UTM is in a quaint town with not much to do for entertainment. Or could there be entertainment that people aren’t telling you about?
The thing about UTM is that it is a small college in a small town, but there is always something going on around campus and the surrounding areas. Students just have to know what to look for and where to look.
One entertainment feature UTM offers is through a student-led organization known as the Student Activities Council, or SAC. They are always hosting events on campus to engage students in socializing with others. SAC hosts different game nights including UNO, poker, Halo and pool, and there are always prizes for the winners.
SAC also hosts Sunday night movie night. For students who are just trying to relax before the week begins, Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center shows a movie each Sunday for free.
There are also comedy routines called 9:09 that are on Thursday nights. In the past, 9:09 has taken part in many entertaining activities for students, such as a hypnotist, where students are able to see some of their friends up on stage under hypnosis, acting like complete fools in front of the audience, with no recollection of what they have done until they leave.
For those who don’t enjoy the comedy scene, UTM has something else to offer in terms of entertainment. Each semester, the Vanguard Theatre on campus puts on a play. In the past, the Vanguard Theatre has done “The Comedy of Errors” and “Almost, Maine.” For those who enjoy theater productions, this is an opportunity to see fellow students act, and now they will be held in the brand new Fine Arts Building.
For those who don’t enjoy movies, plays or game nights, the Student Recreation Center offers physical activities. There are so many different activities to get involved in at the SRC. For working out, there is a weight room with top-quality equipment. There are also four basketball courts where students can play a pick-up game of basketball or volleyball. For those interested in finding a group fitness class, there are a variety of classes to join. Some classes that are available include indoor cycling, Zumba and Tighten and Tone. Group fitness classes will begin the second week of class.
When looking for stores around Martin, be sure to check out the new Dollar Tree and E.W. James. They are located right behind Van’s Pharmacy and Huddle House on Skyhawk Parkway. For those on a tight budget, Dollar Tree is the spot to go. For a little extra on the price, E.W. James has top-quality brands and services, including an entrance to the new coffee shop in town, Higher Ground Coffee.
Another coffee shop that is local, The Looking Glass in downtown Martin, offers coffee as well, along with a bookstore inside and crafts to buy, made by locals.
When none of the above matches a student’s taste in entertainment, he or she can always go to the one place in town where many people from Martin can be found – Walmart. It is filled with aisles of groceries, clothes and other things to indulge spending in. It also has everything that students will need in order to survive college.
UTM is not an SEC school, and the town itself is not big. However, there are activities around campus and in the surrounding areas to do; it just might involve leaving the house and going on an adventure to find some entertainment.
Martin is a delightful little town. I’m from an even smaller town, and something I think a lot of people overlook is the different programs that their local churches offer for young adults. Many churches have countless events throughout the year; study groups, volunteer opportunities, outings, concerts, day trips, vacations, dinners, holiday activities, VBS, choir, and lock-ins. The list goes on and on. I know our young adult class takes at least two vacations per year, and they’re always having yard sales & car washes to raise money for different events. Whether they’re planning a trip to Florida or just going out to a movie; its all about having fun, forming lasting friendships, and helping the world around you. Plus, a lot of the leadership and volunteer work you do for these groups can be put on applications for scholarships and they can be immensely rewarding to you personally.