Admissions Counselor Lindsay Cohen said students need to “make sure to stay on top of work and not slack off,” since “senioritis” does tend to become an issue for those in the last year of high school.

Some anxious high school seniors also forget about other important aspects of their college career, such as finalizing their acceptance at the college they wish to attend or filling out important forms.

“Get your financial aid together and look for a part-time job for the summer,” said Kathleen Hastings, assistant director of admissions counseling. “In addition, stay in contact with your college and fill out all the needed paperwork.”

These pieces of the admissions process tend to be easily forgotten, or at least become an aspect that parents constantly remind their children to work on—and who wants that? Even though preparing for college is an enjoyable experience, high school seniors need to remember that the small issues that come with being accepted need to be finalized as well.

And one more piece of advice: keep your eyes open for early sales on residence hall necessities.

I decided to ask some of the students and staff what their thoughts are when it comes to Christmas wishes and New Year’s resolutions:

From taking in the campus’ spectacular lakeside view to visiting nearby flea markets, pick-your-own-fruit spots, and countryside diners & restaurants, there’s always something for you to do. Here are nine of my favorite things to do during the weekend.

The Windmill

Located on N.Y. Route 14A about 15 minutes away from Keuka’s campus, the Windmill is a quick ride away and is one of those places you could spend hours. They have live entertainment and all sorts of vendors who sell many different things for you to buy and eat.

You’re sure to run into a couple Keuka students any given weekend, and the fact they’re open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. every Saturday makes it easy to discover something new.

Keuka Sporting Events

There are always teams in season playing on campus or nearby. Grab a couple friends and head up to the Weed Physical Arts Center or the Jephson Athletic Complex and support our teams.

Intramural Games

Intramurals at Keuka are always a big draw. You and your friends can easily get in on the action.  Students go head-to-head against each other playing flag football, soccer, dodgeball, kickball, softball and even participate in special events such as the annual Keuka Olympics.

Campus-Wide Club Events

We have more than 50 clubs and organizations, and many hold weekend events. Events range from dance parties, bonfires, festivals (sometimes with live music), arts and crafts nights, and fashion shows to off-campus events such as paintball games, cycling events and white water rafting.

Our Campus Activities Board works in association with the Office of Student Activities to bring events to campus such as game shows, magicians, hypnotists, Bingo, comedians, and casino nights.

Off-Campus Excursions

Offices such as Student Activities and Multicultural Affairs work in conjunction with Campus Safety to put together Saturday trips to malls and local attractions.

While they often go places such as the Waterloo Premium Outlets and Eastview Mall, on occasion special trips are planned to places like the Corning Museum of Glass, Niagara Falls, museums, and state parks. Dahlstrom Student Center is the best place to check for trip announcements and schedules.

Point Neamo

The Point, as some students refer to it, is a great place to go and take in a great view of the lake and catch some fresh air – if it’s not too cold, of course.

Located just behind Norton Chapel, Point Neamo is just a 3-5 minute walk from nearly anywhere on campus. Bring a book or a couple of friends and hang out on the deck or walk down to the waterfront. You’re sure to see at least some Keuka students running by or a friendly neighbor kayaking or ice boating in the water.

Pick Your Own Fruit

Just up the road from campus—and many other places not too far from here—you’ll find many farms that allow people to come in and pick produce.

For a small fee, you and your friends can walk around an apple orchard or a grape vineyard and pick fruits to take home and enjoy. It’s one thing to go over to P&C to buy a fresh apple, but it’s a totally different experience to go out and pick it yourself. Try it sometime; it’s a lot more fun than you might think.

Movie and Game Nights

One thing Keuka has quite a bit of is accessibility to comfortable lounges and TVs. Got a large group of friends and you need a place to watch a good movie or TV Show? Grab some DVDs and head over to your nearest lounge.

