn right onto Greenville Ave. N. Collins Blvd and turn right onto Greenville Ave.

LeisureLeisure

Cairo hookah lounge -Cairo hookah lounge -Cairo hookah lounge - Voted “Best Hookah Lounge in Richardson,” Cairo is located on Camp-Lounge in Richardson,” Cairo is located on Camp-Lounge in Richardson,” Cairo is located on Camp-bell southeast of campus. To get there hop on the bell southeast of campus. To get there hop on the bell southeast of campus. To get there hop on the bell southeast of campus. To get there hop on the 883 shuttle to Coit at Lakepark and ride the 362 to 883 shuttle to Coit at Lakepark and ride the 362 to 883 shuttle to Coit at Lakepark and ride the 362 to 883 shuttle to Coit at Lakepark and ride the 362 to Arapaho Center Station. Get o� at Campbell at Old Arapaho Center Station. Get o� at Campbell at Old Arapaho Center Station. Get o� at Campbell at Old Arapaho Center Station. Get o� at Campbell at Old Campbell and walk for a minute to reach the hoo-Campbell and walk for a minute to reach the hoo-Campbell and walk for a minute to reach the hoo-kah lounge.

Cinemark Plano movies 10 - Cinemark Plano movies 10 - Ride the 883 Ride the 883 shuttle to Coit at Lake Park and switch to 451 to-shuttle to Coit at Lake Park and switch to 451 to-shuttle to Coit at Lake Park and switch to 451 to-ward Northwest Plano. Get o� at Coit at American ward Northwest Plano. Get o� at Coit at American ward Northwest Plano. Get o� at Coit at American from where the theater is a one-minute walk.from where the theater is a one-minute walk.from where the theater is a one-minute walk.

Walmart - If you want to shop on a weekday, the 883 will drop you o� at Coit at LakePark right in front of the Bank of America. Catch the 451 from the same stop, get o� at Coit at Mapleshade and cross the road to get to Walmart. On your way back, get o� at the stop in front of Chili’s and cross the road to catch the 883 back to campus.

Central Market - Buy produce, meat, seafood and other food items from around the world at Central Market, located near Bush and Coit, right across from Walmart. Get o� the 451 or 883 at Mapleshade at Coit and walk to Central Market.

Dining

Mumtaz - If you’re looking for a taste of the spicy fl avors India is famous for, Mumtaz is your go-to place. The lunch bu� et, available all seven days of the week, provides a vast selection of traditional Indian delicacies and desserts. While a la carte is available at all times, Monday lunch bu� ets from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. are at a special discounted rate of $5.99.

To get there take the 883 to Coit at Lake Park and cross the road to catch the 362 toward Arapaho Center Station. Get o� at Campbell at E. Collins Blvd. and walk for three minutes towards U.S. 75 freeway. The destination will be on your left.


American

1. Spiral Diner1101 N. Beckley Ave. Dallas, TX 7520319.3 miles from campus. Average meal- $10

Located in Oak Cli� , this diner is a local favor-ite among vegetarians and vegans. The interior is decorated invitingly, with a wall dedicated to plaid-clad, mustache bearing patrons. The food is delightful, with vegan substitutes for traditional favorites — Jamaican jerked tempeh, barbecue sandwiches, pasta and burgers. Be sure to stick around for unlimited refi lls on co� ee and some delicious tea.

2. Café Brazil2071 N. Central Expy., Richardson, TX 750802.7 miles from campus. Average meal- $10

An absolute favorite for students looking for a good study environment while they munch. Café Bra-zil has a wide array of options, bottomless co� ee and a delightful wait sta� . Be sure to follow them on Facebook or Twitter, as it is not uncommon for them to host day- or week-long specials (including free meals) via their social media sites.

Chinese

3. Royal Chopstix202 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 750803.47 miles from campus. Average meal- $7

This is easily the cheapest Chinese restaurant close to UTD. Chicken fried rice with the UTD student dis-count will only set you back $6.32. The portions are above average and the taste is not dependent on

the cheap price. Free fried chips and con-diments are provided.

