The University of Kentucky has been a construction zone since I first visited campus in 2012. I suppose that it is a good thing that the University is building so many new buildings and dorm facilities, but would it not be awesome if first they could update what we already have? The University is doing a great job at creating new buildings, but let’s take a look at all the other valuable things we are in desperate need of on our campus.

1. Updated bathrooms in Whitehall.

The bathrooms in Whitehall are far from ideal. I do not know if the men’s rooms are as heinous as the women’s, but I would have to assume they cannot be doing too well either. How difficult could it be to make the stalls a normal size instead of having stalls that slowly get smaller as you walk further into them? This small thing would be a huge improvement, don’t you think?

2. ENO sturdy trees, or poles near the library.

ENOs are a “take anywhere” hammock; they are the new cool thing to have. You tie each end of the ENO to parallel trees and you have made yourself a great place to study and hang. There is so much open space by the library. How fantastic would it be if some trees or even sturdy poles could be added in order to satisfy our ENO needs?

3. More bathrooms in Chem-Phys.

I understand this seems like a lot to ask, seeing as how the building is already standing and has been for many years. The one thing I do not understand is: why would you build such a large building and provide so few bathrooms? It just does not make sense!

4. More outlets in classrooms.

Folks, this is the 21st ^century. Many teachers require us to have our laptops or tablets in class to answer questions through Blackboard. What if we had a late night (studying, of course) and our laptop was dead and we forgot to charge it (it happens)? Well, you might as well sleep through that first class because you are not getting credit for being there without a laptop that actually works. Adding more outlets to the classrooms could raise the entire GPA of the Kentucky student body.

5. A security guard by the Starbucks entrance to the library.

I am assuming I am not the only one who finds it extremely annoying that when we have to stay at the library past 10 p.m. studying, we have to walk outside the main building to get into Starbucks. You might not think it’s so bad now, but trust me, when the cold months come you are going to be annoyed. It might cost a few dollars, but how about putting a security guard by the Starbucks entrance checking student IDs so that our lives can be made a little easier when we go on that late night coffee run.

6. Updated campus map markers.

Let’s face it: this is a big campus. Luckily, there are plenty of maps conveniently located to help you find your way. There is only one problem: the maps are old and are not always 100 percent accurate. There are lots of new buildings on campus, some buildings have been renamed, and some have been knocked down. Given the amount of change happening on a regular basis, the maps just can’t keep up. An app that is similar to Google Maps, but is specific to UK’s campus would solve this problem, and probably save the University money over the long term.

7. Better air conditioning in campus buildings.

Most buildings on campus do have air conditioning, but some buildings are definitely lacking. The months during school when it is hot outside, it is absolutely awful to walk into a building or classroom and be hit with a gust of lukewarm air. The least UK can do for us is make sure the air conditioning is running properly.

8. Additional parking.

The University of Kentucky is known (at least by students) for its awful parking. I remember having to take the endless walk from my freshman dorm on South Campus all the way to K-Lot whenever I needed to go somewhere or move my car for a football game. I cannot imagine how awful that walk must be for commuters or kids living on North Campus. UK needs to find space on campus to build some more parking lots or parking garages to accommodate all of our needs. Not to mention driving in circles looking for the last open spot is not exactly my favorite past time.

9. More Starbucks.

Cool. Awesome (sarcasm intended). The University of Kentucky now has the largest Starbucks on any college campus. Guess what? The line is still out the door. Adding one extra register does not make up for closing the Starbucks over at Commons. Our campus needs at least one more Starbucks in order to prevent the awful line that inevitably stacks up at the “largest Starbucks on any college campus”.

10. More parking.

I already talked about this, didn’t I? It is just a really big issue that needs to be addressed. It is funny because the University of Kentucky owns most of the parking lots in Lexington (near campus), yet there is still not enough parking for all of the students here. It is kind of a nightmare, if we are being honest.