KENTUCKY KERNEL MEDIA
AUGUST 2025
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A Letter From The Editors Editors
Welcome, new Wildcats!
Whether you’re coming from across the globe or just down the road, stepping onto this campus marks the beginning of something truly transformative. You are now part of the vibrant, curious and passionate community that makes up the University of Kentucky. And as the editors of UK’s student media, we want you to know: you belong here.
The transition from lockers and dress codes to dining halls and dorm rooms may be the biggest change you have faced thus far, but remember to embrace it—embrace everything. Embrace syllabus week and finals week, embrace The 90 and cooking things in your dorm’s communal kitchen, embrace the first football game and last basketball game, but most importantly, embrace the people around you.
Class of 2029, you all are stuck with each other for the next four years. Look around you! Your next door neighbor in the dorms might become a campus celebrity in your friend group’s life for the next four years because, trust us, this campus becomes a lot smaller during your time here. That one friend who becomes your “class friend” may turn into a friend you sign a lease with if you decide to move off-campus one year. So, keep your eyes and mind open to all the people, possibilities, opportunities and experiences UK has to offer.
You probably have heard it from your high school teachers, your distant relatives and even your parents, but these next four years truly go by in the blink of an eye, so enjoy it, have fun and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because one day you may be sitting at a laptop writing a letter to the incoming freshmen, wishing you had slowed down just a little more when you moved into that first dorm room.
Reaghan Chen
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
KRNL LIFESTYLE + FASHION
Giana Gallo
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KENTUCKY KERNEL
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Joining Kernel Media is simple; thriving here takes passion! To succeed as a Kernelite, you’ll need creativity, commitment and a drive to be part of one of the nation’s top student-run media outlets. Whether you’re a writer, photographer, designer, videographer, or something in between, there’s a place for you here. Students from all majors and backgrounds are welcome. Ready to make your mark? Follow these steps and become part of the Kernel Media family.
Get To Know Us:
Kernel Media is a student-run organization that includes several publications. The Kentucky Kernel, UK’s independent student newspaper, publishes multimedia content daily online at kykernel.com and produces multiple special-section print products a semester. KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion publishes a magazine once a semester as well as blog content and more at krnlmagazine.com. Kernel Media also produces annual magazines such as Year in Photos and Inside UK.
Email our Editors:
Giana Gallo| Kentucky Kernel Editor-in-Chief Contact: editor@kykernel.com
Reaghan Chen | KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion Editor-in-Chief Contact: editor@krnlmagazine.com
INSTAGRAM: @krnl_lf @kentuckykernel @styledbykrnl @krnltalks
TIKTOK: @kykernel @krnl_lf_
SPOTIFY: KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion KRNL Talks Kentucky Kernel
Tell Your Friends:
Being part of Kernel Media is pretty awesome, so why not tell your friends? Whether they’re into writing, design, photography, or just want to meet cool people, there’s a place for them here.
YOUTUBE: @KyKernel @krnl_lf
FACEBOOK: KyKernel
PHOTOS BY LILY FOSTER
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
UK Alerts
UK Alerts are part of the university's emergency alert system. Whenever an on-campus crisis or other situation arises, UK Alerts sends out texts, calls and emails to students and staff, alerting them to the problem. These alerts typically give you a warning to avoid the affected area and inform you when it is safe to return. UK students are automatically enrolled in UK Alerts upon enrollment at the university, and parents have the option to sign up for them as well on the UK Police Department's website. There are several ways to receive alerts, and you can manage your preferences by visiting the UK Alerts tab in myUK.
Livesafe is a mobile app available for Apple and Android phones that you can download, which offers a different way to communicate with the UK Police Department. Through the app, you can submit videos, photos or anonymous written statements of suspicious activity or safety risks to UKPD. In addition to direct contact with UKPD, the Livesafe app enables you to track buses, locate UK’s emergency towers, which allow you to call UKPD in case of emergency (also known as blue towers) and access several other features that support student safety.