4. Jeng Shi400 N. Greenville Ave. Richardson, TX 750814.43 miles from campus. Average meal- $5

This is a delight for people wanting to try southern-style Cantonese and Schezuan Chinese food. Located in the Richardson China Town on Arapaho and Greenville, this provides a very quick, cheap way to enjoy a really good sweet and sour soup, along with other regulars.

5. Kirin Court 221 E. Polk St, Richardson, TX 75081 4.03 miles from campus. Average meal- $15

To all the Dim Sum fans out there, this is where it gets real. If you like chicken feet as much as I do and want to really take a trip to China, then this is the restaurant to visit for lunch on weekends. It is located on the east side of U.S. 75 and Beltline Rd. Bamboo trays of piping hot, authen-tic Dim Sum items come rolling your way amidst a scenery of a Chinese garden, complete with lion statue.

French

6. Lavendou19009 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 752524.89 miles from campus. Average meal- $25

Ever seen the Pixar movie “Ratatouille?” Well this is the restaurant that will bring you back to the dish served in the movie. This restaurant is only for someone who truly appreciates French cuisine, and the restaurant’s décor will take you away to France’s beautiful villages and landscapes. The food excels in taste and is not as expensive as other

highly rated French dining in North Dallas.

Indian (and Bangladeshi)

7. Chameli 201 S. Greenville Ave. Richardson, TX 750814.77 miles from campus. Average meal - $6

Where can you fi nd a chicken biriyani for $3.99 and watch Bollywood movies while you savor it? Chameli, a small Bangladeshi/Bengali restaurant o� Interurban and Greenville close to U.S. 75 and

A Taste of North DallasStaffer’s top picks for

good eats

JOHN THOTTUNGALCOMMENTARY

see RESTAURANTS page 26

CONNIE CHENG/STAFF

reveal Your future

Beltline, will feed your craving for a biriyani any day of the week.

8. Royal Indian Sweets 524 W. Belt Line Road, Richardson, TX 750804.36 miles from campus. Average meal- $5

Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory is what comes to mind as you enter this milk and sugar laden Indian dessert restaurant. Customers with an aversion to sweets can try the vegetarian dishes like a Dosa, Idli and Thalis. Very economically priced, $5-10 will get you fi lled up for a sure trip to dessert heaven.

9. Chennai Café 5024 Tennyson Pkwy, Suite 200, Plano, TX 75024. 8.23 miles from campus. Average meal- $10

Although this restaurant is further away from the campus, it is an absolute must if you want to taste the best of South Indian, specifi cally Tamil, cuisine. They do a splendid job of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. An $8 non-vegetarian thali, or platter, that will wet your appetite for the cuisine, and it is strongly recommended to call in advance and book a table. Their Facebook page is well maintained as is their website, so be sure to look for deals.

10. India Palace12817 Preston Road., Dallas, TX 752308.37 miles from campus. Average meal- $20

This restaurant is the place to go to impress anyone on the delicacies of Indian cuisine, be it a date, your professor or a group of friends. The restaurant matches the quality of its cuisine with a very professional sta� and interesting décor. This is not the $6.99 lunch bu� et type of restau-rant but one that pays attention to detail, and you should expect to pay likewise. If you have a friend who has never tried Indian cuisine and would like to, this is the place to take them. They will come back with a new respect for the word “curry.”

Italian

11. Cappucinos 1310 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 750802.24 miles from campus. Average meal- $20

Located very close to campus at Coit and Campbell, this Italian restaurant follows Ital-ian tradition. An excellent place for a fi rst date, their scampi and tiramisu is quite “bellisimo”.

Moderately priced and with a good wine se-lection, this satisfi es any craving for pasta or antipasto for anyone.

Japanese

12. Sushi Sake $152150 N. Collins Blvd, Richardson, TX 750803.40 miles from campus. Average meal- $15

I dare anyone to show me a Japanese sushi restaurant close to UTD that can beat Sushi Sake in the freshness of its fi sh served in its sushi and sashimi. The traditional décor and Japanese su-shi chefs will satisfy the purist who cannot han-dle the avant-gardé sushi fusions that inundate the local restaurant scene. A great second date place, it is recommended to call ahead or be ready to wait 30-45 minutes during peak times.

