Ways you may know you are in Buffalo: a smell of moist air; exquisite architectural design; unique cultural offerings; distinctive delicacies involving unbreaded chicken covered in a vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce; overcast skies during the winter and clear skies during the summer, in which clouds seem strikingly close to you.
Many students at UB are well acquainted with the many particularities of the City of Good Neighbors - but those tend to be the students from around Buffalo. Unfortunately, many of the students who aren't from the area can feel trapped on campus - unable to really explore all that this incredible city has to offer.
And that is a shame.
There is no denying that UB is isolated, and it would have been much better for the city if the university was built downtown years ago. It was not, though, and this only means students have to work harder to extend their experiences beyond the parameters of campus.
Buffalo is an incredibly fertile place. For those from big cities, it may seem deceptively small. But it has garnered endless love and reverence from its residents for years. And it has earned the admiration of its visitors for long, too.
In order for students to make the most of their college experiences here, they should really get off campus and see Buffalo for everything that it is.
Buffalo is noted for its architectural beauty. No person should spend four years here and never visit some of its historic landmarks. Esteemed architect Franklin Lloyd Wright has designed buildings all over town. Every student should make sure they get to see the Martin House Complex in the city and the Graycliff Estate in Derby.
And scattered throughout the city, there are gems of old world craftsmanship, such the Guaranty Building designed by Louis Sullivan and the Buffalo State Hospital designed by H.H. Richardson.
Not only are there powerful images of exquisite structural designs to leave you impressed, but there are also many cultural offerings in Buffalo that provide Buffalonians an endless supply of equipment for living.
There is the stunning Shea's Performing Arts Center to enjoy stage performances and Kleinhans Music Hall to experience acoustic perfection.
There is the opportunity to learn about art at the extraordinary Albright-Knox Art Gallery, one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary art in the United States.
And living in Buffalo should render you well practiced at mastering the art of Buffalo-wing eating. Yes, there is an art to it. In fact, you must be aware that here in Buffalo, many do not call them Buffalo wings. No, they call them "chicken wings." Or, simply, "wings."
It is an utter necessity that you at least once visit Anchor Bar and Duff's Famous Wings. It has long been the subject of much debate amongst Buffalonians over which of these two restaurants reigns supreme. And this goes beyond Buffalo. Even the Travel Channel dedicated an episode of "Food Wars" to this conundrum.
Duff's won. But don't let that influence your decision. See for yourself.
And of course, don't let yourself not experience what Buffalo is widely noted for throughout the globe: its sporting events.
There is a saying around here that Buffalo is "a drinking town with a football problem." While many of us our frustrated with the problems that permeate our two professional franchises here, there is no ambiguity about the extraordinary experience it is to be at a game.
Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park - home to the Buffalo Bills - has a tailgating experience that makes all others seem like child's play. But the energy and vibrancy and spirit that electrifies the stadium during games has the power of inducing a transcendent experience.
First Niagara Center downtown, home of the Buffalo Sabres, is the consummate venue for a hockey game and often has a Party in the Plaza, where fans gather and demonstrate their fanhood through outlandish behavior and raucous activities, before big games.
"Raucous activities" tend to be something college students know a thing or two about, and attending these sporting events will likely be a fun time for any UB student, regardless of if he or she is a fan of Buffalo teams.
But there are many other types of activities that students should engage in to broaden their horizons and expand their worldviews. And this is something you will realize once you get out of the UB bubble: There is a whole world in Buffalo.
email: editorial@ubspectrum.com