Cat’s Path
Cat’s Path is a series of lit-up walking paths throughout UK's campus. These paths are frequently used by students and are monitored by UKPD. Due to their frequent use, emergency towers are scattered throughout the path. To locate the Cat’s Path, you can use a campus map or find the paw print logos on the ground.
Going to college is a significant step in a person’s life; it’s our first taste of freedom, a chance to make our own decisions and step into adulthood. However, with this newfound freedom comes a sense of fear.
But at the University of Kentucky, several resources have been implemented to help you navigate your broadening world while feeling safe and comfortable at every turn. Between free on- and off-campus transportation and UK alerts, the university has created a system to ensure your safety and transition into adulthood is as smooth as possible.
Safecats is the university's safety program. There are several notable features to this program, including an escort service to accompany students, which operates from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. This service is free for all students. Safecats also offers an on-demand bus service operating from midnight to 5 a.m. on weekends only, as well as several direct student hotlines, including the UK Violence Intervention and Prevention Center. These services can be accessed by calling 859-257-7233.
Transloc and Mystop
The university offers several buses that run from 6:45 a.m. to midnight to help you travel across campus. The apps Transloc and Mystop track these buses, providing you with real-time updates on their arrival and departure. In the app, you must select UK bus routes. The app will then display the location of bus stops across campus, along with the arrival times of the buses at these stops. Both apps can also be accessed via websites, at uky.transloc.com and mystop.lextran.com.
WildCab Vouchers
The WildCab vouchers program is a partnership with Uber that offers you discounted Uber rides between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. Students are eligible to sign up for up to 10 vouchers per semester that are worth $10 each. These vouchers can be signed up for through UK transportation services by visiting the services tab.
WRITTEN BY SAMMY WYNN
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER
Eli Capilouto President Office of the President pres@uky.edu
the D A s E N
Ana Franco-Watkins, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences 259 Patterson Office Tower ana.franco-watkins@uky.edu
Jennifer Greer, Ph.D. Dean, College of Communication and Information Pence Hall, Dean’s Suite jennifer.greer@uky.edu
Scott Lephart, Ph.D. Dean, College of Health Sciences Wethington Building, Room 123D scott.lephart@uky.edu
Kip Guy, Ph.D. Dean, College of Pharmacy Lee T. Todd, Jr. Building, Ste 216 kip.guy@uky.edu
Justin (Jay) Miller, Ph.D. Dean, College of Social Work 619 Patterson Office Tower justin.miller1@uky.edu
Jeff Okeson, D.M.D. Dean, College of Dentistry 800 Rose Street okeson@uky.edu
Nick Pace, Ed.D. Dean, College of Education 251C Dickey Hall (859) 257-2813
Charles “Chipper” Griffith III, M.D. Dean, College of Medicine
Willard Building, Room MN143 Marie.Marefat@uky.edu
Simon Sheather, Ph.D. Dean, Gatton College of Business and Economics
Gatton College of Business and Economics, Dean’s Office simon.sheather@uky.edu
Doug Way Dean, Libraries William T. Young Library doug.way@uky.edu
Ned Crankshaw Dean, College of Design 102M Gray Design Building ned.crankshaw@uky.edu
Mark Shanda
Dean, College of Fine Arts 202 Fine Arts Building mark.shanda@uky.edu
Gwen Moreland, D.N.P. Acting Dean, College of Nursing 751 Rose Street mary.moreland@uky.edu
Heather Bush, Ph.D. Dean, College of Public Health Research Facility #1, Room 112 & Multi-Disciplinary Science Building (MDS), Room 401C heather.bush@uky.edu
Rudy Buchheit, Ph.D. Dean, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering 353 Ralph G. Anderson Building Rudolph.Buchheit@uky.edu
Laura Bryan, Ph.D. Interim Dean, The Lewis Honors College
Lewis Honors College - U122D laura.bryan@uky.edu
James C. Duff
Interim Dean, J. David Rosenberg College of Law Room 125 College of Law jcdu255@uky.edu
Laura Stephenson, Ph.D. Dean, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment S-123 Ag. Science North laura.stephenson@uky.edu
Brandi Frisby, Ph.D. Acting Director, The Graduate School 101 Ezra Gillis Building provost@uky.edu
WAYS TO PREP FOR THE NEW SEMESTER
#1 #2
A little bit of planning goes a long way. Set yourself up for success by writing out your class schedule, either in a paper planner or digitally. Personally, I use Google Calendar to keep up with everywhere I have to be and when on any given day. Pro tip: add in class deadlines after your first day of classes. If you organize your calendar on a weekly or monthly basis, you can check it daily and make sure you get everything done when you need. It’s also a good idea to walk through your class schedule now so you can account for travel times and ensure you’re not late for your first day. College life can be overwhelming, and looking out for yourself now will prevent panic and stress later.
