1.  Spring break in “PCB”  There will never be a time more acceptable to go to Panama City Beach during Spring Break than your freshman year of college. If you have the finances and time to make it happen—go! A lot of my sorority pledge class went. By taking on PCB together, it was a great experience to get to know some of the girls I hadn’t gotten the chance to earlier on. Panama City is one of the craziest places I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing, it’s absolutely disgusting but even more fun than it is gross. I was so sad to go but happy to never ever have to return. It’s one of those places that you truly can’t explain unless you’re one of the thousands crammed on the shore in the midst of fraternity flags from all over (even Nebraska?) Check out Seaside too, a close by, smaller, more relaxed town for a break from all of the madness that is Panama City.  

2. Get Majestic at Georges
“George’s Majestic Lounge” on Dickson is one of my favorite places in Fayetteville. All kinds of music artists from Texas country to EDM perform at George’s throughout the year. Tickets are inexpensive and it’s 18+.  It’s impossible not to be happy there.    

3. Andy’s Frozen Custard Maybe I’m biased because I am 100% addicted to ice cream but I discovered Andy’s shortly after second semester of my freshmen year and fell deeply in love. The staff knew my order because I went so frequently. Andy’s ice cream is firstly, delicious and secondly, the perfect pick me up when you feel like you may have to drop out because your *insert god-awful class here* homework is killing you. Seriously, when your studying is turning you into a monster, take a break and go get Andy’s ice cream. Suddenly life won’t seem so bad.  You can thank me later.  

4. Gentry Zoo Gentry Zoo is about a 30-45 minute drive from campus and is definitely worth the drive. Imagine a camel sticking it’s head through your small car window and hysterically laughing with your friends. Gentry zoo beats any zoo from your hometown. Unlike a lot of zoos and animal parks, Gentry is extremely humane and treats the animals in their care with love and respect. Every now and then there will be baby lions that you can hold. No doubt that instagram picture will break 100 likes.5. Devil’s Den State Park
Hike Devil’s Den State Park. You can spend a few hours there or make a day out of it. There is a couple different trails. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation corps in the 1930s and is breath taking, it really gives you a chance to totally take in the beautiful state you go to school in. The park includes campsites and cabins, hiking trails, bluffs, caves, and even a waterfall. Lee Creek runs through it so if you happen to go in the heat of the summer, you can even cool off there.  If the outdoors is your thing, ask around the Outdoor Connection Center for more information. There are also entire websites dedicated to trails and climbing near Fayetteville. Let google become your best friend. 

6. Go sledding Take advantage of the snow days we may get during the winter. I know snow can be a huge pain but bundle up and grab anything that is remotely close to a sled (some of the make shift sleds I saw last year: laundry baskets, cardboard boxes, mattresses, trashcan lids) and you’ll be glad you did. Even if you’ve lived in snow growing up and hate it, try your best to find the positivity in it anyways. I met so many new people the day that everyone living in my dormitory trekked up the hill closest to our dorm and sledded literally five hours, until we could no longer feel our fingers or face. 

7.  Fayetteville Farmer’s Market  

Known as the “Crown Jewel of Fayetteville”. Fresh flowers, cute dogs, baked goods, art and yummy produce. As cliché as it sounds, what more could you ask for? I promise there’s something for everyone at the Farmer’s market, girls and guys. It’s a great way to support smaller businesses too. The Farmer’s Market happens Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. and on Saturday until 2 p.m. around the Historic Fayetteville Square. The Sunday location is at the Jefferson Center Playground and is from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Saturday market makes the square come alive, aside from the vendors there is street performers, local musicians and community organizations providing fun and entertainment for locals and tourists. 

8. Hang out around Old Main Greek Theatre or your favorite spot on Campus at night There is something special about campus when it’s just you and the night sky. There isn’t any of the hustle that’s happening during the day and you aren’t quickly trying to get to your next class. It’s peaceful and a great way to think, whether you do it for 5 minutes after a late night at the library or an hour. You are constantly surrounded by people in college and you’ll appreciate having alone time.  

9.  Go ALL out For a pep rally, a function, a football game, an event at the union

… go ALL out at least once.  You aren’t in high school anymore and you aren’t too cool to look stupid by dressing up and getting into events. I’ve realized everything is more fun when you commit and put your all into it. Be that crazy person that people are happy to stand next to at the long Greek pep rally’s you will endure more than once your freshman year. 

  10. Waffle House  Waffle House is the equivalent to a Texan’s Whataburger in Fayetteville. Maybe you’ve been a hundred times but check it out at 2 a.m. after a night out and suddenly it will become your favorite place. Whether you’re the drunk one or you’re getting prime entertainment from the hilarious drunk people that are coming in after a night out on Dickson, you won’t be disappointed. Make sure to get a safe ride there and home.  

11. Some great eating places BESIDES Waffle House and fast food you should try when you’re just not feeling the dining halls: Grubs – especially on game days, Powerhouse for live music and a fancier feel, Wasabi (Sushi lovers), try every burrito place on Dickson and find your favorite, Hammontrees (their fries are amazing), and Arsago’s Depot.