And for the Hungry Grad ...

Bowling Green does have a variety of restaurants that are not only decent, they're good enough to become a new favorite. Generally, restaurants are either located downtown, or on Cambell Lane and Scottsville Road.

The options below vary greatly in how "high-end" the options are, what they cost, and what the atmosphere it. The top three I dubbed as favorites are good for any night of the week, while I'd consider the others to be more of a weekend spot.

My Favorites:

1. Taj Palace 2800 Scottsville Rd Ste 8 Bowling Green, KY 42104 (270) 843-2233

Whether you've never tried Indian food or you're a long-time devotee to the magic of pakoras and paneer, you'll find some awesome digs at this local South Indian restaurant. They offer a lunch buffet to die for, and off-the-menu ordering for dinner.

• Super vegetarian friendly
• Price range: $3-4 appetizers; $8-12 entrees; average beer selection and prices w/limited wine options (in other words, go for the food)
• Immediate seating always available
• Great service, more ambient than other local digs
• Dishes to try: Vegetable pakoras for appetizers; Malai Kofta, Saag Paneer, Vegetable Korma, and Tikka Masala for entrees; Mango Laasi for nonalcoholic but delicious drink

Getting There: Taj is located in a strip mall behind Starbucks. From campus, take Nashville Rd to Cambell Ln, then turn Right on Scottsville. Pass the mall. You'll come to a stoplight that has a Fazoli's, Starbucks, and Chuck's Wine & Spirits. Turn Left and look for the small strip mall (not the one w/the bowling

2. Garcias 1689 Campbell Ln Bowling Green, KY (270) 842-6100

While BG has many Mexian restaurants, Garcias is the best (though I'm gonna give El Mazatlan, located way up 31-W, a very honored second place). While other places have greasy refried beans and less than exceptional offerings, Garcias much smaller menu offers amazing options from the grill. Dishes come with seasoned black beans in place of the killer refried alternative, and food is always infused with that grill flavor.

• Spectacular, most-amazing-in-the world salsa -- you'll eat two bowls, at least.
• $2 margaritas on Tuesdays.
• Nice atmosphere.
• Immediate seating, awesome service.
  
• Price range: Varies widely depending on your choice; entrees are $5.95 - 14.95. Libation situation es bueno.
• To try: Fish tacos, crab cakes, any fajita of your choice (they're great), vegetable quesadilla
  

How to get there: Very easy. From campus, take Nashville Rd. to Cambell Ln. Drive past Target, then turn Right into the small strip mall in front of Walmart, directly across from TJ Maxx and Barnes and Noble. You'll see a Kinkos and a Hollywood Video, plus Garcias.

3. Samurai 2718 Scottsville Rd Bowling Green, KY (270) 782-5004

Among BG's many Japanese offerings, I rate Samurai the best. For one, it's a mix of Japanese and Korean, which means that it has about twice as many options. When you enter, they'll ask if you want the hibachi or sushi side. Hibachi side is, as you might have guessed, seating around a hibachi grill. Sushi side is regular tables, many of which are in view of the sushi bar.

• Wide-ranging menu with both sushi and sashimi, as well as tons of hot options.
• Immediate seating.
• Price range: Sushi prices are standard, $3-6 p/roll. Entrees vary from $7 - 16, depending on what you order.
• To try: Crunchy shrimp roll, sukiyaki donburi for the beef eaters (don't be afraid to try the Korean hot sauce that comes with it), and Unagi Donburi for those more adventurous -- this dish comes with eel, shrimp, plus tons of other vegetables and meats, all arranged impressively.
  

How to get there: The same as Taj, however Samurai is located in the BIG strip mall with the bowling alley.

Other Great Places Worthy of Endorsement:

Brickyard Cafe: Mediterranean/New American Eclectic. Great options, more refined and ambient, and lacking in large student groups. Located in the downtown area, near campus. Try the Goat Cheese appetizer, or the Calamari. Best for date night. Reservations recommended on Friday & Saturday nights. Entree price: $12 - 16.

Mariah's: A B.G. staple also located downtown, plus amazing wheat rolls. Also locate downtown. A variety of menu options, though most are general American classic. This place is popular among all, so you can expect a wait on Friday and Saturday nights. Check out their website. Entree price: $8-16.

You & Me: The local favorite for high-quality pizza. This isn't Dominos -- the menu offers twenty-something pizza options, ranging from $12 -16, depending on size. Go for anchovies, or stick to classic options like margarite and four-cheese. Gorgeous restaurant with great decor.


Mandolin: Yet another downtown place, though this one has awesome Italian offerings. The restaurant is a renovation of an old house, and the interior is beautiful. With higher-end pricing, this place is best saved for date night rather than gathering with buds after night class.

