Bored Awards: The Best of UVM in 2025
Hear ye, hear ye — the village has spoken!
As your friendly town crier (think of us as Paul Revere in this way), BORED has taken it upon ourselves to round up everyone’s preferences of all things on and off campus. For the 11th year in a row. Yeah, we’re for the people like that. The BORED Awards are a culmination of the best of the best, according to the peasants — ahem, sorry — students that have gone through the trials and tribulations of these experiences themselves.
We had quite a few new humorous categories this year, some of which evoked very decisive opinions from everyone. Thank you so very much for your participation in this lovely event, we couldn’t do it without you! We hope the results make you giggle, do a little jig, or even toast goblets with friends.
By all means, scroll on… you’ve already sealed your fate. Might as well find out what’s been decided. Huzzah!
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BEST DINING HALL
Winner: Simpson | Runner-Up: Central
As a former Redstone Resident, this one’s very near and dear to me – Simpson is where it all began, so it will always have my heart, and you all seem to agree with me. While you can expect the usual variety of options and stations at Simpson as you could at any UVM Dining Hall, Simpson also offers frequent delicious Kosher meals and this school year’s newest and extremely popular edition – a creemee machine! Plus, friendly staff and arguably the coziest vibes. Central Dining, the most popular dining hall to grab a bite between classes at, is back in the race as runner-up.
BEST ON-CAMPUS COFFEE SHOP
Winner: Henderson’s | Runner-Up: Campus Perk
Whenever I drag myself out of bed after pulling an all-nighter for the million exams my professors all seem to like scheduling the same week, there’s only one place on my mind: Henderson’s. Whether you’re a coffee, chai, matcha, or even a Redbull cream soda fan, Henderson’s has you covered for your caffeine fix. Our runner-up is Campus Perk, forever in business majors’ hearts.
BEST RETAIL DINING
Winner: Skinny Pancake | Runner-Up: Halal Shack
Crepes, bagels, and treats galore! Whenever I find myself nearing athletic campus, one thought is always on my mind- Skinny Pancake’s cheesy chicken pesto crepe. From late night dinner runs to last minute study sessions, that delicious crepe (and of course the scrumptious box full of cheese curds) has tied my three years on this campus together. Our runner up for this category is Halal Shack, another definite favorite of mine! Who doesn’t love a rice bowl?
BEST OFF-CAMPUS COFFEE
Winner: Muddy Waters | Runner-Up: August First
As a Burlington local, I can tell you now that Muddy Waters being our winner is extremely fitting. Between the cracks & crevices for sweet notes to/from strangers, the creatures that greet you by the front door, the cozy environment, and the delicious coffee; there is something for everyone. Our runner-up is the lovely August First, another personal favorite of mine.
BEST PIZZA
Winner: Folino’s | Runner-Up: American Flatbread
There is absolutely nothing like a Folino’s pizza. This year’s winner boasts the most delicious hand-stretched sour dough pizza you could imagine, right here in Burlington! I highly recommend the cheese and herb pie to all my cheese lovers out there. Check out the crayons and pizza themed coloring pages when you visit! You’re never too old. There are so many spectacular pizza places in the area including our runner up, American Flatbread also housed in downtown Burlington.
BEST BAGEL STOP
Winner: Burlington Bagel Bakery | Runner-Up: Willow’s Bagels
Year after year, Burly Bagel sweeps the competition, and it’s easy to see why. Their three different locations, large variety of bagels, and the BEST breakfast sandwiches make them a no-brainer for breakfast or brunch. On a personal note, I would like to thank the South Burlington location for tolerating barn smell when my friends and I roll in at 6 in the morning after milking cows (shoutout CREAM). Our runner-up is the delicious Willow’s Bagels.
BEST COURSE
Winner: NR 1010 Natural History and Human Ecology | Runner-Up: ME 1020 Engineering Shop Experience
I LOVE NR 1010! Oh my god. Natural History and Human Ecology was really the first class that harnessed my love for our earth. I can still walk through the forest and call every tree by its Latin name from this class. The runner up is ME 1020 – Engineering Shop Experience. I… I don’t know about her. It sounds fun! Y’all build bridges in there or something? I value and appreciate everything you contribute to our world.
