Every week the editorial board reflects on a current issue in Our View. The position taken does not reflect the opinions of everyone on the Hilltop Views staff.

St. Edward’s University boasts a strategic location, allowing students to experience the live music capital of the world while providing a sense of community on campus.

Although a relatively small university, St. Edward’s admits a diverse group of students each year. In order to accommodate them, a wide selection of on-campus programs, events and services are offered — almost all of which come with a free t-shirt.

For students interested in religion or faith development, Campus Ministry offers plenty of opportunities to deepen personal faith or learn about others. Students can attend on-campus services and celebrations of a diverse set of religions. In addition to Campus Ministry programs, there are many student-led religious organizations formed to support students in their beliefs. Some examples are the Muslim Student Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Hillel Toppers for Jewish students.

Campus Ministry provides opportunities to all; whether you are an atheist or a Catholic, you have a place here. Alternative Spring Break is an example of something sponsored by Campus Ministry that focuses on service, rather than religion. ASB is a year-long commitment which peaks when students are sent somewhere throughout the country to serve a community during spring break.

St. Edward’s offers many opportunities for service throughout communities — far and close to home.

Students can apply to be a part of S.E.R.V.E. Austin, a program through which students volunteer weekly at one of ten sites around Austin, working with a group of fellow St. Edward’s students. This is an easy way for students to make friends and involve themselves in the Austin community. The S.E.R.V.E. program also offers monthly day-long service projects, where students complete different types of volunteer projects over the span of a few hours.

No matter what, there is always something to do here.

Equipped with a gym that has everything from ellipticals to rowing machines, the Campus Recreational Center is good for more than just working out. The RCC and soon the Alumni Gym hosts intramural sports tournaments, Group X fitness classes and recreational play for things such as wall ball and basketball.

For people who like to hike or explore, St. Edward’s also offers a shuttle to Wild Basin Wilderness Park. Throughout the year, students in any field will have the possibility to research in the Wild Basin Preserve, take guided tours throughout the park or just do homework while looking at a spectacular view.

Getting off campus is easy when events are planned with shuttle transportation, but it is just as simple by taking buses, which are located on South Congress Avenue and Woodward Street, or even biking.

Essentially, St. Edward’s gives students the abilities and opportunities to grow physically and mentally. To help students understand the importance of community and social justice, Campus Ministry actively engages the student body. To keep off the “freshmen 15,” St. Edward’s offers a myriad of sports and recreational activities. Then, to congratulate students on their involvement and activity and show peers what they missed out on, St. Ed’s offers every size of t-shirt except yours.