35 Adjectives to Describe My First Year

Fellow Buckeyes!

I’m so excited to see you on campus during your first year at Ohio State; in fact, it’s only been a year since my own first year experience at Ohio State. When people ask me how to describe the way my freshman year went, I often struggle to come up with even one word – so many activities, so much memories – and often settle on “indescribable.”

This all changes today. My good friend Dylan MacDowell has challenged me to come up with 35 Adjectives to Describe My First Year at Ohio State, so in order to remain brief as a blog should, I will simply list some adjectives while fully describing others. Here I go!

1. Exciting – I know, pretty cliche of me to begin with this one here, but there really is no other word to describe it.  Come move-in day, you’ll know what I mean. The nice thing is that we have OWLs to move your stuff in while you bask in your excitement!

 Residence Hall Move-In

2. Beautiful

3. Zealous – Come onto campus eager to learn!  That’s what you’re here for…right?!

4. Creative

5. Homesick – I live about 20 minutes away, but even I would miss my family from time to time. Expect this, but don’t expect it to ruin your time here. Just make sure you give them a call every so often!

6. Rowdy

7. Active – As Rec Sports taught you during Orientation, it’s best to live your life in motion!

8. Social

9. Powerful

10. Gustatory – Experiment and try something new!  There’s so many excellent restaurants around campus, and I’d love to hear from you about the next one.  While you may not have an appetite like myself, you should definitely give Thurman’s Cafe in German village a try!

11. Elaborate

12. Beneficial

13. Icy – I might just be going out on a brink, here, but expect some winter weather to come our way in the next 6-12 months!

14. Nocturnal – You may or may not stay up a few nights past your home bedtime…

15. Confusing – We try to give as much information on freshman year as possible, but I guarantee you will still have questions coming in. FYE is a resource that you can always go to for information!

16. Smooth

17. Enthusiastic

18. Flexible – If you don’t see yourself as a great time manager now, just wait!  You definitely will be soon enough.  I often recall the good old college triangle in order to prioritize my time, but with practice, you’ll be able to bypass this triangle and achieve perfect college zen.

19. Daring

20. Bold – During your first year, you’re going to be doing things you never thought you would in high school.  Coming to Ohio State will certainly give you these experiences.  Being bold always pays off, though.

21. Enormous – While our campus might be big, your freshman year is going to devour any petty notion that you’ll never learn your way around Ohio State.

22. Generous – The free stuff, though…

 Buck-i-Frenzy

23. Bubbly

24. Humbling

25. Nuts – As a Buckeye, expect yourself to go nuts (lol) at football games, free concerts, and other campus festivities with all of your new friends!

26. Natural

27. Inclusive – This might be my favorite word. Ohio State has around 55,000 students, and they’re all different from you. Being inclusive of others and their uniqueness will do you a lot of favors in the friends department.

28. Free-Spirited

29. Arcadian – There isn’t anything quite like campus on a beautiful day. Spend your serenity with friends on the Oval during the day, or perhaps at Browning Amphitheater come sunset.

 

30. Studious – Hit the books! Studying is no longer optional in college if you want that good grade.

31. Challenging

32. Raw – Just ask this guy:

Cody Nagel, 2014 OL

33. Laughable – I guarantee when second semester is here, you’ll look back on something that happened during your first semester of college and crack up about it with friends!  Have humility and know when to laugh at yourself.

34. Independent

35. Tril – A mix of true and real, there is nothing more tril than being at Ohio State.  If you’d like to join Club Tril, just walk on to the basketball team and do absolutely nothing.

This wraps up the First Things First blog post contributions from the 2014 Orientation Leaders; on behalf of all of us, I just want to say thank you for an amazing summer, and we can’t wait to see you on campus!  GO BUCKS!

Mark

The 34 Best Instagram Opportunities on Ohio State’s Campus

Hello again, Buckeyes! I’m excited to talk about one of my favorite things: Instagram.

I find that Instagram is the most accessible and entertaining way to share my experiences. I love scrolling through my collection of Instagram photos as a way of recording and reliving my time at Ohio State so far.

On this 34th day of orientation, I’m sharing 34 of the best Instagram opportunities on Ohio State’s campus. Whether you’re in it for the “likes” or photography, enjoy my suggestions of insta opportunities.

1. Your Buck-ID. When you’re #new2osu, be sure to Instagram your BuckID. Just make sure to cover your student ID number in the lower left corner.

2. Orientation Group. Grab your group photo from the First Year Experience Facebook page to immortalize your college kick-off: orientation!

10403537_10204512045903922_8665088551587404827_n

3. Convocation. The first time that the incoming Class of 2018 will be together at once. Imagine an Instagram with 7,000 new Buckeyes in it together.

