Much like a big city, college campuses are bustling with people trying to go from point A to point B as quickly as they can. This speed makes it hard to appreciate the little things on campus. If you look a little harder and wander a little further, you might find some quirks that give bland sections of campus a whole new life. So, if you find yourself with some time on your hands, look around.
The term “easter egg” was coined back in 1980 by Steve Wright when he was the director of software development for Atari. While originally used to describe hidden details put in video games, the term has grown to have a broader definition that spreads across all forms of media — from TV shows and movies to books and social media.
From Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder being spotted in “Frozen” to Beetlejuice appearing in the background of a “Community” scene, easter eggs continue to sneak across TV screens across America, at times being as allusive as “Where’s Waldo.” These easter eggs are meant to spark excitement within more attentive viewers who spot these references and show care on the creators’ part.
While we do have a rather large inventory of cameras and golf carts here on the University of Miami campus, we are no movie set. However, if you keep your eyes peeled, there is still a bunch to look out for. Maybe you’ll even find a new favorite place on campus you would have never discovered otherwise.
Campus Cats
Wandering about, especially in the dead of night, our campus cats slink around seemingly undetectable. Most of them are seen wandering around Eaton Residential College and the architecture school; but they sometimes hide in plain sight all around campus. Be cautious when running into these creatures — they are not all friendly, so keep your distance.
Stacks Floor 5 Doodle Window
When putting in long hours of academic weaponry in the stacks of Richter Library, the small windows and endless shelves of books can make the space feel like solitary confinement. However, there is one window on the fifth floor of the stacks that makes it feel like you’re not alone. The window is adorned with scribbles from other students who were also dreading their time in the library. It’s comforting knowing the burnout is a collective feeling. After all, misery loves company. If you desperately need help for an exam, sit down here and call upon the generational strength of ‘Canes past.
The Rathskeller Shortcut
The Rathskeller features a second-floor loft with seating and some pool tables to help unwind after a long day. Right next to the upstairs bathroom — which could be an Easter egg all by itself — is the exit door. It may seem scary with the warning plastered across it, but as long as you don’t leave it open for too long, it can be used as a shortcut directly to the second floor of Shalala. It’s great for when you have to catch a meeting and your lunch runs a little bit over. The door only opens from the Rathskeller’s side, so unless you have a friend to let you in, you’re going to have to go the long way.
The Geology Pit
If you’re on the lookout for a new hangout spot, there is a “hole” location you probably have not heard of. Near the Campo Sano building is a pit used for geology classes. Although we can’t tell you what exactly goes on in said pit, it makes for a cool hangout spot if you stay around the edges where you can stay under the cover of trees. The middle of the pit gets direct sunlight most of the day, so if you want to tan somewhere besides the ever-crowded campus pool, this pit might be a great substitute. Just make sure to check the class schedules first.
Frost School Cat Corner
Wedged in a corner between the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre and the Frost School of Music are a few chairs and a table. To a passerby, it might just like discarded deck furniture. However, if you stay for a little while longer, you’ll see its feline visitors. The campus cats frequent this area during the night; if you’re lucky, you might find some of the bolder cats out and about during the day. They only come to you if you don’t make too much of a ruckus. So, be respectful and they might grace you with a little visit.
Richter Library Games Catalog
Have you ever wanted to plan a game night with friends, but you didn’t have any games you all wanted to play? Or maybe you have wanted to test a game out before shelling out the money to buy it. Turns out, the solution to these problems is here on campus. The Richter Library has collections of games ready for students to rent out. They have titles from newer platforms such as the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation 5, and some throwbacks for the Wii and Xbox 360. For tabletop fans, the library also has a selection of board games to rent. Video games can be rented out for seven days, whereas board games can be rented for three. Either way, you have plenty of time to enjoy them without fear of getting in trouble.
words&design_sal puma. photo_valeria barbaglio.
This article was published in Distraction’s Winter 2023 print issue.
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