Most college student are usually pressed for time. Some students have jobs, are involved with sports, have kids and other things going on in their lives that make it hard for them to keep their finger on the pulse of the campus. If this sounds like you, here’s a quick overview about the Best Of… Palo Alto.

“The best place to study is the library. It’s so relaxing when studying quietly by a window,” said Sophomore Alexis S. Gamboa.

About 85 percent of the students interviewed agreed that the library is the best place to study quietly and meet for study groups. The next most popular response for studying was outside, since we have benches all around campus now and nice shade under the trees.

The best type of classes to take at Palo Alto depends on the student. Students had multiple opinions on which classes to take.

“The basic 48-hour core curriculum seems to be a good choice,” said Sophomore B.J. Gonzales.

Palo Alto has many labs on campus that are helpful to students. The Mega Lab, though, seems to be most visited lab. Located on the second floor of the library, there are 68 computers with Internet access, word processing programs and printers that are right at your fingertips. Some students voiced their approval of individual labs, like the English Lab, Math Lab, Biology Lab and Reading Lab.

Do you ever need help at Palo Alto, but don’t know who to ask? According to students, one of the best places to go for general information regarding Palo Alto is under one roof.

“The Palomino Center has everything you need there. There’s Admissions/Records, Financial Aid and the Welcome/Advising Center all located in the same building,” said Freshman Enrique Loera.

The Student Center also provides some good information on its bulletin boards. The Health Center, also located in there, is another good place to stay informed on all types of health and wellness information.

Now if you just want to hang out and relax on campus, the number one spot goes to the Student Center. Inside, there is a remodeled cafeteria with a nice area to lounge and chill on a bunch of tables. Being outside to relax is another preferred choice to take a break.

“Under a tree in the shade… in the grass is a good place to relax,” said Freshman Rachael Gayosoa, an Art Major. The library is also a good choice for peace and quiet.

If you are hungry at Palo Alto, the best choices are not on campus, according to most students.

“Military Drive has it all,” said Sophomore Ruben Suarez. “There is everything you need.”

Many students enjoy eating at Mama Margie’s, Chili’s and S.A. Burger, to name a few, plus a dozen other restaurants on Military Drive. There is still, of course, your McDonald’s, Whataburger and Wendy’s for a fast food fix. T.J. Burger on Somerset Road is also a local favorite. This category was harder to figure out. Your best bet is to cruise down Military Drive and pick your favorite.

The best excuse for missing class had some pretty crazy responses from students. But the top three go to: 1.) Being sick, 2.) Was working late, and 3.) Woke up late. Some of the more outrageous ones ranged from hangovers to fake deaths of distant relatives.

While trying to balance school, work, homework and family obligations, you owe it to yourself to cut loose on the weekend. But where do you go? Students at Palo Alto seem to enjoy variety of social activities. Many students like the bar scene. Zen Bar located downtown, Jack Rabbit’s and Madison Avenue, both located on Babcock, are all nice bars to go to. St. Mary’s Street also has some cool spots to frequent. Bar America, located on Alamo, is a hot spot on First Fridays. Many students like to go to a friend’s house for a small get together. Clubs and concerts are also pretty big with college students. Movies and dinner made a showing, too, but the nightlife in San Antonio is pretty fast-paced, and that’s what many students seem to like.

Now that you know what the best of at Palo Alto is, go out and enjoy the options. But remember that you’re in school for a reason, and make sure that your work gets done before anything.