The time has come to start a new school year at the University of North Georgia. In honor of all of the new nighthawks, I've compiled the ultimate bucket list for freshmen at UNG. However, it does not matter if you are a freshman or a super senior, if you haven't done all of these things then I highly recommend getting right on it.

1. Go to Fall Jam.

Hello, if something involves free entertainment and food, go. First of all, you actually are paying an arm and a leg to go here so make sure you get your tuition's worth. Second of all, it's a great way to go have fun and meet new people.

2. Go hiking.

In case you didn't notice, we live in the mountains. They are so gorgeous and there are so many places to go hiking and enjoy all that the mountains have to offer. I recommend Preacher's Rock as a good place to start. Try it out, I'm sure you'll love it!

3. Get involved.

I'm sure you've heard that the best thing to do in college is to get involved. I chose to ignore that and found myself with nothing to do and not many friends so join something! I'm partial to Greek life but you can choose anything from a cursive club to anime. The opportunities are endless.

4. Use your resources.

Your tuition pays for a lot, so use it! Get your two free things a day and your flu shot from student health, use the recreation center, go to events with free food. Also, if an event says there will be free T-shirts, it's always a good idea to go.

5. Chicken Finger Friday.

Let's be honest, here, Chow isn't always five-star dining. However, Fridays at lunch time you should definitely head that way because it's Chicken Finger Friday. You can go ahead and thank me for this one.

6. Visit all the shops on the square.

If you haven't already. There are so many cute stores and so many that just have some nifty things. Go check them all out and then dine at one of the many restaurant options.

7. Find a study spot.

Our campus is so beautiful and there are endless amounts of places you can go to study, read or just watch Netflix.

8. Watch a movie on the drill field.

Every so often there is a movie displayed on a giant screen on the drill field. Go watch them! It's a fun way to hang out with new friends and there's also free food.

9. Take a road trip.

Go to Helen or to a pumpkin patch. Or just drive until you find somewhere to stop. There are so many things just 45 minutes away that you can go explore. Also, Babyland General isn't that far if you want to bring out your inner child and watch a Cabbage Patch Kid be born.

10. Hang out on the drill field

When the weather is nice and cool, go take advantage of the large grassy area that is the drill field! Make a friend, play some frisbee or just take a nap!

11. Walk around the square at Christmas time.

Just trust me on this one -- it's beautiful and you will love it!

12. Attend the Gold Rush Festival.

Most Dahlonega citizens tend to run the other way during Gold Rush. However, this is something you should definitely do at least once. You can leave town next year.

13. Watch the sunset.

When I lived in the suites, I loved to see the sunset from the top of the parking deck. It's beautiful and you should take time, every now and then, to watch it.

14. Make Dahlonega your home.

It's going to be a great year. and soon this little mountain town will feel like home.