Get Organized Go Shopping
#3
Introduce Yourself
The best way to adjust to your new life is to start building a support system right away. Kill that rejection-fearing voice in your head and just say “hi” to that cool-looking person walking past you on the sidewalk, your neighbor across the hall or whoever’s sitting next to you in UK101. Chances are, they’re in the exact same boat as you and are looking for friends here, too. Invite them to explore campus together or try a workout class at one of UK’s gyms. And remember, your peers aren’t the only people at UK waiting to meet you. Go up to your professors after class. You never know when you might need something from them, and having a pre-established relationship with them makes it a lot easier to ask for help later on. Plus, your initiative shows them you care about their class and value what they have to say.
Another way to be ready for the first week of classes is to make sure you have everything you need. Your mom (probably) isn’t going to make sure you have all your supplies before class begins, so you’ll have to do it yourself! Make a list of everything you think you’ll need, including textbooks and on-the-go snacks like granola bars (bringing snacks with you to campus can save you a lot of money in the long run). Then head to your store of choice (Trader Joe’s or Target for us small-towners who weren’t blessed with such luxury growing up) and stock up. Textbooks can be purchased online or at the UK Official Bookstore. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure which ones you need: the bookstore has a “Course Materials Finder” where you can input your course information (term, department, course number, section) to see a list of required and recommended textbooks and other materials.
#4
Get Involved
If you want to find like-minded people to befriend on such a large campus, join a club! Your shared interest, whether it’s improv theatre or robotics, will give you something to bond over as you form new friendships. Plus, clubs will give you something else to do with your free time and make you feel more connected to the campus community. Trust me, there is no shortage of extracurricular activities to try out here at UK, from fun, niche interest groups to Wildcats making a difference in the community in countless ways. There is absolutely something for everyone, and campus feels a lot smaller and a lot less intimidating when you find where you fit in. Check out the full list of student organizations at https:// uky.campuslabs.com/engage/, and don’t skip out on K-week events like Campus Ruckus to get acquainted with all UK has to offer!
WRITTEN BY LAUREL SWANZ
PHOTO BY SYDNEY YONKER
CATURDAY toolkit
WRITTEN BY SARA RUTH AND LILY PATTERSON
Where! Since we’re preparing to have an awesome season, how about we take a look at KRNL’s style book for outfit ideas? We’ve put together
Y E A RS A GLIMPSE INTO THE NEXT
RUOF
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER
PHOTO BY SYDNEY YONKER
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN KANTOSKY
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN KANTOSKY
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN KANTOSKY
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER
PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER
WILDCAT’S A
GUIDE TO CATURDAY
WRITTEN BY ABIGAIL WRIGHT
With football season just a few short months away, it’s the perfect time for you to gear up and get excited for Caturdays at the University of Kentucky
More than just a game day, Caturdays are a cherished campus tradition. From State Street to Kroger Field, crowds of fans gather to tailgate and cheer the Cats to victory.
Grills fire up, cornhole boards hit the grass and music fills the air as students, alumni and locals alike come together to cheer on their team.
The student section transforms into a sea of blue and white, overflowing with Wildcats ready to make their voices heard. With faces painted and towels waving, chants of “C-A-T-S, CATS, CATS, CATS!” echo across the stadium, creating an atmosphere that’s unique to Big Blue Nation.
