College life more than school

Daily Lobo

Students shouldn't have a problem finding things to do at UNM, said Ryan Lindquist, associate director of student activities.

"I guarantee that there is something students will get involved with that they will enjoy," he said. "And if there is not, we'll help them start a group."

There are more than 400 student groups at UNM, from political groups such as the College Republicans to intramural sports clubs like the Cricket Club and Mountaineering Club.

Student Ashten Pick said she is not a member of any clubs but still uses UNM facilities for recreation, especially the tennis courts and the gym.

Pick said she wants to get involved in ASUNM - the undergraduate student government - but school keeps her too busy.

"I think getting involved is a really good idea, but you also have to find a balance," she said. "It's weird, because I was really involved in high school. But ultimately, college is where you really have to get down to business. If you're not focused enough, there's a good chance you won't graduate."

However, Lindquist said participating in campus activities is an important part of the college experience.

"Not many students, when they think back on their college years, will think about the algebra class they didn't understand," he said. "They're going to think about the concert they went to, hanging out at the Duck Pond with their friends, socializing - that's the part of college students will remember 20 to 30 years down the line."

Derek Weems, a graduate of the UNM School of Law, said he spent his free time as a student playing with his dog.

"Grad students are just a really different crowd than undergraduates," he said. "It seems like they have a lot for students to do, but I'm just not sure I want to go to a pep rally."

Undergraduate students pay $20 a semester to ASUNM that is disbursed to chartered student groups, according to the Bursar's Office Web site.

UNM also has a movie theater, a swimming pool, weight rooms and two pool halls.