by Andrew J Quillen
Besides all of your classes and a pretty piece of paper on graduation day, what do your tuition and fees actually get you at Mason? This is a question we have all asked, particularly when paying our student bill. Although the number on your bill may come as a bit of a shock, make sure you are considering of all the amenities, services, and activities that Mason has to offer. This post offers a small collection of thoughts, which will hopefully help you more fully appreciate and take advantage of the many benefits that come with paying your Mason bill.
Health Benefits
Gyms Galore!
Mason Recreation has a diversity of athletic facilities and activities for your every need. If you are a full-time student, most-all of these services are free. If you’re part-time, take advantage of some free services and the discounts.
The Aquatic Fitness Center (AFC) is a huge, one-stop complex located in the south-east corner of the Fairfax campus. It features an Olympic swimming pool, a heated pool, hot tubs, a sauna, and a wide array of workout equipment. Additionally, the AFC hosts a variety of classes (e.g.. yoga, Zumba, Taekwondo, etc.) that you can access as a Mason student.
The RAC is located on the west side of the Fairfax campus. Besides having a wide array of workout equipment, it has space for indoor basketball, futsal, tennis, racquetball, squash, and more. Take advantage of the outdoor turf field located right next door; it’s a weekend hotspot for soccer, football, field hockey, cricket, and other pickup sports. There are also outside basketball courts behind the RAC. Keep in mind that West Campus offers additional fields and tennis courts. The Field House nearby offers an indoor track for cold, rainy days.
The Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center in Manassas, located on Mason’s SciTech Campus has a Mason student access deal and discounts. This facility offers a variety of fitness equipment, sports classes and teams, and pool access.
Arlington Campus students can take advantage of a significant fitness benefit at the Arlington YMCA, located just down the street from campus. The $2 daily rate for students to work out at the Y is heavily subsidized by your Mason student fees – Arlington students, be sure to check out this sweet deal!
Activities to Enjoy
Love the outdoors? Mason Outdoor Adventures provides multiple trips each semester to explore the outdoors with other Mason students at a low cost. As an added bonus, take advantage of the Outdoor Education component to learn skills from rock climbing to wilderness survival to wilderness first aid. Additionally, Graduate Student Life partners with Outdoor Adventures for Graduate Outdoor Adventures events each semester.
Mason Intramural Sports are a great opportunity to gather friends, form a team, and have a blast. Each sport contains flexible time brackets for the casual and the competitive.
Cultural Benefits
The Center for the Arts in Fairfax is a hub of art and culture open to Mason students and the community. Sit back and enjoy a concert, take in a play, or hear a speech; Mason students are allowed 1-2 free tickets for almost any performance. Check out the calendar.
The Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas hosts a wide variety of performances free for Mason students. Check out the calendar.
Eagle Bank Arena hosts many top-tier performances throughout the year. They offer priority seating, discounts, and more for Mason students. Check out the calendar.
Campus Events
Stay tuned to the Graduate Student Life, University Life Arlington, and University Life SciTech webpages for information about educational, social, academic, and professional events open to Mason graduate students. Additionally, check out Mason360 for upcoming events across Mason.
Campus Services
Finally, be sure to consider all of the student services available throughout Mason’s campuses. Student services (such as advising, counseling, registrar, financial aid, student health, international student support, diversity and inclusion offices, graduate fellowship advising, and more!) are in large part funded by your tuition and student fees. Aside from the top-notch education you are no doubt receiving here at Mason, be sure to keep in mind the many benefits of being a Patriot!