How did we get here? I don't know. One second it was March, we had only just learned that COVID existed, and then all schools were shut down almost immediately. Next thing you know, six months have passed and there are over 270,000 cases in Georgia alone, which is apparently the perfect time to head back to school according to UGA! It's almost like… the university cares solely about profit and not about the safety of their students at all! Anyway, they let us all come back to school in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic. Now what?

As the number of positive COVID-19 cases at UGA have soared past 800 within the first two weeks of classes, I've been scared to do pretty much anything outside of our home. But I'm determined to make the most of our time in college even though it won't look like the typical experience we were all expecting. However, I'm getting more and more enraged and just… baffled at the students who continue to choose to go out downtown and party while the rest of us sit alone in our homes. The lack of consideration for those affected by the pandemic shown by so many students here, especially members of Greek Life, is unfortunately not surprising and honestly a perfect representation of the ignorant culture that is constantly being perpetuated on UGA's campus.

With that being said, I want everyone to have great, safe experiences this year even though they won't be the experiences you previously planned on. So I compiled a list of safe things to do in Athens for any UGA student that doesn't include going to bars or parties. If you're one of the many people continuing to party during a pandemic, I'm literally begging you; do something on this list instead. Here's a simple guide to safe socialization at UGA during the pandemic:

1. Stop Going to Bars and Parties

Greek Life, I'm lookin' at you babe! The first step to having fun during the pandemic is to be COVID-free, which is virtually impossible when you go downtown for a night out or to a house party. Trust me, I understand that going to bars and parties is an enormous part of college culture, but during the pandemic, you're getting a mediocre night out at best, and contracting and spreading a potentially deadly virus at worst. Going to bars and large parties are the highest risk activities you can partake in during the pandemic; there's just no safe way to do it. What's not clicking, y'all? Certain precautions you take personally will not stop the spread of the virus in these high-risk environments because there is no mask mandate inside the bars, no social distancing, and a general disregard for common sense and safety. The bars will still be there when we're able to have a fun night out again without putting others lives at stake.

Remember that by partaking in these high-risk activities, you're not only putting the students, staff, and faculty at UGA in danger, but Athens is also home to a diverse community of people outside of UGA. Our actions as UGA students have the potential to disproportionately affect BIPOC, essential workers, and families struggling due to the pandemic in our community. To everyone who supports BLM, remember that you can't be an ally and also be careless about COVID-19. Partying during the pandemic is an active abuse of privilege that will subject the many BIPOC in our community to virus contraction, potential death, medical issues, and financial issues while we, as young college students at a PWI, will remain largely unaffected as a group.

2. Do Your Best to Stay Corona-Free

Hanging out in small groups is obviously not an option if you are in quarantine. Here's a few reminders of the COVID precautions you should be taking to minimize your chances of getting COVID-19: Wear your mask! Over your nose and your mouth you babies… Social distancing means six or more feet between you and others; remember that social distancing is not a replacement for masks and visa versa. Always stay home if you have any symptoms and let everyone who you've been in contact with know that you're experiencing symptoms and they should get tested as well. A super important part of stopping the spread of the virus is notifying everyone you've been in contact with and each individual quarantining until they get those negative test results. Reporting exposure and symptoms to DawgCheck is essential for UGA students to stay as safe as we can. Please use one of the few resources UGA provided us with to stay safe.

3. Normalize Discussing COVID Precautions

In order for us to socialize safely, there needs to be transparent communication happening between everyone involved, or else none of this works. It's always safer to stay home but I know that it's unrealistic for college students to stay completely isolated. Here are some things to remember before hanging out with others:

Ask them what they're comfortable with and if they've been avoiding bars, social distancing, and wearing masks before you hang out. It's common courtesy at this point to give others an idea of the level of COVID precautions you've been taking before hanging out and to let everyone know who will be there. When hanging out with a small group of friends: Wear a mask if you're a guest and mutually decide to hang with or without masks. Obviously wearing masks is the safest option! Don't question others who don't take their mask off or ask you to keep your mask on. Don't make others have to tell you to wear a mask correctly. Understand that it's not personal if someone asks what precautions you've been taking or doesn't want to hang out in person. This is our new normal-- get used to it babes!

