Tips from other grad students
The tips on this page have been submitted by Graduate Students in the History department.
We are looking to expand our range of topics. Got a tip you'd like to share? E-mail the webmasters.
Tip Topics -- Table of Contents:
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Bookstores
In 2003, UM student Yu Jie-Chien compiled information on Bookstores On and Around Campus for the HGSA Web site. While this page is a couple of years old, it still has a good overview of options for used book shopping in the DC area.
Dining
On-campus
Footnotes Café
Location: McKeldin Library
This coffee shop on the first floor of McKeldin Library provides helpful caffeine and munchies for those marathon days.
Gazebo Room
Location: South Campus Dining Hall
This staff/grad student-only lunch lounge is a secret hideaway tacked on to the noisy, fry-throwing atmosphere of an undergrad cafeteria. Fill your tray with soup, salad, or a hot entree and then proceed to the cash register at the far end of the food court to access the room with (surprise!) a real gazebo in it. Lunch hours, and only during fall and spring semester.
Maryland Food Co-Op
Location: Stamp Student Union, basement level
Hands down best prices, as testified to by their slogan, "Food for people, not for profit." Good sandwiches and veggie fare (watch out: the peanut stew is more addictive than crack).
See also: Dining Options in Stamp Student Union
Off-campus
College Park
- Berwyn Cafe
Location: Driving North on Rt. 1, make a right at the light for Berwyn Street (not Berwyn House St!). You'll cross one or two stop signs. It will be on the left side of the street, across from some townhomes. You can park on the street.
Tasty vegetarian/vegan, and inexpensive. Known for its Sunday Brunch (11-3pm). - English Tea House
Location: 4513 College Ave, around the corner from The Bagel Place on Rt. 1. It has a green awning.
Good for teas, traditional British or light cafe fare, and exotic canned fruit drinks. The atmosphere is cozy, and there are computer terminals running at an hourly rate. You can make reservations for high tea (the little teapot, scones, sandwiches, little cakes, etc.), which is offered once a day, or just stop by for a snack. - Jungle Grill
Location: Campus Village Center, route 1, (red sign with the big clock face) tucked behind Town Hall Liquors.
A popular College Park spot, with jungle murals and TV's. The menu offers a variety of quick items (subs, sandwiches, salads, veggies and rice) as well as fresh baked goods and ice cream. If you're feeling too skinny, try a muffin sundae. - Plato's Diner
Location: Heading south on Rt. 1 from campus on the right, right after Applebees and Quality Inn.
A reasonably priced diner with food that is better than it needs to be, Plato's is never empty. We like the homemade soups, fluffy pancakes, and Greek specialties. Serves carafes of wine and bottled Greek beer. - Ratsie's Pizza
Location: Corner or Knox and route 1, 7400 Baltimore Ave.
Great pies at a good price, albeit in humble surroundings (if you don't dig the vibe, they deliver: (301) 864-8220). Ratsie's also offers lots of Italian pasta dishes and calzones, some of which are even vegan. - Ten Ren Tea Time
Location: Heading south on Rt. 1 from campus, on your right hand side.
This Taiwan-based international chain serves mixed tea drinks with Tapioca balls. Some appetizers such as tea eggs, noodles, and fried chicken are good...but the shaved ice with fruit and condensed milk is heaven.
Greenbelt
- New Deal Cafe
Location: Driving North on Rt.1, make a right at the light for Greenbelt Rd. Keep going for about 5 minutes. Make a left at the light for "Southway." It quickly becomes "Centerway" as you drive into old Greenbelt. Go through the second stop sign straight into Roosevelt Plaza where there's parking. You get to the cafe through the central courtyard space. It's across from the movie theatre.
Co-op, most prices are around $1 cheaper than at other cafes, great vegetarian options and yummy desserts. Cafe has cozy atmostphere and board games like chess. On weekend nights they host musicians or poets; sometimes there's a $5 cover fee.
- Franklins
Location: 5121 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, MD, Phone: 301-927-2740, it's on Route 1 (1-2 miles south of campus on the left)
Tasty brews and good food at average prices. Good option for lunch, dinner, or happy hour. Skip the pizza in favor of the hearty sandwiches or veggie chili. Don't miss the awesome/bizarre gift and toy shop next door (now you know where you can replace that rubber chicken you lost).
HGSA Food Co-op
The HGSA Food Co-op is now open. This informal sources of cheap snacks is located in the computer lab and refrigerator on the third floor lounge in Francis Scott Key hall.
At the Co-op you can purchase reasonably priced soda pop, snapple, candy bars, chips, granola bars, crackers, and cookies. Just drop your money in the bucket and enjoy!