It’s a sure-fire way to meet new people and have a good time. There are also tables and chairs, so you can bring out board games too! In some lounges you also have access to pool, ping pong and air hockey tables.

Penn Yan, New York

There wouldn’t be a list without the town that Keuka’s campus is closest to. Penn Yan may be small, but there are quite a few things you can do there. There’s a bowling alley, go karts (in season), mini golf and ice cream, various restaurants at cheap prices, a movie theater and even a place to rent movies.

There are certainly more things that you can do not too far from Keuka in other towns and cities, but here’s what you can find right around in the Keuka Park community. Don’t be afraid to go exploring because you never know what you may run into along the way.

1. We Are Located on Keuka Lake

Neamo’s Point is beautiful during any season and by just taking ten minutes to look out at the lake and the scarlet and golden leaves surrounding it, stress should be lifted off of your shoulders almost instantly.

2. Search for That Last Pumpkin

Even though pumpkin season is nearing its end, it’s never too late to search for a good pumpkin. Take an hour or so to forget about your schoolwork and find that remaining pumpkin.

3. Attend a Haunted House

This is the time for Haunted Houses and Hayrides. Nothing says stress-relief better than a good scream.

4. Be a Kid – Roll in the Leaves

Take time to be a child again and roll around in a pile of leaves! Keuka has big, beautiful trees so why not take advantage of what they produce. Bring some friends along and be a kid again.

5.  Take a Relaxing Walk

Bundle yourself up in a hoodie and scarf and walk around campus. If you are one of those efficient students, bring a few note cards along with you and glance at them once and a while.

By asking students about their favorite professor, it allows others to get some insight into who may be right for them next semester, next year or years down the road. Below are 11 Keuka College students who took the time to discuss their most-noted professor and what brought them to the campus in the first place.

Shannon Slater ‘12

Favorite Professor: Mrs. Jennings
What’s Your Major: Early Childhood Education
Why Do You Like Keuka? “I like Keuka because it’s far from home.”

MaKenna Moon ‘12

Favorite Professor: Dr. Leahy
What’s Your Major: Political Science and History
Why Do You Like Keuka? “It’s full of awesome people!”

Ashleen Betts ‘11

Favorite Professor: Dr. McKenzie
What’s Your Major: American Sign Language
Why Do You Like Keuka? “[Dr. Mac] makes boring classes interesting!”

Ben Ternosky ‘12

Favorite Professor: Dr. Dickinson
What’s Your Major: Occupational Therapy
Why Do You Like Keuka? “The class size and scenery.”

Kimberly Notebaert ‘11

Favorite Professor: Dr. McKenzie
What’s Your Major: Social Work
Why Do You Like Keuka? “I finally found a place that makes me feel like I belong.”

Emmalee Pearce ‘11

Favorite Professor: Dr. Shepardson
What’s Your Major: Unified Childhood Education
Why Do You Like Keuka? “The small family-like atmosphere.”

Paige Snyder ‘13

Favorite Professor: Dr. Holloway
What’s Your Major: Psychology
Why Do You Like Keuka? “Close to home.”

Kristen Amidon ‘13

Favorite Professor: Dr. Holloway
What’s Your Major: Occupational Therapy
Why Do You Like Keuka? “Friendly, family setting.”

Diamond Booker ‘11

Favorite Professor: Dr. McKenzie
What’s Your Major: Business Management
Why Do You Like Keuka: “It’s beautiful.”

Jing ‘Potato’ Lin ‘10 (left) Carol Yu ‘10

Potato

Favorite Professor: Mr. Perryman
What’s Your Major: Business Management
Why Do You Like Keuka? “The lake and ice cream.”

Carol

Favorite Professor: Mr. Perryman
What’s Your Major: Business Management
Why Do You Like Keuka? “Nice people and the lake.”

Cecilia Chen ‘10

Favorite Professor: Mr. Perryman
What’s Your Major: Business Management
Why Do You Like Keuka? “The beautiful lake.”