Students often gripe and grumble about what’s not happening on campus. Most will point out that parking is impossible, food options are limited, and activities are scarce.

If some people took the time to stand back and see the bigger picture, they could be a bit more appreciative of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

There’s no place to park!

With gas prices these days, endlessly driving your car around to find that perfect spot is an utter waste. Take more initiative and plan ahead. It doesn’t hurt to wake up a few winks earlier than usual so you can get a coveted parking spot.

Never get any exercise, but don’t have time to go to the gym? Settling on a parking spot blocks away from campus is your opportunity to build those leg muscles. Parallel park that car and walk briskly to your next class.

Consider the UPass your next best friend. Most students picked up their bus passes at the Parking and Transit Center in the Union in the beginning of the semester. Still some others may have assumed they didn’t need one.

Think again.

Sure, you must wait like everyone else for the bus to pull up, but at least you don’t have to use that precious pocket money every day. You already paid to have a UPass with some of your tuition. Now all you have to do is use it.

What, I need more science? Why didn’t anyone tell me?

Another option that most students need to take advantage of is a helpful pool of advisers who strive to make your schedule work so that you can graduate.

Don’t take them for granted.

A common mistake that students run in to is signing up for classes that will not help them get closer to the end of their college career, said Jared Koldoff, an assistant for the College of Letters and Science.

If you aren’t sure of your major, that’s fine.

“That’s a part of college,” Koldoff said. “The first two years are about finding courses that you enjoy.”

Once you find where you feel the most energized and challenged, you’re already on the path toward success.

There’s nothing good to eat!

Everyone needs food, no one can argue with that. UWM serves students with an array of options within the Union and the Sandburg Hall, but that often does not satisfy all appetites.

Some students may think that the campus food options available are simply not enough. Have no fear: there are restaurants within walking distance! Jimmy John’s (which also delivers to campus), Noodles & Company, and Qdoba Mexican Grill are all affordable places perched off of Oakland Avenue.

Otherwise, meander around Downer Avenue to find different restaurants like Quizno’s Subs, Einstein Bros. and Lixx.

I’m sick of hanging out in the Union!

There is the question about activities — what is there to do? Some students may not venture off campus to explore the city of Milwaukee.

We are lucky to go to school in a big city. Students from other colleges may actually have an excuse for not finding anything to do. Students here do not.

It is time for students to open their eyes. Go downtown, to the East Side or Riverwest. There are bars, cafes and restaurants galore. And your UPass will get you a ride to pretty much anywhere in the city, right from campus.

I’m broke!

Are you the typical poor college student? Keep a sharp eye out for student discounts.

They are out there at movie theaters, restaurants and stores. Ask around and you may be surprised. Save up the dough, if needed. Rent a movie if you can’t afford to go to the theater.

Don’t take your college life for granted, because once you graduate, you may find bigger issues to worry about.

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