The Hilltoppers, our iconic Hill-shaped mascot, the stretch of campus from Grise Hall to Potter Hall — these are a few of the “hills” on campus. With so many hills, it can be difficult for students to get up, down, over and around them.

One way to get over the Hill is to, logically, just walk up it. WKU is often recognized for its award-winning landscape, so getting exercise and fresh air may not be a bad thing.

But in a rush to class or after a long day, this may not seem like the easiest feat. Therefore, many WKU students have found ways to “cheat” the Hill.

1. WKU Parking and Transportation Services bus system

While the buses are often packed to the brim, the air conditioning and generally pleasant drivers help keep the atmosphere positive for students.

The red and white lines run most frequently up, down and around the Hill during the busiest hours of the school day: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The White Line runs on six-minute frequencies from 7:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 12-minute frequencies from 3-6 p.m. It travels between Main and South campuses, but additionally stops at Gary Ransdell Hall to bring weary students up the Hill.

The Red line runs on 10-minute frequencies from 7:25 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 20-minute frequencies from 3-8:30 p.m. This line runs strictly in a circular route around North Campus.

But make sure to arrive several minutes ahead of scheduled departure, or you might not catch a spot and could be running up the Hill to make it to class.

2. Grise elevator

If you’ve already made it halfway up the Hill, but your calves are burning and you can trek no longer, there is a shortcut in Grise.

Walk up the few steps to the front entrance of Grise, it may be 5-10, but you can do it. Find the elevator located in the back right corner of the lobby. Ride it to the fourth floor.

Once you enter the fourth floor, walk to the back of the lobby and there is a bridge leading to the Fine Arts Center.

*Note: this elevator is sometimes and often very slow so if you’re in a rush to class, this may not be the best option.

3. FAC elevators

If you’re on a roll and want another elevator to ride, after walking across the Grise bridge, enter FAC.

On the bottom floor of FAC and find a nearby elevator, ride it to the second floor and walk to end of the building. On either side, you will find a bridge leading to the top of the Colonnades.

While the Colonnades are often used as sun-bathing steps for students in between classes, that part of the Hill is one of the steepest. Therefore, even a small shortcut may save you a few sweat stains.

4. Cravens Graduate Center and Library elevator

If you walked to Cravens or perhaps got off at the bus stop there, perhaps you will have to reach Grise or FAC.

Luckily, there is another elevator shortcut inside Cravens. However, you still might have to walk 20 stairs.

Enter Cravens from the Normal Street side and walk up the stairs to the first floor. Then, walk to the right and you will find an elevator nestled in the back corner.

Ride the elevator to the fourth floor and exit to the left. When you reach the computer lab, you will find another bridge leading to FAC on the right.

5. Avenue of Champions sidewalk

If you are walking through campus, but don’t feel like a champion mountain climber that day, walk to the side of campus where the Avenue of Champions road runs.

This side of campus will lead you on a less-steep route to the top of the Hill. It will also give you a view of the Kentucky Building where you can wave to honest Abe while coincidentally looking dumb for waiving at an inanimate object.

While these are five easy shortcuts, there are still many other ways to cheat the Hill. But remember, without the Hill we wouldn’t have Big Red, killer calves or back problems.

Enjoy the hike.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the opinion of the author and does not reflect the opinion of the Herald Editorial Board.