Explore the City with these 9 Go-To Places Near Campus

By Meghen Jones

It’s a brand-new day, but the same ol’ routine of college courses, extracurricular activities, and working part-time to earn your bread may have everything feeling a bit stale. The days don’t get any less tiring, and quite frankly, you’re probably in the mood for something different that takes you far away from the same, basic schedule. Whether the occasion calls for a tasty meal at local diner or karaoke session at a neighborhood bar, anything that provides you some momentary peace-of-mind usually comes in clutch.

However, if you’re attending college in a city that’s far from your usual environment, then you may be unsure of where to even begin when it comes to planning some time off-campus. With so many various destinations to visit, especially if you’re now residing in a larger city, uCribs is here to save the day once more with 9 suggestions for the best go-to places near campus!

A Bookstore

Whether you enjoy browsing through the latest collection of newly released books, indulging in a fresh cup of coffee, or perusing the selection of novelty items, bookstores are one of the most welcoming of places. It’s like a library with the addition of a café, calming music playing over the loudspeaker, and quiet, but ongoing conversation amongst friends and study groups. It’s no wonder why people genuinely enjoy spending time at the bookstore.

If you consider yourself a book nerd, you’re probably yearning to find the most recent release from your favorite author. Just picture it now: you with that book finally in your hands, sinking into that comfortably worn sofa with an ice-cold frappè. Ah, perfection. Plus, it even provides the perfect atmosphere if you need a change of environment after those endless study sessions on-campus.

A Coffee Shop

Looking at the same four walls of the library can become tiring when you already spend a good bit of time on campus, attending classes, participating in on-campus events, and printing the growing number of papers written for your English course in the computer lab. Many times, our next resort for time spent on our studies is at home, and let’s be real with ourselves, sometimes it can be all too difficult to maintain focus— much less motivation— in a space where you just want to eat, watch Netflix, and sleep.

But coffee shops are the perfect place to study. Why, might you ask? Well, for one, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded students, working hard to ace that upcoming exam, paper, or presentation. Secondly, by moving your studies to a coffee shop, you can sip on your favorite hot brew or cold brew, snack on a freshly baked treat, and enjoy a space that’s far away from the typical campus shuffle.

A Breakfast Destination

It’s Saturday morning, and your stomach is growling in hopes to be filled with a hearty, homestyle breakfast— like the one mom would always prepare before school each morning. Truthfully, there’s nothing quite like those fluffy, buttermilk pancakes with the perfect amount of crisp formed around the buttered edges, in addition to a side of scrambled eggs and bacon. But if we’re keeping it real, the process of whipping up a restaurant-worthy, full-course breakfast just isn’t in the cards for you today.

No biggie, but you’ll need your new BFF, Google Maps, to assist you once again. But Google has always come through for you when you needed it most, so why can’t it help successfully map the best breakfast joints in town? Whether it’s a franchised restaurant like IHOP that serves everything from pancakes to chicken fried steak or a small-scale, locally-owned café, you’re sure to have something satisfying within your vicinity. Sure, it may not be mom’s unforgettably delicious cooking, but don’t lose hope! There are many breakfast and brunch spots that will fulfill all your cravings—well until you can take a trip back home for the holidays.

A Burger Joint

One thing everyone can agree on is that there’s nothing like a juicy burger. Seriously, just think about it! At tailgates, BBQs, and pretty much any college event that involves getting together with friends, burger patties are being tossed, and everyone is in line to dress up theirs with all their favorite toppings.

With that being said, your cravings make the perfect excuse to seek out a go-to burger joint. Of course, it will have to offer all your favorite menu items like crispy, hot French fries, cool and creamy milkshakes, and of course, a generous selection of burgers, featuring a fluffy, slightly toasted bun, fresh ground beef, and all the toppings your little heart desires. Luckily enough for you, there are so many options countrywide such as Twisted Root and Grub Burger Bar, which offer a menu specifically targeted at burger lovers. Embrace American tradition and enjoy a burger bender with your closest of friends.

