Coming to Ohio University for the first time can be an intimidating experience. From random roommates to fraternity house parties, students have a lot on their plates for the first time away from home and often don't know about many other things to do off campus.
Although OU boasts a party school image, there are options around town for alcohol-free entertainment and to mingle with your fellow freshies. Here's a list of just a few things that freshmen can do around Athens without the fear of resident assistant busts and underage consumption.
Grab a bite Uptown
Athens is home to dozens of chain, fast food and independently owned restaurants. Take the time to get to know your roommates and floor mates with lunch or dinner Uptown. Campusmenus.com is a mecca for all things food in Athens. Click around to find out about restaurants in town, and find various discounts and offers at more than 20 bars and restaurants on the site. Those over 21 can benefit from the site's bar promotions, including a handy day-to-day breakdown of various specials around town. In just a few clicks, students can find coupons to great eateries such as O'Betty's Red Hot Dogs and Sausages and W.G. Grinders.Hit the trail
Situated right next to the Hocking River, the bike path offers endless possibilities for recreation and exercise. Hike, bike, blade and more along this 19-mile path that stretches from beyond Wal-Mart on East State Street to Nelsonville. Grab some friends, pack a lunch and hit the trail for a fun-filled afternoon ride.
Go thrifting
Thrift shops offer all kinds of goodies, from a coffee table for the dorm room to quirky, off-the-wall T-shirts. Take a day to check out two thrift shops in Athens: New-To-You Shoppe at 9 W. Stimson Ave. and ReUse Thrift Store at 100 Columbus Road.
Catch a flick
Film fanatics, you're in the right place. Within a 10-minute drive of campus, students have access to three theaters. The Athena Grand movie theater, 1008 E. State St., features 11 screens showing most current movies for less than $7 a showing. Watch one of the 12 films now playing at the theater, including the newly released Halloween and the hit summer comedy Superbad. The Grand's sister theater, the Athena at 20 S. Court St., shows current films that don't make it into all big-name theaters, such as the new Becoming Jane, a biography of author Jane Austen's love life. A little farther out of town is Movies 10 at 14333 U.S. Highway 33 in Nelsonville. It also plays new releases for only $4.
Make jewelry
If you're a fan of arts and crafts, take time to visit Beads & Things, a nifty little shop at 8 N. Shafer St. Beads & Things not only sells funky beads, pendants, tools and gifts, but the knowledgeable staff provides tips for making jewelry and teaches beading to anyone willing to learn. Spend a day beading away in the eclectic store or purchase materials to take home.
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Caitlin Price
Athens offers more than just drinking to combat boredom