Thai

13. Noodle Wave 1490 W. Spring Valley Road, Richardson, TX 750805.35 miles from campus. Average meal- $7

A Thai restaurant providing quite the fl avor with an extra twist — the meat is prepared ac-cording to Muslim guidelines , or Zabiha-Halal, which makes it very unique. The lunch special for $9.99 is a very good deal. The mango ice cream ends every meal on a happy note. Lo-cated on Spring Valley and Coit, it is a quick trip to Southeast Asia.

14. Zenna 2500 N. Central Expy, Plano, TX 750745.54 miles from campus. Average meal-$10

UTD students will fi nd solace in the Thais-Jap-anese fusion that’s open till 3 a.m. daily, and serves an economical selection of food and good sake. The closest one is on U.S. 75 and Park. Happy hour has a boot of beer (approx-imately 10 pints) for $9.99 and $1 sushi pieces. Great place to hang out and run into other stu-dents.

15. Bambu Thai1930 N. Coit Rd, Richardson, TX 750802.61 miles from campus. Average meal-$9

Nestled close to campus at Coit and Campbell, this family-owned restaurant provides authen-ticity at a good price. In the evenings, this is a cool place to introduce yourself and a date to the delicacies of the Thai cuisine. Although a little more pricey, its classy ambience is well worth it.

26 utdmercury.comjune 2013

JUVERIA BAIG/STAFF

Top photo: A rice and sambar dish at Chennai Café, a highly rated South Indian restaurant in nearby Plano.

Bottom photo: Green Tea and Thai ice cream at Noodle Wave, a Thai restaurant that serves food prepared according the Muslim Zabiha-Halal guidelines.

JOHN THOTTUNGAL/STAFF

RESTAURANTScontinued from page 24

reveal Your future28

seize the day!DALLAS CULTURE, ATTRACTIONS


Perot Museum of Nature and Science - This museum opened in Dec. 2012 and features fi ve fl oors with 11 perma-nent exhibits containing interactive kiosks, hands-on activities and state-of-the-art video and computer animations. Be sure to stop by the plinth level to see the 35-foot Malawisaurus fossil, and then see an edu-cational documentary in the 3D theater. The sounds that you hear in the exhibits? Those were created by UTD Arts and Technology students in a Sound Design course.

Shakespeare in the Park - Shake-speare Dallas hosts plays written by the Bard all through summer in the evenings for $10 a ticket. Enacted on a stage at the Samuel Grand Amphitheatre, attendees can enjoy the 16th century Globe Theater recreated out in the open. The plays are announced in ad-vance, and tickets may be purchased online or at the venue.

Sixth Floor Museum - The Dallas School

Book Depository, from where President John F. Kennedy was shot, has been converted to the Sixth Floor Museum. The sixth fl oor of the building, where Lee Harvey Oswald took his aim at the President, o� ers a historical recreation of Kennedy’s Presidential win, his Dallas visit and the fatal trip in Dealey Plaza in 1963. History lovers and conspiracy the-ory fans will enjoy the detailed descriptions and anecdotes of the political events that followed. UTD students can pick up discount tickets from the Comet Center in the Student Union before heading out to this museum. The museum is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Mondays, when it runs noon to 5 p.m.

White Rock Lake - This 1,015-acre lake is located in the heart of Dallas, with hiking and bike trails running around its 9.3 mile pe-rimeter. The lake is a good picnic spot, and visitors can also rent canoes to sail. Barbe-cue grills are stationed at di� erent locations all along the perimeter for picnickers to use.

ANWESHA BHATTACHARJEEMercury Sta�

The Dallas Museum of Art offers free general admission and is easily acces-sible by the Dart Light Rail. Special exhibits have a $16 admission fee.

Visit the Sixth Floor Museum, and look out the very window from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy.

