The last week of school is finally upon us, marking a bittersweet end to the spring semester. Bitter for many the end of the semester means graduating, moving on to the “real world" and for others it means returning home for the summer. Sweet for homework, tests and projects that disappear for a few months. But whether you're leaving for a new grown-up life or just until September, let's face it, the city of Austin is an easy one to miss.
Here are eight things you'll miss most about Austin (or eight things you should try before you travel elsewhere for the summer.)
1. Uber
Anyone returning to their small hometown will quickly realize life without Uber is just not the same. Nostalgia will set in, quickly followed by annoyance when you realize after years at college you've returned back to having to beg your parents or high school sibling to be your designated driver (this is really humbling to say the least)
2. Hotel Ella Happy Hour
This one really doesn't need much explaining. If you haven't gone you should go ASAP. Not only is Ella close to West Campus, but they offer craft cocktails for half off 4 to 7 p.m. every weekday. Your life will never be the same, I promise. Also, the outdoor seating and friendly staff make this Austin's best happy hour spot.
3. Clark's
If you're reading this and haven't been to Clark's Oyster Bar—my heart breaks for you. Clark's offers the freshest seafood (oysters, mussels and fish), but even more than that, the best lobster roll you'll ever get your hands on. Not to mention the Bloody Marys are the best Sunday morning hangover cure. It's pretty pricey, so Clark's can't be a daily stop, but it's well worth the "treat yourself" splurge as often as you can afford. Brunch, brunch, brunch!
4. Favor
This app redefines bed and breakfast: basically the lifeline of every hungover/lazy/tired/watching-Netflix-in-bed college girl. Favor will deliver you anything, from anywhere, at anytime of the day—need I say more? You'll miss having your breakfast tacos, candy fix, Thai food, etc. delivered to your bed side. But hey, with a little work, maybe you could train your mom to be your own personal Favor delivery woman.
5. Elizabeth Street Café Punch
Known for its Vietnamese cuisine with a French twist (macarons!), Elizabeth Street Café offers more than just some good Pho. The Café's hidden gem is their homemade punch, offered in seven different flavors, the highlight being the spicy-yet-sweet Red Dragon flavor. Go sit outside to the quaint patio and order a jug of their punch, or if you're feeling adventurous, buy one to take home!
6. Town Lake
I had to list this destination for those adventurous Austinites! You'll miss not only the Lake, but also all the outdoor activities Austin has to offer. Paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, hiking, running—the possibilities are endless in this fit city. Take advantage of these before you leave and are forced to find activities to do in your landlocked hometown.
7. Weather
I guess this one only applies to out-of-staters, but Austin weather is hard to beat. Sure, it's as unpredictable as ever, but when the day's a 10, it's pretty unbeatable. Seventy-five degrees and sunny… might as well call this place paradise.
8. Y'all
when I came here from out-of-state, I vowed to never use "y'all," a blaring sign of Texan conformity. While I have managed to maintain that promise (it sounds wrong coming from a Jersey girl's mouth), I have to say I'll miss hearing the word thrown around so often. More than that, I'll miss the "southern hospitality" and friendliness of Austin's community.
Of course there are more than eight things you'll miss when you're forced to say a bittersweet goodbye to Austin, regardless of how long your absence will be. But these are some of the big ones, and perfect ways to procrastinate during finals week!





