BEST PROFESSOR
Winner: Luben Dimov | Runner-Up: Amy Hoeltge
I’ve never had a class with our winner, Luben Dimov, but being in the RSENR school has made me feel as though I have! You can’t throw a stone three feet in the environmental science major without hitting someone that loves Prof. Dimov. It’s as though the forestry class is being taught by a kindly nature spirit! The runner up, Amy Hoeltge, has my heart personally as I would not have been able to survive Gen Chem II or Orgo without her endless wit and complete understanding of the subject.
BEST COLLEGE
Winner: College of Arts & Sciences | Runner-Up: CALS
After a year off from featuring this category, our reigning champion CAS is back again to take the win. CAS is the largest college here at UVM so it’s no surprise it’s the best! (I am a CAS student myself, and I do not deny my bias). With a truly diverse range of majors and areas of expertise, this college covers lots of ground. The runner up, following closely behind, is CALS. Keep on letting agricultural pride shine bright!
BEST CLUB/ORGANIZATION
Winner: FeelGood | Runner-Up: The Watertower
Grilled cheese for a good cause! FeelGood is the winner of Best Club for a second year in a row, volunteering their time to make gourmet grilled cheese for the UVM public and donating the proceeds to their partner organization, the Hunger Project. We can’t imagine a more deserving winner. Coming in a close second is the Watertower, UVM’s biweekly satirical newsmagazine with our very own BOREDie Makenna at the frontlines.
BEST CLUB SPORT
Winner: Rowing | Runner-Up: Ultimate Frisbee
I’ll have to admit…I was not personally well-versed in the world of Rowing myself. But upon further research on UVM Rowing, I’m extremely impressed! A physically demanding sport that requires immense coordination and strong teamwork is no easy task, and our club Rowing team knows how to do it best. Close in second place is Ultimate Frisbee – which is very fitting considering how many frisbees I see soaring through the air all over campus. Go cats!
BEST INTRAMURAL SPORT
Winner: Volleyball | Runner-Up: Soccer
I’m going to be so honest with you guys. We added this category because sports are big here – and that’s so important! But I know nothing. Everyone seems to be doing a stellar job and volleyball is objectively one of the coolest sports. Our runner up is soccer… great work participating in one of the oldest sports in the world! Keep tradition alive!
FAVORITE SPORTING EVENT
Winner: Hockey | Runner-Up: Soccer
We live in the North, so it comes as no surprise that Hockey takes yet another win! Packing the Gut with fellow Cats is a winter weekend staple. Chants, Rally Cat, drama on the rink – if there’s any sporting event that showcases UVM’s school spirt best, it has to be a hockey game. And how could we forget Soccer? Our men’s team are THE national champions of the 2024 NCAA. Go cats!
BEST MEDIA ORGANIZATION
Winner: UVM BORED | Runner-Up: The Watertower
WE LOVE YOU, CATAMOUNTS!!!! UVM BORED is and has always been by students and for students, so your support means the absolute world to us. From our silly TikToks to our never-ending event calendar, we hope we’ve kept you nothing short of entertained and in the know. A special shoutout to our runner up, The Watertower for keeping campus wet and laughing!
BEST LEARNING COMMUNITY
Winner: Sustainability | Runner-Up: Outdoor Experience
Sustainability takes the cake for Best Learning Community! Now I may be biased as a current Harris/Millis resident, but to me, this feels very fitting. With a focus on encouraging sustainability and inspiring positive environmental change, Sustainability keeps students engaged in their community both in the residence halls but in other areas on/off campus as well. Not to mention, I’m a big fan of my dorm. And naturally, Outdoor Experience is our runner-up! How UVM of us…
BEST BUILDING ON CAMPUS
Winner: Old Mill | Runner-Up: Innovation Hall
Our winner for this category lives up to its name. Old Mill was constructed 200 years ago in 1825. This beautiful brick building houses countless classes in the humanities and multiple elevators so you can rest your legs on the way to the top floor. Make sure to check out the stained-glass windows in the John Dewey Lounge! And pay your respects to second place, which is going to its next-door neighbor, Innovation.