CC-BY PAUL LOWRY/COURTESY FLICKR

CC-BY BONITA LA BANANE/COURTESY FLICKR

While Dallas isn’t your quintessential university town, it has its own share of fun things to o� er. Here’s a list of some of the places to visit on a sunny Dallas day. Just pack your backpack and camera and head out to check o� each attraction.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens- Nestled on the White Rock Lake, the arboretum and bo-tanical gardens showcase a 66-acre col-lection of ornamental shrubs, seasonal fl owers and seasonal exhibits. Through summer, the arboretum hosts concerts every Tuesday and Thursday, and it hosts various art and seasonal festivals all year round. Entry fee is $15 per adult.

Dallas Museum of Art - This museum in the heart of Dallas’ Arts District houses

works of European and American art as well as sculpture and relics from Sub-Sa-haran Africa, ancient Egypt, South-East Asia, China and India. While general ad-mission is free, special exhibits on display have a $16 entrance fee. The DMA hosts the Nasher sculpture Center, a cafeteria that serves a selection of pastas and sand-wiches and a store where you could buy books on art, a guide to the museum and souvenirs. The museum is closed on Mon-days.

Dallas World Aquarium - A six-level aquarium that recreates natural rainforest habitats, the Dallas World Aquarium can easily take up more than four hours for a detailed exploration. Contrary to what its name suggests, the aquarium not only has underwater creatures on display but is also home to numerous arboreal species, rep-tiles and amphibians. The aquarium con-tains the eight-story Mundo Maya exhibit,

which showcases plants and animals prevalent in Mayan folklore. The mu-seum is open daily, and tickets are $20.95 plus taxes for all adults. No student discounts are available.

Klyde Warren Park - Built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Downtown Dallas, the Klyde Warren Park o� ers a plethora of activities for visitors from piano lessons to zumba and yoga. Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. ev-ery day, the park is a good place for weary downtown explorers to rest and catch their breath while grabbing a bite from the food trucks in the park. The park is also great for pet owners with an enclosed area just for pets. There is no entry fee.

reveal Your future

Arriving on campus for the fi rst time brings a host of new experiences, and with new people, Welcome Week activities and countless student organizations vying for your attention, it can seem like an endless amount of things to do on campus. Inevitably though, boredom will seep in and you’ll be itching to get o� campus. Luckily, Dallas has plenty of nightlife options available to the under-21 crowd.

Dance clubs

Cowboys Red River18 and up: Thursday and SaturdayCover charge: Free for ladies and $20 for men on Thursday. $20 for under-21 on Saturday.

This country music dance hall o� ers dance lessons such as the two-step and line dancing several times a week; visit their website for dates and details. The house band, Runnin’ Behind, plays live music in front of a large, racetrack-shaped dance fl oor. There’s also a mechanical bull — what more could you ask for?

Lizard Lounge18 and up: Thursday – Sunday Cover charge: $15-20 depending on the night and the DJ that is playing

Lizard Lounge is a two-story club that specializes in electronic, neo-Gothic, industrial and similar genres of music. The crowd is usually young, with very few people over 25. Feel free to come dressed casually, or as “out-there” as you like. Plush18 and up: Thursday, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.Cover charge: $10 for ladies, $15 for men

Plush features three levels of dance fl oors, play-ing Hip Hop and Top 40 music. Parking is available at nearby lots for $5, and only a short walk from the club. Plush is outfi tted with high-tech lights and a great sound system. Be warned that the dance fl oor can get quite crowded.

Station 4 (S4)18 and up: Thursday, Friday and Sunday Cover charge: $15

S4 is a gay club, but the crowd is always an even mix of all orientations. The décor is upscale and fea-tures a spectacular lighting feature in the middle of the dance fl oor. Be sure to catch S4’s famous drag

show toward the end of the night.

Zouk18 and up: Wednesday, Saturday (ladies only)Cover charge: $10

Zouk is a large, spacious club that won’t make you feel claustrophobic on the dance fl oor. Valet parking is available for $10, and there is $5 parking at a lot just a few minutes walk away. Top DJs such as Calvin Har-ris have been featured at Zouk, so it can be a good place to enjoy the latest music.

Hookah Lounges

Jasmine Hookah BarThis Lebanese lounge has great food and a casual

atmosphere to relax. The place is open until 3 a.m. every day and is a great place to visit if you fi nd you and your friends are bored late at night.