4. Get Outdoors

There's so much to do outside in Athens while the weather is this beautiful! With most classes being virtual this semester, it's even more important to get outside. If you want to stay on campus, I would recommend having a little socially-distanced picnic at any of these locations: The Founder's Memorial Garden, North Campus Quad, the picnic tables at Lake Herrick, or any of the other grassed areas on campus. If you're a yoga person, UGA has a new free yoga class, check it out here. If you want to get off campus, try these spots:

• The Botanical Gardens are a beautiful place to visit; they're open everyday with free admissions and parking.
• Walking paths: Oconee Rivers Greenway and Virginia Walker Park (also has an outdoor fitness zone)
• Hiking trails: Sandy Creek Park and Birchmore Trail

5. Eat!

Takeout is your safest option but eating outside is the next best thing. Enjoy the good eats Athens has to offer! Some Black-owned restaurants to support are: Rashe's Cuisine, Dawg Gone Good BBQ, Weaver D's Delicious Fine Foods, Cool World Ice Cream Shop, and Kelly's Jamaican. There are so many scrumptious places to eat in our lovely town, it can be overwhelming. Use Guide 2 Athens to find the best restaurants (it also has virtually every entertainment/shopping/service you could ever need in Athens.)

For breakfast, brunch, and coffee try:

• Athens Bagel Co.
• Big City Bread
• Mama's Boy
• The Grit
• 1000 Faces Coffee
• Walker's Coffee Shop
• The Rook & Pawn

For lunch and dinner:

• Maepole
• Little City Diner
• El barrio
• Cali n Tito's
• Last Resort Grill
• Clocked Burgers
• Ted's Most Best

6. Get Involved

UGA has over 820 organizations to get involved in; if you can think of it, UGA probably has a club for it. Check out all of the organizations you can get involved with here. I'm personally planning on joining the gardening club if anyone wants to join me. An easy way to stay in the loop on events and services the university offers is through the Student Affairs Events Calendar. UGA offers us so many services that most students have no idea about-- take advantage of these fun events and educational opportunities! From free drop-in therapy sessions, to arranging your own charcuterie board, to essential oils workshops, you can do SO much through UGA for free. If you're interested in a free virtual cooking class and Q&A from the owner of Athens restaurant Five & Ten (on September 4) RSVP here.

7. Serve Your Community!

Not only do I encourage you to get involved in social, cultural, and educational organizations at UGA, I also think service work is super important-- especially right now while so many folks are struggling extra because of the pandemic. Step outside of the UGA bubble and get involved serving the Athens community! Follow these organizations to stay conscious of our community's needs:

• Follow @athenshelpwithcovid on Instagram to stay updated on ways you can help the Athens community during the pandemic.
• To get involved in serving the Athens homeless community, check out the service group Food4Lives, who serves the homeless community here every sunday (Venmo me @Alex-Harvill if you want to donate to Food4Lives.)
• To help fight food insecurity in Athens, check out Athens Community Fridge.
• To stay updated on local service opportunities as well as current local protest information, follow Athens Mutual Aid Network.
• Check out The Athens For Black Lives Matter Initiative, which works to further the BLM conversation into sustainable change in Athens.

8. Visit These Interesting Spots

Here are some more fun places to visit in Athens:

• Georgia Museum of Art: Open Thursday-Sunday, get a free timed ticket here
• Margo Metaphysical Boutique: spiritual shop with jewelry, crystals, sage, singing bowls, etc.
• Thrifting: Atomic Thrift, Dynamite Clothing, Project Safe Thrift, Athens Area Restore West
• Avid Bookshop: Online shopping and contactless pickup offered
• Vintage shops: Junk In The Trunk, Agora Vintage, Vic's Vintage, Low Yo Yo Stuff Records

I hope this guide to safely resurrect your social life proves helpful. Stay safe and wear your masks y'all! I included some COVID safety resources and mental health services below so check those out as well.

COVID-19 Resources

• There's free asymptomatic COVID testing available at UGA. Make your appointment online here.
• Rapid drive thru testing here (you will need to make appts and they may be booked)
• COVID-19 Health and Exposure Updates
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Georgia Department of Public Health

Mental Health Resources

• Text 741741 from anywhere, anytime in the U.S. to chat with a trained crisis counselor through Crisis Text Online.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or Live Online Chat If you or someone you know is suicidal, in emotional distress, or at risk of self-harm.
• SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline: (1-877-726-4727) Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
• CAPS is offering free, confidential, one-on-one, 15 minute virtual informal consultations with CAPS clinicians: Student Affairs Events Calendar
• UGA Counseling and Psychiatric Services
• UGA University Health Center
• UGA Racial Trauma Guide During COVID
• Resources for Asian and AAPI Students Experiencing COVID-19 Related Harassment
• Inclusive Therapists: Virtual directory of culturally competent and social justice-oriented therapists; includes list of therapists currently offering reduced-fee teletherapy