A Walk Around Ramapo

By Marissa Krasny

I often get asked on tours why I chose Ramapo to be where I spent the next 4 years of my life after high school. My answer tends to list many separate reasons, and always among those reasons is the scenery.  I love the mix of modern and traditional buildings, the lush nature, and the glass windows found in great supply, and how it just evokes a sense of home. While I am a self admitted homebody, our campus’ beauty draws you out and makes you want to explore, so I often find myself taking walks throughout campus.

My favorite spot to start my walk once I leave my dorm is the Grove, which is the large sprawling field in the heart of campus. It’s surrounded by our academic complex and houses our famous Arch, Birch Mansion, and two statues! Students spend hours there when the weather is nice. The lounge chairs fill up fast, but that does not deter our students, who will complete their work sitting on the lush grass and enjoy the communal feel that Ramapo has in spades.

After spending some time in the Grove, I often walk around the corner and make a stop at our Dunkin Donuts, housed in our Adler Center. The Dunkin Donuts came to Ramapo about a month after I did and it quickly became a campus favorite amongst us Roadrunners. The up to date menu always promises new and exciting items for us to enjoy throughout the day. The fact that it takes our Flex Money from our meal plans is just icing on the cake (or the donut!).

After securing my Dunkin drink of choice, I go straight past the Anisfield School of Business and take the trail on the other side of the road. The trail is a hidden gem of Ramapo and will lead you past Mackin and Bischoff to the Sculpture Studio across the road. If you go off the beaten path of this trail, you can find small pockets of nature that will offer a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of college life. My personal favorite is a little pond of sorts that houses so many tadpoles it’s impossible to count.I discovered it my freshman year, and it’s relaxing aura made it a personal favorite spot. I hope when you come to Ramapo you can explore all we have to offer, and find your favorite spot.

Categories: RASA