The Peace PipePeace Pipe features comfortable booths and seat-

ing, a laid back atmosphere and great music. The décor is unpretentious and doesn’t mimic Middle Eastern culture in a cheesy way. Each fl avor is $15 and specialty blends are $20.

Sultan CaféMediterranean and Greek food such as baba

ganoush, falafel and hummus are available to order while you enjoy a hookah. Service is usually very at-tentive and helpful.

Music venues

Granada TheaterThis historic theater opened in 1946 and is eas-

ily recognizable by its 40-foot neon sign marquee. Bands that have played here include The Black An-gels, The Burning Hotels and Pure X. It’s also located next to the Sundown at Granada, a restaurant with options including grass-fed beef and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

House of BluesTracy Morgan, Guns n’ Roses and Darren Criss

are just a few of the acts that have performed at the House of Blues. The venue also features Open Mic Wednesdays, a free event with performances by local artists. The wide variety of acts that perform at this venue are sure to please most people’s tastes.

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...and the nightNIGHTLIFE in the city

utdmercury.com n june 2013

CC-BY NEFF CONNER/COURTESY FLICKR

The iconic neon sign marquee at the Granada Theater has welcomed concert-goers since 1946.

SHEILA DANGManaging Editor

CONNIE CHENG/STAFF

A cozy atmosphere, interesting decor and popular music make The Peace Pipe a good hookah lounge to hang out with friends.


Sometimes you need some quick cash. If you can’t get a job and you don’t have parents who throw money at you, you’ll need to get creative.

If you only need a few bucks for pizza or something cheap, partic-ipating in a research study is not a bad idea. They usually pay within the range of $10 to $25 for partic-ipating, and the fl yers are found posted in public areas, such as the corkboards in the Student Union or in the Engineering and Computer Science building. The Center and Laboratory for Behavioral Opera-tions and Economics has a mailing list on their homepage that stu-dents can sign up for to be notifi ed of their paid research sessions.

You could also donate your bodily materials. Donating blood plasma can earn you up to $50 per donation and you can donate twice per week. Biomet USA has a center in Dallas that pays $20 for the fi rst donation, and $30 for each subsequent donation. Women can earn thousands of dollars from becoming an egg donor, but most buyers require proof of high in-tellectual aptitude, such as a high SAT or ACT score. Listings for these opportunities are typically found on corkboard fl yers or in the clas-sifi eds of local newspapers, but there are also fertility banks that are willing to pay for human eggs. College-aged men have it more di� cult, as nearly all sperm banks require a donor to have a college

degree and pay about as much as a blood bank would for blood plasma, so this option is open mostly to graduate students. Both sperm and egg donors can fi nd more information at 123Donate.com, as one of the banks the web-site services has a Dallas location.

If you need even more money, you can turn to perhaps the most lucrative option: selling. Getting rid of your old phones or electronics can make you hundreds of spare greenbacks, and anyone living on campus is in a prime situa-tion to sell to others. Flyers of the item you’re selling can be hung up around many places on campus for free, such as the boards near the plinth and in the SU. Just make sure you include a good descrip-tion of what you’re selling and give people a way to contact you.

The fl yers you post don’t always attract a buyer though. Your au-dience on campus is limited to those who actually see your ad. If you want something to sell quickly, head to eBay. You won’t make quite as much since eBay takes a small cut of your sale and you’ll likely have to pay for shipping, but it is an almost guaranteed way to make money. Shipping is easy for UTD students because the on-campus bookstore houses a FedEx shipping station. Listing your item on craigslist is just as viable an op-tion. Craigslist is a free service and it acts just like a large-scale clas-sifi ed ad. There is no shipping or shipping fee since craigslist items are typically sold locally and face-to-face.

JOSEPH MANCUSO Mercury Sta�

making greenbacksHow to not be a poor college student


reveal Your future

Whether you’re coming to UTD straight from high school or as a re-turning student, there’s no doubt that college is all about transitions. If you’ve decided to move into the residence halls, here are some tips to make the most of your new life on campus.