Royal Thai: For Thai-food fanatics, this will tide you over. Coconut curry options are a local favorite. Beware: When they ask how spicy you want it, don't choose "native Thai" unless you know what you're bargaining for.

Where's that Building?

Alas, I can't really provide you with anything more informative than the basic campus map, located here.

Your primary buildings of concern will be thus:

• Cherry Hall - Home of the English department (as well as History, Religion & Philosophy). This is where you'll work, take classes and have an office. This will be the epicenter of your life. Computer lab located within.
• Potter Hall - Where you pay the bills! Located a few buildings away from Cherry.
• DUC (Downing University Center on the map) - Home of the ID Center, campus post office, bowling alley, large dining facilities, and The Learning Center. If you are tutoring for the Writing Center as part of your assistantship, you might likely have some hours here.
• Helm/Cravens Library - While these are technically two seperate libraries, they're joined by an indoor bridge and located right next to each other. Computer lab located within.

For most of you, this will be the extent of your on-campus adventures. Majority of the other buildings will be irrelevant to your studies and activities.

Big Red ID: The Card, Dining Dollars, Big Red Dollars, etc.

Every WKU students (or faculty member) must have a WKU Big Red ID. You can get this ID from the ID Center, located in DUC (Downing University Center).

The card has several functions, some of which are optional, but many of which all students will use th card for. In all transactions on campus, there is a chance that whatever office you're working with may ask to see your ID.

You'll definitely need to use your card for:

• getting a parking permit
• all functions of the library (book checkout, laptop checkout, etc.)
• getting into the gym (the Preston Center, if you're not familiar)
• getting discounts at various locations, local and in Nashville
• accessing personal information
• picking up packages

Should you choose to get a meal plan, dining dollars, or Big Red dollars. No doubt WKU has sent you some information about these options, and you may still be deciding whether or not to purchase them. Obviously, we can't tell you what's best for you. Assess your own needs. Generally speaking, I've never known any grad students who used these options -- they're generally designed for people who live on campus in dorms that don't allow for much cooking.

A meal plan, dining dollars or Big Red dollars may be good for you if you:

• don't cook much, and/or don't plan on (or want to) bring your own lunch
• plan on being on campus every day, not just for class
• aren't a picky eater

On the other hand, they may not be worth the money if you:

• cook somewhat frequently at home
• plan to or are considering bringing your own lunch from home
• won't be on campus every day, or will only be there for limited times
• are more selective with your diet

While WKU does have several dining facilities, majority of them are located down the hill. As English students, you'll be spending most of your time in Cherry Hall, at the top of the hill. The only facilities nearby are at Garret Food Court and Subway.

Garrett Food Court has:

• Home Zone (think cornbread, lots of chicken & meatloaf, varieties of potatoes)
• Pasta place, name of which I can't remember (two sauce options, choice of meats and veggies)
• Mexican food, also nameless at the moment (build-your-own tacos, burritos, nachos, and other usual fare)
• Pizza place -- usually about five or six options, two of which are vegetarian
• Burger place -- need I say more?
• Miscellaneous cooler options (salads, wraps, sandwiches, yogurts, fruits, etc.)

SO -- if you think you'll be eating at these locations frequently (once a day), consider going with some type of Big Red currency, be it Dining Dollars or Big Red Dollars. If this is a once-a-week thing, I'd just stick with cash or debit rather than putting money into accounts that you can't retrieve. The options can be limiting, and these facitilities are generally super packed all hours of the day, meaning long lines and limited seating

For more technical information straight from the horse's mouth, visit the WKU card webpage.

How the heck do I park on campus?

In picture: DUC (at left), Parking Garages (at right).

In addition to offering undergraduates and graduates a wide variety of degree programs, WKU prides itself on maintaining the great American tradition that so many historical campuses have played a pivotal role in: not so awesome parking.

Most of you will be familiar with the situation of campus parking, generally speaking, so I assume you're really looking for information on parking permits and lots. Graduate students need to get commuter passes (Yellow, if you're looking on the color-coded map).

• You can find all the information you need at the WKU Parking & Transportation website, plus you can order your parking pass online.

• For a map of which parking lots you can use, click here.

Luckily, WKU has recently been investing in expanding parking, including a new parking garage near DUC.

For hopping around campus to run errands (such as getting your new ID, returning books) there are several short-term parking areas. These are metered spots that will allow you to park for up to 30 minutes. Assuming you've got some coins in the car, these can be much more convenient than parking in distant lots and walking around the hill.

Big Investments: Book buying

In all seriousness, buying your textbooks each semester does not have to be such a heartbreaking event. There are, of course, the same options you probably had at your undergraduate university.

• Buy 'em at [Insert Name of Local Bookstore]. If it's what you want, you can certainly go this route. We have several local bookstores that specialize in textbook sales, used and new. The official WKU bookstore is located in DUC (Downing University Center), about half way down the hill from Cherry. There are also three other textbook stores, one of which is about a two-minute walk from the WKU bookstore.
  

