Athens, Georgia is the best college town in the nation. It is a shame that most of us only have four years in the Classic City. In four short years there are so many tasks you must accomplish: passing all your classes, receiving work experience, and staying involved on campus is just the half of it. In college you must explore the city and school that harbors you and makes you the person you are. To graduate from the University of Georgia you must experience a few things that are not written in the curriculum of any courses.
1. Take a dip in Herty fountain.
Jumping in Herty fountain is one of the most refreshing things to do after a long hard day. You can do it after anything. Failed a test? Jump in the fountain. Won an award? Jump in the fountain. Your outfit looked good? Jump in the fountain. Actually don't do that last one, you probably don’t want to ruin your outfit.
2. Learn the songs.
The fight song, the alma mater. These are the songs that you must know by the time your graduate because if you don’t they you will be the a sick excuse for a UGA alumni.
3. Go to Athfest.
Athfest is a three day music festival right here in Athens, Georgia promoting music and arts education. Why not go to an affordable music festival for a good cause right here in your college town?
4. Complete the Trifecta.
To complete the Trifecta you must run the bases at Foley Field, Climb to the top of Stegeman, and sneak into Sanford Stadium all in one night.
5. Watch a movie at Tate.
They are free movies. Why go anywhere else?
6. Visit the Iron Horse.
Your freshman year you’ll see plenty of pictures of people on this cold metal horse. That is the Iron Horse. I don’t know why it’s a tradition to visit there, but It is and you should do it. At sunset and sunrise you can get beautiful pictures there for your Facebook cover picture, your Twitter header, your Instagram, or all of the above. PS. It’s in Watkinsville.
7. Go to all the sporting events.
We all attend football games, but UGA has so many other talented athletes. Go to a baseball game. Go see our Gym Dogs. Go to a basketball game. You won’t regret it.
8. Ring the Chapel Bell after a victory.
This is a staple and if you don’t do it by the time you leave UGA I don’t think you can truly call yourself a Georgia Bulldog.
9. See a local band in concert.
Every musician starts off small so why not support local talented artists? Who knows, the band you go see might be the next Pink Floyd!
10. Take a date to the Botanical Gardens.
If you want your relationship to go anywhere you must have a date at the Botanical Gardens. If not, your relationship is probably doomed.
11. Walk on Sanford Stadium.
Now you get to do this at Freshman Welcome, so don’t skip it. Sanford Stadium is the pride and joy of UGA. Do not pass up the feel of the grass between your toes for anything in the world.
12. Eat at all the signature restaurants.
Mama’s Boy, Cali N Tito’s, Last Resort Grill, Clocked, The Grit, Trappeze, The Grill, Little Italy, etc. Enough said.
13. Tailgate on game day.
Rain or shine. Do I even have to explain this one?
14. Go to a philanthropy event.
UGA’s philanthropies, sororities, and fraternities do so much good for not only the Athens community, but for people around the world. Whether they are breaking the stigma against childhood HIV/AIDS or fighting cancer one relay at a time, UGA’s philanthropies have events all school year to earn money and awareness for their cause, so help them out!
15. Explore Prince Avenue.
Prince avenue is such a unique part of Athens. It is home to Avid Bookshop, The Grit, and so much more.
16. Snellebrate!
Go to Snelling after midnight and stuff your face because it’s open 24 hours and you walked to and from class all day.
17. Attend Union events.
Dawgs After Dark. Drive In Movies. Paint and Pours. Lecturers and comedians. Concerts. Charlie Puth. Brad Paisley. Sam Hunt. Need I go on? Union has amazing events for students so GO!!
18. Meet Uga.
Not everyone gets to do this. It is an honor. Some people work their entire college career to be able to do this so if you get the chance do not take it for granted. Take lots of pictures and smile.
19. Hug Ms. Sandra.
After a long hard day, seeing Ms. Sandra at the Snelling entrance is so exciting, but when she hugs you, your heart truly melts. She is a woman that is the true epitome of beautiful and meeting her will honestly make your day better.
20. Find all the bulldogs.
There are painted and themed bulldogs all over Athens. I don’t even know how many there are total, but if you find all of them and take a picture with them all, I’m pretty sure you’ll go down in history as one of the coolest UGA students ever.
21. Volunteer everywhere!
Community service opportunities include Campus Kitchens and UGArden (my personal favorite)
22.Road trip to an away football game.
Go to Florida in a car full of your friends with limited luggage. Make fun of Florida fans. Tailgate. Be insane. Make mistakes because once you’re back at UGA all the stuff you did at an away game doesn’t count.
23. Have a picnic in the Founder's Garden.
It’s beautiful. It’s on campus. It looks pretty in pictures.