For you, Caturday begins digitally on the UK Athletics App or website. There’s no need to worry about creating an account, as all full-time students will automatically have one created after registering for classes. Once logged in, you can claim your ticket during the specified window.
Afterward, you should download your ticket to your phone’s digital wallet so it is easily accessible upon entry at Kroger Field. Trying to pull up the ticket at Kroger Field or the surrounding area can be difficult due to poor cell service.
On game days, you should proceed to Gate 1 of Kroger Field, the designated student-
only gate. Upon entry, you will be required to present your student ID. Both physical and digital are acceptable.
It is important to arrive at least an hour early, as the lower-level student section is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once capacity has been reached, you will be required to sit at a designated upper level of the stadium.
Before entering the stadium, students and fans can participate in the Cat Walk, another beloved game day tradition.
Held between gates 1 and 12 of Kroger Field, approximately two hours before kickoff, the Cat Walk gives you a chance to see players up close as they arrive at the stadium.
Players and coaches make their way through a tunnel of cheering fans while the band plays, cheerleaders lead chants and mascots Wildcat and Scratch bring the energy, fueling the excitement for kickoff.
Another important part of Caturday is vehicle relocation
Students who park in Kroger Field Red and Blue lots are required to move their vehicles before 7 a.m. on the days of home football games, while vehicles parked in Green Lot must relocate before 10 p.m. the night before home football games.
You can relocate your vehicles as early as 3:30 p.m. on Friday and must return them to Kroger Field by 5 a.m. Monday.
Many students find alternative parking at Rose Street Garage, located on central campus. However, more designated parking
relocation lots can be found on the Transportation Services website. It’s essential to be aware of the bag policies at Kroger Field.
According to the UK Athletics website, approved bags include clear totes no larger than 12” by 6” by 12,” 1 gallon clear plastic resealable bags or handbags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.
Approved bags can be found on Amazon or even at local boutiques. Lululemon belt bags that do not exceed the size limit are acceptable and a popular option among students.
Once the game begins, the traditions don’t stop, such as the “First Down Kentucky” chant Each time the Wildcats get a first down, the student section shouts in unison, “It’s another first down, Kentucky,” while doing the first down sign.
Another way fans stay energized during the game is the Wildcat push-ups. Every time UK scores, the Wildcat mascot does pushups equal to the team’s total score atop a platform held in the air by cheerleaders. As the game continues, the push-up count climbs higher and the crowd cheers louder with each rep.
At UK, Caturdays are about more than just football, they’re the beating heart of Big Blue Nation. So whether you are a freshman or a senior, make the most of every game and add your voice to the roar that drives the Cats to victory.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN KANTOSKY
PHOTOS BY SYDNEY YONKER
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER
One restaurant you can’t go to UK without hearing about is Girls Girls Girls Burritos. Located right at South Limestone and Avenue of Champions, this burrito bar hooks UK students up with a special discounted menu, meaning meals are $4–5 cheaper with your student ID. They’ve got vegan, veggie and gluten-free options and even host live music and trivia nights.
Full address: 395 S Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40508
Saving money as a student can make all the difference, whether it’s a deal on clothes, food or fun around town. To help you stretch your budget, we’ve gathered some of the best student discounts in Lexington. From tasty meals to local shops, here’s where to score savings and how to claim them so you can get more for less this semester.
Tip: UNiDAYS is a free platform for students to get discounts at a lot of popular stores and brands, clothes, electronics and even food. You just have to prove you’re a student by signing up with your school info, and then you can access deals both online and in stores.
If there’s one historic, indie student cult fave—it’s Kentucky Theatre. Present your UK ID and get $2 off admission to see everything from indie films to classic movies, plus special events like the Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings. There’s a bonus of free street parking after hours as well.
“Here’s looking at you, kid,” and your wallet! Cinemark at Fayette Mall gives UK students around $3 off regular tickets when you show your student ID or pick the student ticket option in the app. With fancy recliners and Value Tuesdays, it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy a movie after walking around the mall.