• Buy 'em online. As you've probably discovered, buying used books online can sometimes be the most cost efficient route. The con is that you have to order them in advanced and can't run by the store to pick them up. If you're new to online textbook purchasing, here are some sites you might consider trying:
  
• Amazon.com
• Half.com
• Bookthief.com

If you want to go ahead and check out the reading list for a class you're taking next semester, you can do so online:

1. Go to http://www.bookstore.wku.edu/ and choose the semester and course number of the class.
   
2. Once you get the list of books, copy/paste the ISBN number into whichever site you're shopping with. This will ensure that you get the correct edition, as opposed to using the title or author only.

Night Life...

(Note: Not actual image from Bowling Green, or any place remotely accessible.)

As a graduate student, I really haven't placed a priority on my social life. Since you've taken the initiative to embark on post-baccalaureate education, I can guess that bar hopping isn't too high on your list of interests. These things notwithstanding, taking a break from studying, reading, writing, and reading some more can be a necessity. Bowling Green offers a variety of bars most of whom cater to a collegiate crowd. This basically means that on any given night you may find one or two of them offering some sort of "All You Can Drink" special. If you enjoy loud music, mostly belligerent people, and a crowded, smoky room, than these are the nights you should venture out into. Personally, I tend to seek respite from school in other environments.

While Bowling Green is not a mecca of art and culture, we do have fantastic opportunities to watch and/or listen to various talented people in the community, including Western. Our department of theatre and dance works hard throughout both semesters and usually puts on at least two or three shows per semester. We also have the Public Theatre of Kentucky whose company is small, but productions are usually pretty great. Also, the theaters in Nashville provide larger productions with discounted tickets for students.

As you settle into your new home in Bowling Green, you may notice many people discussing Nashville. Nashville is only 45 minutes to an hour away from Western and offers a slew of things to do. The city's selection of bars, dance clubs, restaurants, shopping, art, culture, and music is tempting, accessible, and a relief to those who may feel B.G. is too small. Vanderbilt University, located on the West Side, is a great place to see even more drama, dance, and art. If you like malls, Nashville has four ranging from typical to high-end. Most of the 'fancier' chain restaurants like P.F. Chang's, Ruth's Chris, J. Alexanders, Cheesecake Factory, and Olive Garden are located in Nashville. It's a great city that's relatively safe, affordable, and accessible.

Finally, finding things to do in B.G. is made a lot easier when you're a G.A.. We tend to flock together periodically for dinner and conversation, which makes it easier to cope with homesickness, boredom, or fuzzy eyes (from reading so much). Again, if you're looking for something else that we haven't discussed on here, let us know!

Where is my office?

When I began as a G.A., I had basic questions like: Where is my office? When can I move in? Where do I get my keys? When do I talk to the professor I'm assisting? When do I start? So, in the true spirit of websites, this post will take on a 'Q and A' design. Please comment with more 'basic' questions you may have for Tara or me.


Where is my office?

Your biggest allies in the English department when you start are going to be Kimberly Boswell and Tomitha Blair. Kimberly is technically the assistant to the department head; Tomitha's official title might be office manager. Both are great at guiding new G.A.s in their quests for placement. It was Kimberly who gave me the information about my office location sometime in early August. You will need to go down to the key shop located in the weird and wild basement of the old parking structure. On the map, it's the structure that is to the right of Diddle Arena when standing on the inner campus. Once ascertaining said keys, it's alright to go check out your new space.

Most likely (in fact, it is almost certain) you will be sharing your office with another G.A.. This may seem awkward at first, but most of the time you will be on different schedules. And when you're in there together, it's nice to have someone to talk to. The offices run from mid- to closet-sized. Some have more furniture than floor space. As is specified in your letter, the department will provide you with access to a computer. This normally works out to one PC per office. Most of the offices I've seen come with at least one book shelf. Keep in mind that this is the world of academia: windows, carpet, new furniture, non-florescent lighting, and comfortable seating are not priorities. The space is yours (and your officemate's). Adding rugs, pictures, books, and lamps are all things other G.A.s and profs have done to make their spaces more comfortable.


When can I move in?

As soon as you get your keys, it is okay to start settling in your office. Kimberly or Tomitha can provide you with the name of the person with whom you will be sharing space. My advice would be to meet with him or her to discuss moving things around and establishing what desk area/ space will be whose. If you are moving into an office already embodied by a G.A. (I, for instance, have an empty half), it would probably be a good idea to meet with him or her before taking over what might already be claimed.


When do I talk to the professor I'm assisting?

