Ask Cat: The Vermont Cynic’s advice column.

Q: Best study spot on campus?

During my second semester at UVM, I got more acquainted with campus, and wandered into the newly restored Billings Library one afternoon before finals week.

Billings Library initially scared me because it is so incredibly quiet, but it forces me get all my work done.

Although Billings is closed on the weekends, feel free to wander in from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

No matter where you live on campus, you must know about the Howe Library.

Howe Library is the perfect place to study for any coffee-lover because the Cyber Cafe is nestled in a corner on the first floor.You can quench your thirst or give into your sweet tooth at the Cyber Cafe.

Q: When and how do you request roommates?

Through UVM’s website, MyResLife is where you will fill out everything from meal plans to room selections.

Roommate requests happen after you attend June orientation. By orientation you will be placed in a Learning Community.

After your orientation, from June 1 to June 30, first-years have the ability to go back and preference a roommate on their already completed housing contract.

Make sure you and your preferenced roommate are set to live in the same Learning Community. That’s the only way you can live together.

In case you don’t get placed with your preferred roommate, Trading Spaces gives you the opportunity to change your current living situation after June orientation.

Good luck!

Q: If there is one piece of advice for incoming first-years regarding dining on campus, what would it be?

One piece of advice I wish someone told me is to  save your retail points your first semester.

I know New World Tortilla is amazing, but don’t buy wraps every day. You will only be left with dining hall food after your first month of college.

If you run out of points, I have some dining hall hacks to help you.

For dorm room snacks, peanut butter is your best friend.

You can eat it with almost everything, including pieces of fruit you can take from the dining hall.

There are many local supermarkets, so grab your friends and get cooking!

Trader Joe’s and City Market are my personal favorites, but they tend to be a little pricey.

The newly built Target also has groceries, and they won’t hurt your budget.

No matter how you eat at UVM, make sure to budget your points and stock up on snacks!