BEST ON-CAMPUS EVENT
Winner: SpringFest | Runner-Up: Rail Jam
For the fourth year in a row, UPB’s Springfest comes out on top! This year’s Springfest brought A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie to Burly, and he did not disappoint. Supported by student band Skrom and the winner of the brand-new Battle of the Booths, DJ Kate Kush, the energy in Patrick Gym was electric. Our runner-up is SSC’s Thanksjibbing, AKA Rail Jam.
BEST BATHROOM
Winner: Howe Library (Single Stall) | Runner-Up: Innovation Hall (1st Floor)
The single stall bathroom at Howe Library offers a moment of peace and tranquility for students used to loud banging stall doors and sink-side conversations, commonplace around the rest of campus. Students that frequent this bathroom are met with contemplative silence and privacy between bursts of their studying. I’d also like to take a moment to recognize our runner up for this new category- the first floor Innovation Hall bathrooms! You gotta love clean design and a full door.
BEST LOCAL BAND
Winner: Soap | Runner-Up: Comatose Kids
Among countless bands with their hat in the ring, Soap takes the #1 spot for UVM’s best. Made up of Aurora Eddy, Corby Guba, Drew Kardos, Jake Dittos and Jake Katz, this group has set themselves above the rest. Check out their latest single “Like You,” and follow them on Instagram to stay tuned for future shows. Last year’s winner Comatose Kids is back for more and takes the second-place spot. Show them your support as well!
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Winner: Higher Ground | Runner-Up: Radio Bean
If you aren’t a senior like myself, I’m so jealous of you. Why? Because you get more nights at Higher Ground, seeing an artist you think is probably too big to be in a place like Vermont (hi Ethel Cain and Chappell Roan) and taking your life in your hands by sprinting across Williston Road in the dark to get McDonald’s after the show’s over. Our runner up is Radio Bean and oh how I’ll miss Honky Tonk Tuesdays. Such a fun venue, playing host to so many talented local artists!
BEST HIKING SPOT
Winner: Mt. Mansfield | Runner-Up: Camel’s Hump
With an elevation of 4,393 feet, Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont and a shoe-in for best hiking spot. From beautiful day hikes up to Sterling Pond, to challenging climbs up iron rungs and across rock gaps on The Cliff Trail, Mansfield’s got it all. Personally, I recommend checking out Butler Lodge! And how can we forget Camel’s Hump, our runner up? The trail to the summit is a 6-mile, 2,588 feet elevation gain challenge that pays off with a breathtaking view – a UVM/Vermont staple.
BEST SKI MOUNTAIN/RESORT
Winner: Sugarbush | Runner-Up: Smuggs
UVM’s skiers and snowboarders are loud, proud, and plentiful, so this could’ve gone any way, but as I loyal Sugarbush skier I can’t say I’m surprised! Spanning two mountains and 2,600 feet of elevation, Sugarbush resort’s 111 trails offer something for all – scenic views, terrain parks, glades, ski-school, and more. Smuggler’s Notch, our runner up, offers nice variety and plenty of beautiful sights too. But also, plenty of challenge too – like the only triple black diamond in the East!
BEST PLACE TO PHOTOSYNTHESIZE
Winner: Waterfront | Runner-Up: Redstone Forest
I have spent countless spring & summer days on the Waterfront, soaking up every ounce of sun that I can. Whether it’s on one of the swings, sprawled out with a good book in the grass, or simply walking along the boardwalk after getting a creemee, this is without a doubt a fan favorite. Now that the sun is here for the season, make your way down to the water and soak it all in! Close in second place is the classic Redstone Forest! The way the sun peeks through the trees is truly something special, especially if you can enjoy it in a hammock.
BEST BEACH
Winner: North Beach | Runner-Up: Leddy Beach
It should come as no surprise that North Beach secures the title of Burlington’s best beach. Head down to this spot on any warm day in spring and you will find about half of the campus flooding this sandy shore! Whether you sprawl out on a blanket, circle up around a spike ball net, or dive in, North Beach is an undeniably popular spot. North Beach’s quieter sibling Letty Beach is a great spot if you’re looking for a lower-key alternative.