At least two of you will be assigned to a certain professor who oversees a special project (one for the Victorian Newsletter and the other for the Writing Project). These positions just so happen to be previously held by Tara and me, respectively. E-mailing your new quasi-boss would be beneficial, and I suggest mid-August as a good time to contact him or her. He or she will get you acquainted with your job, duties/tasks, and 2nd office (bonus individual space for these 'special' positions). Also, contacting the person who previously held these positions is a good idea. He or she will be able to give you any tips, tricks, or advice for getting through the year. Most of the time, the G.A. knows more about what duties you will be performing than the professor because the professor has not done them since before he or she required an assistant.


When do I start work?

The first week of class. I know, it will be overwhelming, but everyone here (including the professors and especially Dr. Oakes) knows and understands the chaos that is the first week of Fall. If you take care of settling the keys to your office, moving some things in, and familiarizing yourself with the building and campus, the duties and details of beginning work won't seem as bad.

Again, I tried to think of some of the basic questions I had when I began. Ask us via the comments options if you have any more inquiries that most of us forget we even had.

Apartment Shopping in Bowling Green

When it comes to finding an apartment here, there are three routes to discovery:

1. Scour the Bowling Green Daily News classifieds.
   
2. Word-of-mouth
3. Drive around looking for "For Rent" signs

Option three is no doubt the most expensive of these options, so I suggest #1 and #2. As for well-known apartment areas in Bowling Green, there are a few different types. Because Bowling Green is a college town, there are tons of megaplexes. These are generally four-bedroom suite apartments where each tenant has their own lease to their bed-and-bath suite. The common area - kitchen, living room and balcony - is shared with three other roomates who you choose or who are chosen for you. Some of these megaplexes are The Gables, The Registry, Western Place and Campus Pointe. Most of the occupants tend to be undergraduates, generally sophmores to seniors, and the buildings are known for their noise levels. There is some good, some bad.

Pros of the megaplexes:

• Cheap, quick and easy. You walk in any day of the week and leave an hour later with an apartment. No need to worry about roomates, hookups, etc.
• Flat, single-person rent rate, generally between $300 and $385 per month.
• All utilities, internet and cable are included in the price.
• Fully furnished with bed, couches, dressers, etc.

And the cons would be:

• Little choice in roomates, unless you already know three other people in need.
• Tendency toward loud, partying neighbors.
• Limited to little parking.
• A hermit experience. (Personally speaking, when you live with three people you don't know well, you wind up using the common area less and spending more time in your suite. This ends up feeling like a very expensive dorm room.)
• STERILE. The apartments feel like doctor's offices, usually. (Campus Pointe's not so bad.)
• Not always so condusive to studying.

As far as word of mouth, you can definitely shop around via other people's experiences. I've lived in several different apartments over here and am finally happy with my current place. My landlord/property manager is awesome. Not only do they have great properties at good prices, they're excellent managers who are flexible with leases. Best of all, they respond immediately to any phone call you have about the apartment. In the past, I've called them for a broken toilet lever and messed up central heat and air unit. Each time, they came over and fixed it within 45 minutes. Recently I contacted them about our dishwasher not cleaning well, and they replaced it the very next day. Of all my property managers, they're the most respectful I've ever had. (At my old place on Nashville Rd., the landlord would key into the apartment anytime he wanted. It was knock-knock, pause for 25 seconds, key in.) Plus our apartment is a great place. We have a large, spacious two-bedroom within walking distance of campus for $485/month. I've paid more for a lot less in Bowling Green.

If you want to contact my property managers about available places, call Ms. Kim/M.L. Management at (270)535-0128.

Other options are generally grouped by areas of apartments.

• Downtown/Around Campus: This includes most addresses on numbered streets (13th St., etc.) plus a variety of other names like Chestnut and University. Generally any "street" (rather than "way" or "avenue") addresses around campus are in this location. These are all old structures, as there's little to no new construction in this area. These apartments tend to be either recently renovated, or not, which you can interpret. Their are definitely radically different possibilities for this location. I don't mean to discourage; my friend has an amazing apartment in this area. Generally speaking, you can gauge the apartment's place on the spectrum based on price.
• Downtown/Around the Square: These tend to be really nice, really expensive loft aparments. If it's in your price range, you definitely won't be disappointed. Be warned, however, that they do carry heft rent prices, generally starting at $600-$700 per month and up.
• Around the Mall: There are a lot of complexes around the mall. You'll recognize these in the classifieds because they usually boast the proximity of shopping. These places can be good because they're generally pretty nice, convenient for newcomers who only know the main roads and, as promised by the advertisement, they're near major stores. However, if you plan on a daily trip to campus, the traffic can be a dillemna. If you get caught during lunch or commute hours, it may take you twice as long to cross town.

And, of course, there are other areas that I haven't mentioned on here. Generally speaking, though, these are the most apartment-populated areas. If you have found something in the newspaper that you'd like more information on before you come to Bowling Green, just send me an email.