The People You’ll Be Sharing a Bathroom With

Unless you’re moving in with a friend from high school, chances are you’ll be moving in with two strangers.

When you receive your roommate assign-ments, look them up on Facebook or shoot them an email, and try to get to know a little bit about them before move-in day.

This is also a great time to arrange who will bring what — a TV, microwave and mini-fridge are important things that will need to be worked out.

If possible, try to arrange a meeting with your new roommates before moving in; this way you won’t be meeting for the very fi rst time on arrival and possibly adding to an overwhelming fi rst day in the dorms.

When your Peer Advisor, or PA, stops by to facilitate a roommate agreement, be sure to speak up about any rules that you feel would prevent arguments down the road.

A few things to consider may include cleaning arrangements, having guests over and the noise level of the TV.

The Leaders of the Hall

Each hall in the dorms will have a PA that can help you with any issues that arise, whether it be roommate disagreements, noise is-sues or if you need life advice. Get to know your PA and be sure to participate in hall events be-

cause it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors. Your PA will also schedule a one-on-one meeting with you at the beginning of the semester in order to get to know more about you, you’re goals for the year and give you an opportunity to bring up any concerns.

He or she will also coordinate socials once a month so that every-one in the hall can get to know each other.

Activities can include everything from at-tending an event on campus to simply en-joying a pizza together.

If you feel you can’t connect with your PA or approach them about an issue, don’t hesi-tate to speak with another PA in the res hall.

Helpful Tidbits

Don’t make a habit of forgetting your Comet Card when you leave your dorm room. Ev-ery door in the res halls, save for the fi rst fl oor study rooms, must be unlocked with your Comet Card.

Keep it in your wallet; otherwise you might fi nd yourself locked out of your room, the hall or even the building.

Take advantage of events held in the fi rst fl oor classrooms, as they often have free food and good information from speakers or student organizations. It’s also a great way to get involved and meet new people.

The fi rst fl oor rotunda is equipped with sev-eral TVs, comfortable couches, pool, ping-

pong and foosball tables. Simply give your Comet Card to the desk attendant to check out the necessary equipment and gather a group of friends to play.

A kitchenette and laundry room are also available on the fi rst fl oor; there is no charge to use the laundry machines and no need to book the kitchenette for use.

34

Enjoy Living on CAMPUSGet it right with roomMATes

the first time


SHEILA DANG/ Managing Editor


reveal Your future

Need a good place to study on campus but don’t want to hole up in your room or residence hall study area? Whether you follow the crowd or try something new, UTD o� ers a wide variety of study areas for both the everyday scholar and the last-minute crammer.

A popular choice for studying is the library; comfortable seating and peaceful environments are abundant, while the Novel Brew café in the basement caters to students’ brain-fuel needs. The lower levels have an outdoor area that, if you don’t mind the smell of cigarette smoke that often lingers, o� ers a calming atmosphere with just enough foliage and sky. Across the mall are the Student Union and the plinth, which also of-fer food and comfortable seating, though some-times student organizations will hold events that may break your concentration.

Areas like the library or the SU are often full of people, especially in places like the Comet Café.

Though sometimes quiet, just the presence of another can throw o� your focus. If you’re look-ing for more secluded options, the Founder’s building has a comfortable study area on the fi rst fl oor facing the Green Center. There is no food, save for vending machines, and power outlets are scarce, but the couches are comfort-able and there is a computer lab across the hall.

The atrium in Green Hall also has ample seat-ing, plenty of vending machines, access to power outlets and is relatively quiet. If a more modern atmosphere is desired and you don’t need easy access to food, the Student Services Building is full of comfortable study areas that can face the refl ection pools.

If you’re trying to fi nd somewhere quiet that still allows you to enjoy the outdoors, there is a small spot in between Green Hall and the administra-tion building that should suit you. Benches and tables sit under a leafy canopy that is just on the edge of the CometNet wifi . Aside from the occa-sional person walking to and from the parking lot, this area is mostly quiet and undisturbed.

