Whether you’re a new student at the University of Miami or a returning student looking for ways to spice up your week, there are plenty of opportunities to create exciting Miami memories alongside other students. Coming from the expertise of a campus tour guide, here is your guide to an amazing week as a UM student.
Monday
Since Monday is the first day of the academic week, it’s important to spend the day planning and eating well to start a good routine for the rest of the week. So start the day off right with a nutritious breakfast or coffee on campus.
Located inside the law school, Einstein Bros Bagels has a wide selection of bagels and pastries to kickstart your week. You can also head over to the Archivist Cafe by Richter Library for the coffee-house aesthetic, or to Starbucks for a classic, reliable drink. Junior Sofía Palacios makes her own suggestion when ordering from Starbucks.
“Order ahead on GrubHub or the Starbucks app, because Mondays on campus are busy,” Palacios said. Be ready to wait in line during busy times, especially right after class lets out. In between classes, sitting outside of the Shalala Student Center is a great place to catch up with friends or plan out your week. You can sit by the grassy steps, under a large palm tree or inside the building for a little AC.
Luckily, the dining halls, market and food court are close by. There’s something for everyone, including a poke bowl from Sushi Maki or chicken and waffles from Daybreak. Fuel up to boost your brain power for a long week of classes.
Take it easy on Mondays because your week will ramp up quickly with assignments and plans.
Tuesday
Happy Taco Tuesday! Today makes for a great day to grab some tacos from Tacology, Tacocraft, Tacos & Tattoos or Coyo Taco.
Tacocraft is a convenient option, located just five-minutes away from campus. This restaurant has pink neon lights and DJs that play trendy music, including – of course – “Pepas.” They have an array of tacos to choose from. Ahi tuna, crispy pork and braised chicken are just some of the many popular options.
Tacology is located on the top floor of the Brickell City Center, near the well-known bridge photo-op. This restaurant has a trendy setting and plenty of shops in the surrounding area. From shrimp tacos to sweet milkshakes, this place will leave your taste buds bursting with delight. Coyo Taco, a restaurant chain in South Florida, has plenty of taco options. With most of them coming in pairs, they are great to share with friends. Just a few weeks ago, they debuted a coco taco, which is a chocolate taco that is a great dessert choice. Coyo Taco is just a quick walk away, right across the street from campus.
If tacos aren’t your thing, Trivia Tuesdays at the Rathskeller might be. This is a great time to test your knowledge on all sorts of topics and to have some amazing food, organized and narrated by Hurricane Productions. Winners take home a $25 Rathskeller gift card, so if you enjoy being rewarded for your smarts with great food and drink, this is the event for you.
Wednesday
Just when the week starts to feel too long, the weekly farmer’s market can save you.
Located between Richter Library and the Shalala Student Center, the farmer’s market takes place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. every Wednesday, attracting students, faculty, and locals from the Coral Gables area.
With dozens of vendors in attendance, there are many options to choose from, including açaí, poke bowls, smoothies, crêpe stations, Greek food, fresh fruit, bulgogi and more. The market is great for any occasion: meeting up with friends, chowing down, or a quick snack while going over a class presentation.
Thursdays are jam-packed; though students are finishing up classes and work for the weekend, there is plenty of entertainment and excitement to make your workweek less stressful.
From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Patio Jams brings solo acts and bands to the Lakeside Patio for students and visitors to listen to. They play both original songs or classic covers.
Looking for some free merchandise? Hurricane Productions has you covered. They frequently host events on the patio, offering shirts, phone wallets, water bottles, free movie nights and more! They also host DJs, free smoothies or açaí bowls, and a variety of other events to make day- to-day life on campus extra special.
If you are looking for that typical college bar experience, you can head on over to Sandbar, a sports bar that turns into a nightclub every Thursday night. Come prepared — it gets a little sweaty and messy. For a more refined experience, explore Coconut Grove, Brickell and other areas of Miami for a fun and classy dinner.
Friday
Friday calls for celebration: you finally made it through. Try out Salsa Craze in the StormSurge room on campus where they host free salsa lessons. Practice your dancing with some experts.
If you have a light Friday schedule, it could make for a great day to go to the beach. Thankfully we have an abundance of them. Go to Matheson Hammock beach for a relaxing and nearby getaway. Try Key Biscayne for a serene escape. And of course, there’s South Beach for a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
South Beach is also a fun spot to grab dinner and hit the clubs. Some great recommendations include Pink Taco, Joe’s Stone Crab or Gianni’s. These can match any vibe, from chill to formal. For a historic meal, try the Versace Mansion.
Saturday
Wake up — it’s gameday! Saturdays at UM are notorious for football games and tailgates. Deck yourself out in orange and green and head over to a tailgate.
Tailgates often take place before the games on frat row, or you can head over to Hard Rock Stadium and set up a tent in the parking lot. Plenty of Miami locals go to the stadium and have a barbeque before games, and sometimes they give extra burgers, hot dogs, and other treats to students.
UM makes the trek to Hard Rock Stadium fairly simple. There are buses that leave from Lakeside’s Lobby A before the game, getting you to the stadium in about 35 minutes. These buses also start offering rides back to campus at the game’s halftime.
Category 5, our spirit and tradition organization, has a section that provides free merchandise and food. At games, Cat5 ramps up the spirit with the smoke cannons.
“As soon as ‘Pepas’ came blaring over the speakers at Hard Rock, it was my time to shine. I highly recommend everyone to take the chance to apply to do the smoke cannons,” said Sophomore Emma Craig. “It’s such a great way to show your school spirit.”
Whether the ’Canes win or lose, you can continue your Saturday night out at a jazz restaurant such as Lagniappe with a charcuterie board, or try a new place in Brickell, Wynwood or South Beach. Eateries such as 1-800 Lucky and Wynwood Marketplace provide a smorgasbord of options.
Sunday
If you’re looking for a Sunday morning meal with a show, go to a drag brunch.
“Go to Palace Miami in South Beach, or R House in Wynwood. They offer shows with brunch for package deals depending on the time and day you attend – they are amazing,” said Junior Kalliope Tsartis
From croissant sandwiches to flamingo platters, these spots give stellar presentation a whole new meaning. Make sure to bring a few extra dollars to tip the drag queens putting on a performance of a lifetime – they work hard.
For intimate spots to focus on friends and food while getting a great deal, try out American Social. It’s right along the water in Brickell and is a fun place to watch boats and yachts pass by. For a more artsy setting, try Little Hen, a flowery spot with luxurious pancakes and decoration. It’s an ideal spot to improve your Instagram game.
After that … get ready to do it all over again. That’s the beauty of college: everyone can bounce back quickly. So have fun, stay safe, and Go Canes!
words_jamie moses. design_isa márquez. illustration_melanie bergunker.
This article was published in Distraction’s Fall 2022 print issue.
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