by Nicole Belair, Staff Writer

When Pokémon GO first launched in July 2016, people went crazy over the app.

Some of the most enthusiastic users of the game were college students, who took to the streets, parks, and neighborhoods en masse to “catch ’em all”.

The new app utilizes augmented reality, a form of digital superimposition that uses camera input from a phone to create the game’s screen. Players can then “see” Pokémon on their phone screens as they point the camera at their surroundings.

As players walk around in the real world, the app acts as map using a GPS signal to track the player’s location. This allows players to become real-life Trainers while they walk around trying to catch different Pokémon.

During gameplay, various Pokémon pop up and can be captured with a Poké Ball. Once these Pokémon are caught, players are then able to battle and train them at different locations called Gyms.

There are also a variety of PokéStops on the map. These PokéStops typically provide players with items such as Poké Balls, eggs, potions, and lure modules. Once Pokémon are caught, players are able to battle and train them at different Gyms.

Now, if you’re still involved in the Pokémon craze, here are some tips regarding the Pokémon at UMass Dartmouth.

First, there are two Gyms on campus where you can battle other Trainers. One is located at the Radio Tower and the other is at the Robert “Buddy” Harris rock.

If you’re looking to hit some PokéStops to collect some Poké Balls or Potions, donít worry – there are seven stops around campus. You can find PokéStops at the following locations: The “Translucence” Copper Sculpture, the UMass Orientation Tiki Bench, the Peace Pole, the Commuter Center, the Dragon Tail “e”, the untitled artwork at the entrance of campus, and the wind turbine.

There are also a few different categories or types of Pokémon that you might find on campus. Depending on your location, you may encounter different types of Pokémon as you go.

To start, the kind of Pokémon you encounter depends on your geographic location. If you’re closer to water, you might find a Magikarp, Poliwag, or Goldeen, which are all water-type Pokémon.

You will most likely find bug-types around campus. This category includes Caterpies, Metapods, Weedles, and Venonats – pretty typical Pokémon. There are also a few flying-types, primarily Pidgeys and Spearows.

Finally, you’ll find some Pokémon that are referred to as “normal-type”: Rattatas, Raticates, Eevees, etc. You may even find the occasional grass-type Bellsprout or psychic-type Drowzee!

So far, nothing too rare has appeared on campus, but you never know what a lure module might attract!

If you’re devoted to catching Pokémon and battling other Trainers, UMass Dartmouth is a good place to do so.   This app has proved to be a great way to get outside and get some exercise. It also encourages a sense of community and socialization that few apps have been able to provide before.

With that, we still have to be respectful and aware of our surroundings. Jumping through windows, wandering into random classrooms, and walking into people on the sidewalks are probably not the best ideas.

There have been hundreds of reports of people walking onto busy streets and into dangerous neighborhoods in search of Pokémon. Let’s try to avoid those kinds of situations.

To those of you who drive, don’t play Pokémon Go while behind the wheel. Pass your phone to a passenger, or wait until you’re off the road.

If you’re walking, there’s nothing wrong with catching that Pidgey on your way to class, but make sure to look both ways before crossing Ring Road. Be safe, be respectful, and have fun with it!