18 Things All UNC Asheville Students Must Do Before They Graduate | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

18 Things All UNC Asheville Students Must Do Before They Graduate

It is easy to overlook all the wonderful things that make Asheville such a unique place when you are a nose deep in trying to receive a college education.

182
18 Things All UNC Asheville Students Must Do Before They Graduate
Baim Hanif

As an Asheville native, I feel that it is my duty to create a list of things all UNCA students need to do before they graduate and leave the area. It is easy to overlook all the wonderful things that make Asheville such a unique place when you are a nose deep in trying to receive a college education, so I figured I can do the dirty work for you! Whether you're an incoming freshman or a graduating senior, it is never too late to start having fun in Asheville. Maybe you've already done some of these things or a couple of them don't interest you, and that is totally fine! The point of this list is to get you thinking about having some fun while getting a college education. My dad always told me, "You gotta work hard and play hard." (By the way, my dad is the smartest person I know.) So, without further ado, here is a compilation of all the things (I think) all UNCA students should do before walking the stage.

1. Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Seriously, get in your car, make sure you have a full tank of gas and go. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, a drive through the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina is a great way to take a break from the daily grind of going to class and is a fool-proof stress reliever. If it's warm enough, roll down your windows and smell the delicious mountain air while you let the soft breeze ripple through your hair. I promise it's a feeling like none other.

2. Go hiking!!

If you're up there for a drive you mine as well hike, right? There are so many great hiking trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out some of them here.

3. Go to the Grove Park Inn for a fancy brunch.

This one might take a little planning because it's rather pricy and making a reservation in advance is almost necessary during the spring and summer when their outdoor patio brunch is rather popular. Nonetheless, it is well worth the money. Don't feel like going for brunch? That's totally fine! There is always something to see and do at the Grove Park Inn. (Like the National Gingerbread House Competition that happens every winter!) Oh, and did I mention it's less than a 10 minute drive from campus?

4. Go to the on-campus event, Turning of the Maples.

This annual campus event happens in mid- to late-October and celebrates the changing colors of the sugar maple trees on the quad. There's free apple cider, gingersnap cookies, apples, and even some great live music.

5. Watch or be part of the homecoming parade.

6. Relax on the quad on a warm, sunny day!

7. Go to a sporting event.

Even if you have zero interest in sports at all, at least attend one event! Men's soccer, women's soccer, swimming, cross country, track, men's basketball, women's basketball, tennis–I don't care which one you pick, but seriously go to at least one! Not only does it boost morale for our sports teams, it's also a great way to be social and some humanities teachers will even count it as a cultural event. (Score!!)

8. Play ping-pong in the game room.

This may sound silly, but I am being 100 percent serious. Hitting a hollow plastic ball back and forth is not only a great way to procrastinate, it's also a great way to relieve stress.

9. Go to The Hop.

Located just five minutes from campus, this local ice cream shop serves up some of the most delicious ice cream in town. They have both regular and vegan ice cream in a variety of delicious and creative flavors such as beet swirl, salted caramel, and UNCA's own flavor Bulldog Tracks! For directions go here.

10. Go on a trip with Outdoor Programs.

One of the best things about living in such a beautiful area is that there are tons of adventures to go on. If you're uncomfortable exploring by yourself, UNCA's Outdoor Programs offers dozens of day trips and weekend getaways that will allow you to explore the area under the guidance of trained staff. They offer trips for all levels of adventure - skiing, snowboarding, night hiking, caving, backpacking, horseback riding - that foster positive social interactions in the great outdoors. Oh, and all trips are at a discounted student price! Check out their upcoming trips and events here.

11. Enjoy a show at The Orange Peel.

12. Become involved with a student org, club or intramural sport.

UNCA has over 60 clubs and organizations. From anime club to lacrosse club, there is literally something that is up everyone's alley. It's also really easy to create a new club. If you're more interested in athletics, try doing intramural sports. Both are awesome ways to be social and get involved on campus.

13. Attend a fitness class.

From spin class to kickboxing, Campus Rec offers a variety of weekly fitness classes for students of all fitness levels and they are so much fun!! Check out the schedule here.

14. Go to the drum circle downtown.

Located in Pitchard Park, this lively gathering happens every Friday night from the months of April to October. It's free and drummers usually arrive at 6 p.m. and the crowd builds until around 10 p.m. Anyone can participate by drumming, dancing or watching.

15. Have s'mores at Mullen Park.

This delicious campus event is planned by Outdoor Programs and typically happens a few times each year. Students gather around the campfire and enjoy ooey gooey s'mores; it's such a great time!

16. Explore downtown Asheville.

I feel like this one is a given, but just in case you haven't done it yet you definitely need to. There are so many great local shops to explore, food to eat and souls to meet.

17. Eat at Nine Mile.

Four words: BEST. FOOD. IN. TOWN. For locations and directions go here.

18. Have coffee at High Five.

I kid you not, High Five serves the best cup of coffee in town. Not to mention that their latte art is some of the best I have ever seen. Plus, it's only a five-minute drive from campus and it is a great spot to study or hang out with a group of friends! Find directions here.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179351
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6494
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451975
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22990
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments