Karis Hudgins, Social Media Manager, and Kaylee Roberts, Senior Staff Writer
As courses come to an end, it’s easy to wish you had done more during the school year. Plenty of people are left searching for those last hangouts and meaningful traditions before heading off for the summer, or into whatever comes next. Especially for graduating students, this is the perfect time to soak in the little moments and experiences that make college memorable. But there are so many things to do in a short amount of time; how do you figure out what’s worth it? Here’s a list created by Spartans for Spartans about what to add to your last-minute UNCG bucket list:
Attend a campus event
Fun and free events are happening almost daily around campus, so make sure to keep yourself updated on the school calendar. From game nights and movie screenings to guest speakers and career fairs, the easiest way to get involved on campus is simply showing up. Who knows, you may run into a classmate you’ve been hoping to connect with, discover a club, or even get a free voucher to a food truck. One night out on the quad could turn into one of your most memorable college experiences, so don’t pass it up. And don’t overthink it either—just show up with or without friends, check it out for a bit, and leave whenever you want to.
Leave an apple for Minerva
With finals looming right around the corner, you may be hoping for an extra bit of luck! As part of the popular UNCG tradition, leaving an apple at the Minerva statue is said to bring students good luck. If you don’t have fruit on hand, other offerings have been found at the base of this statue that sits behind the EUC.
Visit downtown Greensboro
Greensboro is rich in diversity and offers plenty of unique dining and shopping experiences. Its downtown area is within walking distance of UNCG, making it easily accessible for those without a car or the use of public transportation. Support local businesses by eating something you’ve never tried before, buying handmade items, or shopping at a local farmer’s market rather than big-name grocery stores.
Spend time outside
Going outside is a great way to de-stress after a long day of studying and taking exams. Piney Lake offers a multitude of land and water activities such as canoeing, hiking, fishing, and more. UNCG’s Rec Center is also looking for participants in their Outdoor Adventures, which are longer trips available to UNCG students, staff, and faculty.
Peabody Park, located behind Phillip-Hawkins Residence Hall, is one of many parks located in the Greensboro area. Each is great to explore by yourself or with company; bring a blanket and picnic!
Attend a school performance
Theater productions, dance showcases, and musical performances are some of the most underrated parts of campus life. These events give you the opportunity to engage with your classmates in a completely different setting while supporting the community of student performers. While attending a campus sporting event is another must-do, they are often filled with fast-moving parts, loud crowds, and typically require you to sit outside in the heat for long periods. When attending a performance by the art department, you’re getting a more personal and accessible experience that highlights the passion that goes into the craft.
Study on Tate Street
Whether we like it or not, studying is an integral part of the college experience. However, it doesn’t have to be something we dread. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need to make the studying experience a bit less painful. Tate Street offers a variety of cafes and shops that are the perfect spot for this. If you’re a coffee enjoyer, we recommend Tate Street Coffee House or Coffeeology for a freshly brewed cup of joe with countless flavor options. Smoothie King and the newly opened Boba Bee also sit conveniently on Tate Street with flexible indoor seating options and outlets for a productive atmosphere.
The key to a great school year isn’t only about your academic and professional endeavors but also depends on the experiences you have outside of the classroom. The school year goes by quicker than you expect, and it’s easy to fall into the routine of classes, work, and naps in between. So, in these last couple weeks of the semester, try something new, show up to an event, and allow yourself to enjoy your time doing it.