35

Crunch time spots around campus for

every study style

utdmercury.com june 2013

JOSEPH MANCUSOSta� Writer

Photos by Connie Cheng

CONNIE CHENG/STAFF

Trees provide ample shade for the often undisturbed seating area between the Administration Building and Green Hall.

The � rst � oor of the Student Services Building is ideal for study groups, with plenty of available tables and natural light.

The comfortable couches on the � rst � oor of Founders are good for cramming sessions in between classes.


On-Campus DiningFinding the right place to satisfy your craving

NADA ALASMIMercury Sta�

In between classes, studying in the library, meetings and other commitments, it can be di cult to fi nd time to stop by your dorm to eat, much less go o� campus for lunch. It’s during these times that you’ll want to stop by one of the dining options that are, fortunately, scattered across campus. Whether it’s a quick cup of co� ee or a sit-down meal with classmates, you can fi nd something to suit your cravings.

STUDENT UNION

UTD’s main dining options are located in the Student Union. The Dining Hall is UTD’s bu� et-style cafeteria. The hall o� ers a variety of entrées, desserts and salads, and it includes vegetarian, vegan and ethnic options. The menu changes every day and is best on the days important visitors come to campus.

The Comet Café is located near the Dining Hall and includes Grab ‘n’ Go Outtakes, which includes a salad bar, soup, sushi and Asian-style rice bowls. The Comet Café also features a Subway, Chick-fi l-a, Chef’s table and Papa John’s Pizza.

While both the Dining Hall and Comet Café close after dinner, The Pub, a popular hangout location for students, sells entrées such as quesadillas and burgers, and is usually open later hours. The Pub also o� ers Starbucks co� ees, teas and frappucinos.

COFFEE SHOPS & ICE CREAM:

While the Student Union’s dining options are designed to satisfy your hunger for larger meals, UTD’s various co� ee shops o� er lighter snacks, co� ees and teas.

The Co� ee Shop is located in the Visitor’s Center and is a great place to relax due to the building’s bright and modern ambiance. Like The Pub, the Co� ee Shop sells Starbucks drinks. It also sells sandwiches, salads, fruit smoothies and shakes, including a pina colada shake and a protein shake.

The Co� ee Corner is the largest of UTD’s co� ee shops and features hot dogs, Miss Vickie’s kettle cooked chips and various drinks, sandwiches and pastry items. The Co� ee Corner is located on the fi rst fl oor the Naveen Jindal School of Management.

Novel Brew, located in the basement of the McDermott Library, sells black co� ee, iced-co� ee, a few teas, some sandwiches and salads. Novel Brew makes up for the limited food and drink options by featuring a Bluebell ice cream freezer that includes various pints and popsicles.

UTD BOOKSTORE

UTD’s bookstore features the widest variety of snacks on campus, selling items such as Slim Jim sticks, chips, miso soup, snack packs, Campbell’s soup, Honest Tea, Twizzlers, Cli� Bars and more. As UTD’s mini-convenience store, the bookstore is also a great place

to grab health items and toiletries.

FOOD TRUCK

For more exotic food options, you can check out the food truck, which is located primarily in Lot K between the Student Services Building and the Activity Center. The truck sells items such as burger sliders, Asian wraps, falafels, hummus and bu� alo wings.

DINING DOLLARS ANDMEAL PLANS

Meal Plans are primarily used for the Dining Hall. After the Dining Hall closes, students can go to The Pub and “swap a meal” from their plan with an entrée from The Pub. Meal plans include two guest passes and plans expire at the end of each school year, so make sure to use all your meals before then.

Dining Dollars are stored on your Comet Card and can be used throughout campus. They o� er bonus dollars upon purchase and do not expire at the end of the academic year.

UTD DINING SERVICES/COURTESY

reveal Your future38

Comet CHAMPSSPORTS ON THE RISE


Top photo: UTD’s men’s rugby team goes against the University of Denver at the Cowboy Cup.Bottom photo: Arts & Technology students race for the � nish line at the Cardboard Boat Regatta.

UTD has become known for its research and academics; however, the university also has a lot to offer in sports and recreation.

This past year has been a record-breaking season for the Comets, which saw three teams win the conference championships in one year, a feat never recorded before in the history of the university.