A Gym

Working out is essential when you’re a busy, studious college student that spends much of their time sitting—for lectures, to study, and so on. Not to mention, sometimes you just need a way to expel all your anxious energy and really get those endorphins pumping. Whether you’re a gym rat or a beginner, gyms welcome everyone with open arms.

Sure, you may have a membership with your on-campus gym included in your tuition, but sometimes, it’s just not up to your standards. You could be someone who loves classes, or maybe you’re in need of a personal trainer, which your school gym fails to offer. Perhaps, you’re just desperate for a change of scenery or seek a new, accepting community outside of your university peers. Whatever the reason might be, it’s certainly worth looking into. If price or commitment is a problem, check out a reasonably priced facility like Planet Fitness, which charges a mere 10 bucks a month and requires no contract.

A Local Boutique

As a student, many times we tend to forget that we should reward ourselves, so we can stay motivated throughout the semester. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to some retail therapy every now and then, but of course, like everything in life, it should be done within moderation.

Like your hometown, every city has its own set of shops that sell just about everything you could imagine—clothing, furniture, and as we mentioned earlier, books. Whether you plan on making a purchase or not, it’s fun to just get out into your respective neighborhood, talk to new people, and feast your eyes on the unfamiliar. Who knows? You may run across something special that you’ve been looking to purchase for quite some time!

A Museum

Do you have a passion for the arts or even just exploring the various time periods in history? As a student, it’s a no-brainer that you can easily take courses in fine arts, history, sociology, or anthropology, but sometimes you just need a break from those hours-long lectures to enjoy some eye candy—which is all the stuff they’re talking about in those long-winded textbooks, anyway.

So, take a break from the sometimes-stale classroom environment and excite the very interests that inspired your academic career to begin with by visiting a local museum. Museums are host to a number of exhibits including art, history, media, science, and more. Most have relatively low admission rates that are discounted for students, and some may even be free of cost on certain days. Whether you’re a writer looking for your next muse or an art history major conducting research, you’re sure to find something perfectly attuned to your academic and creative needs at any number of nearby museums.

A Movie Theatre

Let’s be real, who doesn’t love snuggling up on their sofa with their favorite blanket and some warm, buttery popcorn as they watch a recent movie release? If you’re anything like us, being able to kick back and relax is much needed after yet another hectic, demanding week on your college’s campus.

However, nothing quite compares to the movie theatre experience, which is just as magical now as it was when movie theaters first popped up in the 1920s—popcorn drenched in butter, large cups filled to the brim with your favorite soda, and the massive IMAX screen displaying the images of that movie you’ve been waiting for forever. It’s the perfect way to spend some quality time with your friends—far from your smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles—not to mention, a sigh of relief after days of brain-busting, academic assignments. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go to the movies!

Your Favorite Spot in Town

Do you have a spot in your hometown that you enjoy when you’re in need of alone time? We’re pretty sure it’s upsetting that you can’t just make a stop there whenever you’d like, now that you’re in a new city with fresh, eye-opening scenery. But hey, there’s always a positive on the other side of that negative—it’s called balance, people!

However, the city has something that serves as a reminder of certain places you adore from childhood. For example, if you enjoy sitting lakeside while letting the serene tunes of your favorite songs play through your headphones, then find out the location of the nearest lake, or if you adore certain outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, or kayaking, there’s likely a place nearby that will provide you with the outdoor fun your heart desires.

Being away from home can sometimes—actually a lot of times—leave you reminiscing on all the things that you miss about the very place you’ve been hoping to separate yourself from for so many years. But, there’s no shame in that completely normal, homesick feeling. Hopefully, with some these ideas for the best go-to locations near campus, you will find your perfect “spot,” or preferably “spots,” that you can enjoy whether you are alone or with company.

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