Here, I used a map of the Light Rail line, provided by the MetroTransit website, to sort of explain the "shortcut" to the stop closes to the U of M Minneapolis campus, Cedar & Riverside. This is only a rough interpretation, so here is another tip on how to reach the stop; look for the high-rise Riverside apartments near the West Bank, go a block or two away from them and you'll come across it.
This photo was taken at the Cedar/Riverside stop, which is next to the Riverside apartments, close to the West Bank of the Minneapolis campus. I easily recognized the high-rise apartment, which is only a block from this stop.
An easy way for anyone to get on the light rail would be to get near the West Bank, and go a block away from the Riverside apartment. You really can't miss it since its about 20 or so stories high.
The stop is not as elaborate as the ones in downtown, like the Metrodome. This can be an example of a synecdoche. In fact, a few short feet away as the rail moves south from this stop, you'd notice a facility with a scrapyard, holding hundreds of rusted machinery. Until the southbound rail leaves the block which the Cedar/Riverside is located in, and passes the 35W, it's like you're driving past the "bowels" of this part of the city. The photo should be proof of the "scenery" in this area.
Apart from a bitterly cold day, I had a great experience riding the light rail system. It was a smooth and swift ride in my opinion. The door must be the most high-tech aspect of the light rail, just a push on a small panel, and they slide open. Compared to the subway in South Korea, this is quite a reliable system.
I was quite intrigued to know that after so many years, the Twin Cities would be having a rail system. Minneapolis and St. Paul have to be some of the biggest cities I've ever been to in the continental US! I grew up in Seoul, South Korea, one of the biggest cities in the world.
Seoul itself consisted of many different districts, which meant a lot of ground to cover most of the time. The subway system is essential to many peoples lives there, especially if they do not own automobiles. Since I was finishing high school, I got used to using the subway system to get around Seoul. It was cheap as welll; the bus and subway used to go for about 700 Won (nearly 50 cents).
With a U Pass, I could use the Light Rail service for free. Knowing the price, however, I imagine it can be reasonable for THIS because traffic is not a factor in travelling on a rail service. I expect it to be a smooth way to travel. I can imagine the views would be better, considering the subway is obviously subterranean. :)