Full address: 3800 Mall Rd, Lexington, KY 40503
Keep your ride running smooth without draining your wallet. If you have a current UK parking pass, check the back for a promo code that scores you 20% off your oil change at Valvoline.
Various locations around
Right next to Memorial Coliseum, Qdoba’s the go-to spot for a quick, customizable burrito. Show your UK Wildcard to get a free drink or a $5 burrito meal—and guac and queso are included for free with your entree. Plus, get the Qdoba Rewards app to earn points, unlock free chips and queso after your first order, and score birthday perks and exclusive deals.
Full address: 265 Avenue of Champions, Unit 100, Lexington, KY 40508
Full address: 214 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507
Lexington
How to Get Recreational
involved
Student Minority Clubs
• Egyptian Student Organization
• Indian Student Association
• Kentucky Hillel
• Kentucky Karana
• Latino Law Student Association
• Healthcare Muslim Student Association
• Kentucky-West Virginia
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
Clubs LGBTQIA+ Clubs
• Cover to Cover
• Coffee Cats
• Boomcats
• Circus Cats
• JAMCats
• Rodeo Team
• Creator Cats
• Double Reed Club
• Mind Over Matter
• Fiber Arts Club
Getting integrated into the University of Kentucky’s campus is more than just moving into your dorm and finding the location of your classes during your first week. Finding a safe space for yourself in college can help shrink a university of over 36,000 students into something that feels less intimidating and isolating.
The University of Kentucky website for Student Organizations and Activities says that there are 600 Registered Student Organizations on campus.
K Week, the campus welcome week for incoming students, allows you to have the opportunity to attend Campus Ruckus at Alumni Commons on August 21. Student organizations will be set up for the chance to get to know the clubs and get involved.
BBNvolved is another way for you to view student organizations on campus, including a search bar to look up
clubs and activities.
Political Organizations
• College Democrats
• College Republicans
• Students for Justice in Palestine of Kentucky
• Medical Students for Choice
• If/When/How
Upcoming activities are also listed in chronological order for you to browse, as well as event locations and times. Involvement on campus goes far beyond Panhellenic Sorority and Fraternity life, Residence Life and the Student Activities Board, with clubs directly made for religious beliefs, different ethnicities and identities. UK also has many organizations that are associated with student majors on campus, such as clubs for accounting, chemical engineering and marketing.
• Queer POC Association
• Office of LGBTQ* Resources
• OUTLaw
• STEMgiQueers
• Letters of Hope
• Medical Students Offering Maternal Support
• Medicine, Education, and Development for Low-Income Families Everywhere
• Changing Health Attitudes + Actions to Recreate Girls
If you are unable to find a club on campus that interests you, you can register new organizations through the Office for Student Success.
Living Learning Programs (LLP) are also highly encouraged among freshmen moving onto campus. LLP’s consist of housing students of the same major in the same dorm building, if a student chooses to do so. However, if you chose not to be in an LLP during freshman year, you can always join one the following school year.
• Disney Professional Development Club
• Real Estate Club
• Dairy Club
If you don’t know where to start with getting involved on campus, you can even apply for involvement advising through the Office of Student Success. After filling out the application, an involvement advisor will reach out to you for the next steps. It may take a few weeks to find the organization that is right for your interests and comfort level, which is okay. Trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone is part of the process of going to college. Don’t be afraid to experiment with organizations before committing to them.
WRITTEN BY LILLY KEITH
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN KANTOSKY
PHOTO BY SYDNEY YONKER
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN KANTOSKY
WHAT TO KNOW FOR KEENELAND
Beyond the rolling farm hills, sweet summer air and Ale-8-One bottles, Kentucky is known for two things: horse racing and bourbon drinking (often at the same time). If you haven’t watched a thoroughbred dig its hooves into the mud, bolting forward with enough pride to shake your mint julep, then, well, you ain’t a Kentuckian, buddy! Lucky for you, I know of a one-stop shop for all your bluegrass basics. So, as a
lifelong native, I feel it is my sacred duty to describe the crown jewel of Lexington. Hop in, folks, we’re going to Keeneland. First things first: what would a free, fit college student such as yourself want to do at a place like Keeneland? I’ll answer that question with another question. Do you like money? If your answer is yes, which it is, then Keeneland’s College Scholarship Day may interest you. Once a semester (in this case, Oct. 10), University students are encouraged to come out to the famous race track and thoroughbred auction site, where you’ll be treated to tours, merchandise, beverages, and entered to win one of 10 $2,000 scholarships, or one of two $10,000 scholarships! The rules are simple: be enrolled full-time at a university,
and get your ticket scanned by 3:30 p.m. to be eligible for a scholarship.
