Athens, Ohio: The charming, Victorian-style college town home to Ohio University's brick roads may seem like your average small town in the middle of nowhere (aka Southeast Ohio), but the beauty of it is that it never loses its charisma. As a sophomore, most of my weekend nights have been spent running from one place to the next for several different events with a group of friends. So what are my top five suggestions for things to do on a free night?
1. Go to a hockey game
I personally am a huge winter sports fan: figure skating and ice hockey have always fascinated me. My dad used to play ice hockey in his youth, so of course, I took his advice and went to my first ever game on the season opener of my freshman year. Following that, I went to almost every single home game of the season. It's a very fast-paced, aggressive and interesting sport that has you sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting to see if your team will score a goal.
2. Casa Nueva’s 80s Night
Need to switch things up on the last Friday of the month? Look no further than Casa's 80s music dance night. Get up on stage and dance all night long to your favorite throwback songs with a group of friends, you can't go wrong with it! "Let loose, footloose!"
3. Karaoke night
Located at the Smiling Skull on Wednesday nights, get up on stage and belt out your favorite songs with a friend in front of a wild crowd of classmates and fellow students hyping you up, making you feel like a rockstar for the night. Some of my favorite memories of freshman year are from belting out "High School Musical" tracks with my best friends at the top of my lungs and getting to forget about all our stress for a little while.
4. Donkey Coffee’s performance nights
A lot of great local bands formed by fellow students have started out their gigs at Donkey Coffee's stage on Friday nights. I've spent several nights supporting my super talented friends and their music here with my sorority, and I love it. (Shoutout to Magnolia Child, my favorites!)
5: Football games
Of course, it isn't college life without a little OU-Miami Halloween game rivalry. Dressing up in all black and braving the cold for the blackout game with your best friends is always a good time. You've got to support your school in the most important event of the season!!
The great part about Athens is that there are so many unique places that give this place its charisma, and you can never be bored. I love the vibe of the camaraderie we have here, it is truly special. So try something new, you never know, a random decision could turn into the best night ever!
