When choosing the school at which you want to spend the next four years of your life (maybe five, if you have to do a victory lap), it is important that you look at aspects of the school other than the football team. Now that I attend a school that does not have a football team, I have learned to appreciate other parts of the school as well as the city that make going to school at UNCW my favorite part of my life journey so far. So, we may not have football, but we do have...

The film location for "One Tree Hill."

Wilmington isn't nicknamed "Hollywood East" for nothing. Among many other film locations, Wilmington is best known for the filming of popular TV show, "One Tree Hill." Take a tour around the city to see popular places in the show such as character's houses, the River Court, Karen's Cafe, and the bridge from the opening song. Who knows, maybe you could possibly run into a familiar face from the show along the way.

The beautiful sights of downtown Wilmington.

Some students enjoy adventuring downtown on sunny days to walk along the River Walk and look out over the Cape Fear River. Downtown Wilmington includes many fun attractions such as taking a dinner cruise on the Henrietta, shopping at the many boutiques and markets, or even enjoying a sweet treat from Kilwin's Ice Cream. If you're into history, then check out the North Carolina Battleship, located across the river. It was the lead ship of North Carolina battleships and the first warship in the U.S. Navy to be named in honor of North Carolina.

The Azalea Festival.

In April each year, the Wilmington community comes together to celebrate in one of the largest festivals in the state. Beautiful flowers, entertainment, southern hospitality and other events all are an important part of making this celebration such a success each spring.

Other sporting events.

College life doesn't only revolve around football. Here at UNCW, we like to cheer on the sports we do have such as basketball, baseball, soccer and more. Kicking off the start of basketball season, there is a must see event known as Midnight Madness. Meet the players, watch some shooting contests and see performances from the dance and cheer teams. This event will sure to get all students ready to take on the CAA Conference title. Other than basketball, I hear the baseball team is just as fun to look at as they are to watch play.

Good food.

A plus of living so close to the beach, there is always a place to get good seafood nearby. Dockside, Tower 7 and Oceanic (which is located on the beach) are a few of my personal favorites. If you like donuts you have to make the trip down to Carolina Beach to taste a melt-in-your-mouth donut from Britt's Donuts. You won't find a donut as good as their's anywhere else.

Wrightsville Beach.

UNCW students are known for the saying "We don't have football, but at least we've got the beach," and they're right. How can someone possibly be unhappy when surrounded by a body of water as beautiful as Wrightsville Beach? The sun rises and sun sets are breath taking and when it's warm and the sun is shining, days are spent, fishing, surfing or swimming. You can't do that in a football stadium.

So, if you're not sure where you should spend your college days, give the wonderful city of Wilmington a chance. As I spend my second year here, I can promise you, it won't disappoint.