Best Of UB

Category: Best Library

Spectrum Opinion: Oscar A. Silverman Library, Capen Hall

            Oscar A. Silverman Library, better known as Capen, is UB's undergraduate library. Open 24 hours, the library is perfect for study sessions at all hours.

            The four-story library, accessible by the street level entrance of Capen Hall, has areas devoted to group study or silent studying to suit everyone's needs. The library is also a printing hub for students and faculty, so computer access becomes scarce in the 10 minutes before and after classes in the early afternoon. Centrally located on campus, Capen is the perfect place to meet for group projects that may require computer or printer access.

Category: Best Pizza

Spectrum Opinion: La Rosa Pizzeria, The Commons

            While there are many establishments at UB that serve pizza, taking a walk over to The Commons for La Rosa Pizza is worth the hike. Serving a variety of traditional and specialty pies, La Rosa is certain to have a satisfying slice.

            Eat-in or call ahead and order a whole pie to take to a study session. La Rosa offers many specials each week, so be sure to stop in to get a good slice at a good price.

Category: Best Vegetarian

Spectrum Opinion: Edgy Veggies, Student Union

            The simplicity of Edgy Veggies' build-your-own salad proves to be one of the tastiest options on campus. Located inside Putnam's in the Student Union, it is one of the newest additions to UB.

            Pick a leafy green, add several healthy toppings, select from a slew of dressing options, and enjoy. Because the customer gets to pick their own fresh ingredients (protein options are included), Edgy Veggies is a great pick for vegetarians and "meatetarians" alike.

Category: Best Place to Chill

Spectrum Opinion: Student Union, 3rd Floor

            Looking for a place to socialize without getting sucked into the loud vortex of the Student Union? Simply trudge up a couple flights of stairs to the third floor – a location that is surprisingly quiet and exceptional for people watching.

            The open space of the third floor of the SU slightly echoes the energy from the bottom floor and the seats around the railings are perfect for sitting and chatting with a friend. Some use the space for napping, reading, or even eating lunch.

Category: Best Dining On The Spine

Spectrum Opinion: Pistachio's, Student Union, 2nd Floor

            Newly renovated, Pistachio's is a student staple for lunch at UB. The eatery is divided into a pasta station and a sandwich station, each of which offer made-to-order meals fresh every day. Sandwiches and pastas are both customizable and delicious, often with lines going out the door (although it does move quickly).

            Try to hit Pistachio's at an off-hour for great food without the wait. Pistachio's sandwich station also offers freshly pressed paninis with familiar flavors such as buffalo chicken or Mediterranean cuisine. Overall, Pistachio's is the place to be for a delicious afternoon meal.

Category: Best Dining Hall

Spectrum Opinion: Goodyear Dining Hall, South Campus

            College dorm dining halls have a nasty reputation for serving up flavorless food and having limited selections. Goodyear Dining Hall, located on South Campus, refreshingly breaks the mold. Goodyear changes the selections often (there are different "themed" meals every night), and allows students to choose what appeals to them. Anyone searching for a good dining hall meal should hop the Stampede to South Campus and enjoy Goodyear Dining Hall.

Category: Best Parking

Spectrum Opinion: Cooke Lots

            Although the argument can certainly be made that there are no good places to park at UB, the Cooke Lots are the lesser of all evils. While convenience of location rides upon a student's individual schedule, Cooke Lots sit right on the western edge of the Spine near NSC and Cooke, and is a quick jaunt from the entrances to both buildings – perfect in a Buffalo winter.

            Cooke happens to be one of the last lots to fill up during the morning rush and has a steady flow of turnover, so a spot can be found at almost any time of day for anyone willing to wait a couple minutes and stalk a couple people to their cars.

Category: Best Gym

Spectrum Opinion: Alumni Arena

            The combination of cardio machines on the upper level, weight lifting on the lower, an indoor track wrapping around the top of the main gym, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and courts for racquet sports Alumni supplies students with the latest in fitness equipment.