Free Fun at UNM

By Adriana Romero

Walk among nature
UNM main campus is unique to New Mexico. The campus is full of beautiful, blooming greenery in the spring time. The Physical Plant Department maintains a campus arboretum hosting the Arizona Ash, Broadmoor Juniper, Carolina Poplar, Desert Willow, Eastern Redbud, and the Green Ash, to name a few.
Campus Arboretum: 505- 277-1066

Root for the Lobos!
Lobo athletic events are free to all UNM students that have a valid UNM ID. Men's basketball is now 18-3 and ranked #2 in the Mountain West Conference.

Tired of fighting for the tickets? Other sports to be on the lookout for during the spring semester are women's basketball, track and field, baseball, softball, ski team, and tennis.

For the Men's and Women's basketball games, students can also purchase up to three guest tickets for $10 each so you can join your student in the fun. Note: Some games are sold-out for the season.

For a game schedule, visit www.golobos.com and for other ticket information visit www.unmtickets.com

Opportunities for Involvement
Spring Storm and Fiestas are Saturday, April 24 starting at 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the entire day and evening. Students can sign up to volunteer at here as of the beginning of March. Students will be assigned to volunteer at the Animal Humane, American Red Cross, All Faiths Receiving Home, Boys and Girls Club, Catholic Charities, Endorphin Power co., etc.

Fiestas begin at 1 p.m. with bands and performers providing entertainment well into the night. Fiestas are hosted every year by ASUNM (UNM's student government) Student Special Events (SSE). They are constantly looking for volunteers and would greatly appreciate help with not just this event but other events that occur through the semester, call 505-277-5602.

Want to see what's going on with student groups on campus? Visit this website.

Want more interaction than just attending the gym and running on the treadmill or building muscle mass? Join an intramural team or a club sport. There is a plethora of options for teams and sports you can participate in. For more information follow this link.

Day time entertainment
Bands perform every Wednesday at NOON either on the south side of the Student Union Building (SUB) next to the statues or in the SUB Atrium, the lower floor (depending on the weather).

Battle of the Bands is Sunday, March 28, from 1 p.m.-11 p.m. The event is free to all students and held in the Student Union Building, Ballroom C. If you are interested in participating in the Battle of the Bands, either performing or volunteering, contact 505-277-5602 for Student Special Events.

Stargaze on Campus
Enjoy one of UNM's hidden treasures, the UNM Campus Observatory. Treat yourself to an evening under the stars without hassling with the city lights. The Observatory is located on Yale blvd NE with FREE parking in M lot during the Observatory hours. The facility is open every Friday during the spring semester (except for spring break March 26) from 7 -9 p.m. MST, 8 -10 p.m. MDT.

For more information call 505-277-1446 or visit http://panda.unm.edu/observatory/

Need new gear?
Gear In...Gear Out Sale! Participate in the largest Outdoor Shop/Bike Shop event of the year! This event is a way for you to sell your outdoor gear that is not needed and to buy someone else's gear you may need. Bring your used gear to the Outdoor Shop Wednesday, March 3 and Thursday, March 4 to register for the event. The big sale will be Friday, March 5. Exclusively for UNM students, faculty and staff. For more information call: 505-277-0178

Visit our Museums
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology is one of the nation's finest anthropology museums offering exhibits and programs relating to cultures around the world, with a special emphasis on the cultural heritage of the Southwest. For more information: 505-277-4405

The UNM Art Museum has close to 30,000 objects for viewers and visitors to enjoy. The Art Museum's mission is to "to educate about and through art, to directly support the academic programs of the University of New Mexico, to enrich the cultural life of the city and the state, and to contribute to the international scholarly community." For more information: 505-277-4001

Can't find fun at UNM? Doubtful, but then try a visit to Old Town!
Albuquerque has plenty of history to offer the citizens who live and tour the city. Albuquerque's Old Town dates to 1706 and offers opportunities for strolling, window shopping, and enjoying the small community's serenity. Plenty of local places to dine-in and enjoy!

Visit http://www.albuquerqueoldtown.com/ for more information.

No need to drive and look for parking either. Albuquerque offers Free Rapid Ride with a valid UNM ID to all students. For more information on the times of the Rapid Ride visit http://www.cabq.gov/transit/rapid-ride