It started with the wom-en’s basketball team winning the conference by defeating Louisiana College.

This was followed by the tennis team, men’s and women’s, who swept aside nationally-ranked UT-Tyler to win the double crown.

The university participates in the American Southwest Conference and NCAA Divi-sion III. While, UTD does not have football, it has other competitive sports includ-ing basketball, soccer, tennis and volleyball.

The conference cham-pionship tournament MVP in women’s basketball was awarded to UTD’s Morgan Kilgore. Kilgore was play-ing her first season for the Comets, which goes to show that even a newcomer can play a critical role in the suc-cess of a team. Along with competitive sports, UTD also o� ers club sports, intramural sports and various activities to keep your body in check.

If you are interested in playing sports but cannot compete at the athletic level, club sports is a fun way to play competitive games with other students. Some of the

club sports that UTD has to o� er are rock climbing, badminton, swimming, squash, racquetball and rugby.

Students can also play sports recreationally with the Intramu-ral Sports program. You do not have to be an athlete to play Intramural Sports. Just gather a few friends, form a team and enjoy the competition.

The sports line-up for Intra-mural includes popular games such as fl ag football and bas-ketball to o� -beat events like inner tube water polo and card-board boat regatta.

The fi tness center, free with your Comet Card, has cardio equipment, free weights and several plate loaded machines, so you can get the workout you desire.

Students can also pay for per-sonal training at the fi tness cen-ter.

During a session, you will work one-on-one with a professional certifi ed trainer with whom you can discuss your goals, obsta-cles and nutrition.

Group X are group fi tness classes that students can enroll in for $50 a semester and in-clude spin, yoga, cardio-kick-boxing and zumba.

Recreational Sports o� ers dance lessons and workshops on scuba diving. These activi-ties are charged. The swimming pool is accessible to all students at no charge.

Recreational Sports also hosts activities such as laser battle, twisted trivia and silent disco from time to time. These events are listed on the events page at www.utdallas.edu/recsports.

MERCURY FILE PHOTO

MERCURY FILE PHOTO

PARTH SAMPAT/ MERCURY STAFF

reveal Your future

Just because you don’t have a ride o campus doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time. There are plenty of on-campus activities other than billiards and table ten-nis for you to enjoy.

The Activity Center o ers an indoor swim-ming pool, racquet ball and basketball courts that anyone with a valid Comet Card can access free of charge. However, one of the lesser-known attractions might be the indoor climbing wall. Designed to deliver an exciting rock climbing experience, the wall covers more than 1,000 square feet and is open every weekday except Wednesday.

The Student Union and Activities Advisory Board, or SUAAB, holds free events regu-larly. At SUAAB’s Underground Poetry Circus, typically occurring every month or so, poets go head to head and students are given the chance to sign up for a slot at the open microphone. SUAAB also holds its Spotlight music series, featuring live bands in The

Pub. To stay in the know with SUAAB events, follow the posts on their Facebook page, search keyword SUAAB, or keep an eye out for the signs posted throughout campus.

The Meteor Theater is a student-run pro-gram that shows popular movies to students during the school year. Screenings are free and the fi lms shown are usually recent, in-cluding fi lms such as Despicable Me, The Hobbit and Super 8. Upcoming show times are usually posted throughout campus, but more information can be found by liking and following their Facebook page, Meteor The-ater at UTD.

If you like to get your geek on, trading card games such as Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh are often found being played in the TV lounge in the Student Union. The Texas eSports Asso-ciation at Dallas, a UTD gaming organiza-tion, plays multiplayer online games such as League of Legends and Defense of the An-cients in Founders 1.206 on Fridays starting at 5 p.m. Students can receive updates from the group via their Facebook page, TeSPA of Dallas.

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Time to relaxutdmercury.com n june 2013

MERCURY FILE PHOTO

There are many ways to enjoy student talent on campus, with the popular Spotlight music series as well as the Underground Poetry Circus in The Pub.

JOSEPH MANCUSOMercury Sta�

The Mercury - Orientation Edition

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Transcript of The Mercury - Orientation Edition