The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic
The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic
The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic
1
University Heights and Central Campus residence halls repurposed for upcoming eclipse.

UVM to rent out dorm rooms for eclipse, affected students seek alternative accommodations

2
A disturbing college phenomenon: Sex with a roommate in the room

A disturbing college phenomenon: Sex with a roommate in the room

3
Live Updates: Students hold encampment for divestment on Andrew Harris Commons

Live Updates: Students hold encampment for divestment on Andrew Harris Commons

4
Mini opinions: what UVM should have done with the money they spent on the new logo

Mini opinions: what UVM should have done with the money they spent on the new logo

5
Students delivered copies of the transparency letter to several administrative offices in the Waterman building Apr 12.

Students rally for UVM investment transparency

UVM Desire Paths

Emily Kobus, Co-Photo Editor
October 5, 2023
A+winding+path+off+of+South+Prospect+leading+into+a+field+on+Redstone%E2%80%99s+campus.%0A
Emily Kobus
A winding path off of South Prospect leading into a field on Redstone’s campus.

While commonly overlooked, the worn dirt path beneath your feet on a walk across campus reveals the stories of students before us, in defiance of the traditional path—or lack thereof. 

When urban planners do not satisfy the needs and desires of pedestrians, the people will create their own walkway. Whether their purpose is efficiency, addressing the lack of a path or simple civil disobedience, desire paths have certainly found their way onto UVM’s campus.

In an effort to create a comprehensive guide of UVM’s desire paths, I spent a week exploring every corner of campus with my camera—not only taking note of the paths, but observing the intent and direction of the people who used them.

Curving around Coolidge Hall, this path is used by students to get to and from the CATBus stop outside of Redstone Lofts.
(Emily Kobus)
Desire paths often expose the lack of accessible walkways, as seen at the end of this crosswalk by the Fleming Museum.
(Emily Kobus)
A student walks through a worn-down patch of grass towards Cohen Hall.
(Emily Kobus)
Many dirt trails have appeared on the Central campus green seemingly due to congestion on the sidewalks between classes. (Emily Kobus)
A steeper rocky path leading down into the Waterman parking lot far from the parking lot’s stairs.
(Emily Kobus)
Two paths in opposite directions leaving UHeights South on Athletic campus.
(Emily Kobus)
Fallen leaves line a path cutting across a small green towards the Catholic Center.
(Emily Kobus)
Footprints can be seen in the dirt on this shortcut to the entrance of Williams Hall. (Emily Kobus)
A long and busy desire path off a sidewalk by Mann Hall on the way to Trinity campus.
(Emily Kobus)
Various paths take shape on the way down the hill to McAuley Hall.
(Emily Kobus)
More to Discover
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Live Updates: Students hold encampment for divestment on Andrew Harris Commons
Live Updates: Students hold encampment for divestment on Andrew Harris Commons
Stop romanticizing mental illness
Stop romanticizing mental illness
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Put kids in danger
Photo Illustration: UVM expects to generate $290 million in revenue from net tuition money this year.
Where does my tuition money go? A breakdown of student fees
The tuition increase will intensify UVMs existing wealth gap
The tuition increase will intensify UVM's existing wealth gap
Students delivered copies of the transparency letter to several administrative offices in the Waterman building Apr 12.
Students rally for UVM investment transparency
More in Multimedia
Mollys illustration of a star reminding themselves who they are.
Comic of the Week: "you're a star!"
You can often find sophomore Erin Wong (@nailz.by.erin) with incredible nail designs she paints herself, but she paints nails for other students as well.
Through the lens: student nail artists
A photographer attaches his camera to a large telescope in Battery Park.
Through the Lens: pre-eclipse preparations
Meaghans comic about the beanie effect at UVM.
Comic of the Week: "The Beanie Effect"
Crowds yell in disbelief during totality.
Eclipse on campus: how students celebrated a once in a lifetime event
The first few moments of totality.
Total solar eclipse moon phases
More in Photo Gallery
Footprints in the snow leading up to the house from the frozen pond.
A weekend away in St. J
The second room of the public portion of the greenhouse is warm and full of life.
Winter Time Greens
A dorm mini fridge covered in various stickers and magnets
A Sticky Situation
Desire paths are paths created by pedestrians near a designated walkway, but are slightly altered in their direction for convenience.
Winter Desire Paths
Bird Bikes serve as a sustainable and affordable transportation option to college students and other community members.
Chirp chirp: Bird Bikes infiltrate Burlington
A UVM student casually skating in front of the Grossman School of Business Oct. 10.
Skateboarding Around Vermont
About the Contributor
Emily Kobus
Emily Kobus, Co-Photo Editor
(She/her)  Emily Kobus is a sophomore public communication major, concentrating in community media and journalism and minoring in political science. She began her work at the Cynic as a staff photographer before taking on the role of photo editor. In her free time, Emily enjoys writing, café hopping and exploring the outdoors. Email [email protected] to get in contact with Emily.

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