The University of Georgia has a student body of nearly 44,000 individuals, all pursuing different majors, learning experiences, interests, hobbies, and skills. To foster an environment where students and faculty alike can teach, learn, and participate in their community to their fullest potential, UGA has hundreds of resources, facilities, and other interesting perks that you can take advantage of.
However, because the university offers such a wide variety of these things in so many different locations, many students may not learn about everything the school has to offer them before they graduate. Below are a few of the resources that I have learned about in my fourth year at UGA that I wish I had learned about sooner, especially great for students living in off-campus housing and looking for a productive way to spend their time between classes.
The Digital Media Lab
Located on the third floor of the Zelle Miller Learning Center (MLC) 2 minutes from Sanford Stadium, the Digital Media Lab provides students with the space to create and edit digital media projects with access to the latest in multimedia software and hardware. In the lab, you will find a premium editing station alongside Mac workstations equipped with:
- Mac Pros and iMacs
- iMovie
- Garageband
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Microsoft Office 365
- Final Cut Pro
- Pro Tools
- Logic Pro
- Audacity
- Scanners
- MIDI Keyboards
- Video Capture Units for importing analog audio and video
The Digital Media Lab does not require reservations to use this space, so students may access the lab at any time during their posted operation hours.
Well-Being Hubs
UGA has over 20 different Well-Being Hubs with spaces to relax, study, craft, or even just get away from the business of campus. Each hub has its own features, such as...
- Massage chairs
- Comfortable seating areas
- Nap Pods
- Mindfulness and coloring activities
- Sensory tools
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Pedal exercisers
- Puzzles
- Snacks
- Collaborative or private work areas
No matter your year, major, or needs, these hubs welcome all members of the university community to enjoy their spaces. While some hubs function on a first come, first serve basis, others require reservations.
The Podcast Studio
Located on the 3rd floor of the MLC, the Podcast Studio gives students a place to professionally record or film a podcast with audio editing and recording hardware and software, including:
- OBS Studio
- ATEM Software Control
- Apple Mac Studio
- Rode Rodecaster Pro II - 4 person
- (4) SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphones
- HPA-4X2 4-Channel Stereo Reference Headphone Amplifier POHPA4X2
- (3) Blackmagic Design Micro Studio Camera 4k G2
- Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f 3 5-5 6 Power O I S Lens
- Feelworld 4K Ultrabright Touchscreen HDMI Monitor
While the studio is open to all UGA students and faculty, reservations are required and are available for up to two hours per session.
SGA's Professional Clothing Closet
Located on the second floor of the Tate Student Center, the SGA Professional Clothing Closet provides free, professional clothing for students by providing access to one outfit per academic year. This is especially helpful for UGA freshmen who are potentially interviewing or attending professional events for the very first time.
This volunteer-led project helps students succeed in their educational and career-focused goals by providing access to appropriate clothing and accessories needed for job interviews, work activities, professional meetings, and more, such as, but not limited to:
- Blazers and jackets
- Suits
- Slacks and dress pants
- Professional skirts and dresses
- Button-down shirts and blouses
- Collared shirts and cardigans
- Ties and belts
- Professional shoes
The Makerspace
The UGA Libraries Makerspace on the third floor of the MLC is an experiential, participatory learning environment where students can indulge in their creative, educational, and technological interests, all free of charge. The Makerspace inspires students' "curiosity, exploration, and innovative uses of technology to support the research and academics at UGA.
Here, you can experiment with equipment such as, but not limited to:
- 3D printing
- Laser cutting
- Sewing and embroidery machines
- Vinyl cutting
- Microcontrollers and mini-computers
Whether you're just starting or you're close to graduation, learning about and benefiting from all of the features at The University of Georgia will make your college experience even better than it already may be!