Be on the lookout for registration and stay sharp because you might get your hands on a comically large check!
Sounds great! How do get there? Well, Keeneland describes themselves as being “in the heart of the bluegrass.” Unfortunately, Siri doesn’t know what that means, and neither do you. For UK students, Keeneland is about halfway between here and nowhere (Versailles, KY). More accurately, it is right beside the Bluegrass Airport on Versailles Road. If you need any help reaching your destination, Keeneland provides detailed instructions on their website and gives Uber vouchers out to UK Students on Scholarship Day. And remember, dress your best! Dress
code is business formal, so ladies must wear a dress or pantsuit, while the gentlemen should dress in full suit attire.
If you find yourself enjoying Keeneland on your first visit, then there are plenty of ways to return. You may consider a season pass for $50, allowing entrance and limited seating for the entire season. Alternatively, a day visit will run you between $7 and $15 depending on the day; more information on dining, parking and stand tickets can be found on the Keeneland website. Most importantly, have fun (and try not to lose too much money at the betting windows).
ADVICE FROM ADVICE FROM
Don’t be afraid to branch out! College is all about discovering who you are and challenging yourself to be the best version of you.
Don’t think you have to have everything figured out right now or even anytime soon. You’re in no rush—just take your time, and do what makes you happy.
Talk to the people in your classes, even just the people you sit next to! You will likely have class with them again, and they could even become some of your best friends.
Don’t ever be afraid to talk to new people. You’re coming in with thousands of other new students who are in the same boat as you and are also likely looking for someone to talk to, as well.
Keep a living resumé. Add projects, jobs, volunteer work and wins each semester. Future-you will thank you during internship season.
Marissa Armstrong Podcast Editor
Hannah Piedad Assistant Features Editor
Chloe Bradley Video Editor
Jackson Redish TikTok Manager
Giana Gallo Editor-in-Chief
Always apply to anything that interests you! You never know what opportunities will present themselves.
Spend your days outside of your dorm and talk to random people.
Take initiative early in the semester! Introduce yourself to your professors, join clubs or attend events, and explore opportunities outside the classroom, even if they feel intimidating or scary to try.
You’re going to change. It won’t always be pretty, but if you embrace it, you’ll come out the other side just fine.
LOVE yourself. Be authentic. Be kind.
Serena Florell Assistant Digital Editor
Blake White Lighting Assistant
Zaida Bell-Frantz Copy Editor
Chase Myers Online Content Editor/Assistant Lifestyle Editor
Merritt Manire Outreach Coordinator
PHOTO BY ABBY CUTRER
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Reaghan
MANAGING EDITOR
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Abigail
BEHIND
Owen Craig
Ryan
UK RETAIL PHARMACIES
LEXINGTON’S LOWEST PRESCRIPTION PRICES*
UK Retail Pharmacies offer:
• Free delivery of most prescriptions to campus residence halls and offices from The Apothecary (our Gatton Student Center location).
• Over-the-counter items.
• Vaccinations, and much more.
Open to everyone.
Most insurance accepted.
*Visit u ukpharmacy org to learn more.
Need a pharmacy on campus?
• The Apothecary is located in the Gatton Student Center, first floor, across from the Cats' Den.
• University Health Retail Pharmacy is located on the first floor of the University Health Services Building.
Visit our website for other locations.
Transferring prescriptions is easy
Just scan the QR code & fill out the simple form using your prescription info. We’ll take care of the rest.