Convocation

Convocation

4. New Friendship. Whether you’re with your new friends or roommate(s), share this moment. Your friends from home will be glad to see you’re not alone at school.

5. Welcome Week Concert. The Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) hosts a welcome back concert each fall.

6. Your first home on campus. This could be your residence hall, or, for commuting students, the Ohio Union.

Baker Hall East 2013

Baker Hall East 2013

7. The Oval. Any angle of the grassy Oval will perfectly capture something best described as “so college.”

8. Thompson Statue & Library. An image of this statue in front of the beautiful library glistening in the sunshine captures our tradition and excellence.

9. Thompson Stacks. These multi-colored stacks are encased in glass; perfect for a quirky insta.

P1270686

10. Thompson Library at night. This west side of Thompson includes a glorious nighttime view of the glass windows and lights.

10369209_10204512030983549_3997204766635768659_n

11. Aerial view of The Oval. From the 14th floor of Thompson Library, you can see the entire Oval.

12. Scarlet Skyway. The rose colored glass walkway attached to the RPAC can’t be missed.

13. The RPAC. The Recreation and Physical Activity Center is the largest rec center on a college campus.

14. Lincoln and Morrill Tower. The Towers are a West Campus staple.

10492494_10204512013863121_943565841726370236_n

15. Ohio Union. Inside or outside, this place is fondly referred to as the “living room of campus.”

16. Bronze Brutus. Some call it cliche, I call it part of the Buckeye experience. Get a picture of yourself alongside Bronze Brutus in the Union.

17. Mirror Lake. Once reconstruction on this famous lake is finished, show the world it is better than before with a beautiful picture.

18. Browning Amphitheater. This hidden gem beside Mirror Lake is historical  and looks fantastic when covered in snow.

19. Light Up the Lake. This wintery celebration around Mirror Lake is perfect for a candle-lit moment.

20. Ohio Stadium/The Shoe. Need I say more about game day at Ohio State? #NoFilter on a the sea of scarlet and grey.

A-Packed-Ohio-Stadium-1000x750

21. The Rotunda. This feature outside of the Shoe is designed like the Roman Pantheon.

IMG_1616-1000x750

22. Men’s Basketball Game. Enter the NutHouse and feel the energy.

23. The Numbers Garden. These large numbers are too unique to ignore.

24. Page Hall. Daytime or night, don’t miss The Oval’s most recently-renovated building.

25. The Seal. Ohio State’s emblem/seal can be found throughout campus.

1470201_10204512042983849_3072151979500286212_n

26. Orton Bell Tower. This historic and Hogwarts-style building is my personal favorite.

27. “Summer’s heat.” Follow the lyrics to our alma mater “Carmen, Ohio” and take an outdoor photo of friends enjoying the sunshine.

28. “Winter’s cold.” Make the most of winter with a snowy Instagram of your favorite building on campus.

29. Whispering Wall. At the eastern edge of the Oval, find this wonder(ful) wall.

30. BuckeyeThon. Share your team color and support for this moving dance marathon.

10544359_10204512027543463_1110219034847872060_n

31. President Drake. Everyone loves a celebrity photo. Make it a goal to meet Dr. Drake (and Instagram it).

32. University Hall. Known as the “most photographed building on campus”, it’s the perfect nighttime Instagram.

10559960_10204512118265731_3632785894053653060_n

33. Brutus Buckeye. Our beloved mascot…enough said.

34. O-H-I-O. Find three other Buckeyes, any of the suggestions above, and feel the Ohio State spirit.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I can only imagine the stories that will come from your first year in photos. Stay tuned for Mark’s post on Monday about 35 Adjectives to Describe Your First Year.

Until next time,

Dylan

33 Lessons an Out-of-Stater Has Learned About Ohio

  1. Spelling out Ohio is a common form of greeting.
  2. There actually are cities, Ohio is not just made up of farms.
  3. Everyone is either from Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton or a small town.
  4. The phrase “and Michigan still sucks” added on to any sentence is always welcomed.
  5. Buckeyes are not merely nuts, they are also delicious combinations of peanut butter and chocolate to which Reese’s cannot compare.
  6. “Oval Beach” is the best beach … it’s the only beach … and it’s not actually a beach.
  7. Every football Saturday is the equivalent of a national holiday.
  8. 24 astronauts came from Ohio.
  9. Tractors are not only used on farms, but they are also used for transportation (and they are not very conducive to the flow of traffic).
  10. Two-lane highways without street lights are real.
  11. High school sweethearts exist beyond high school. Their cute social media posts may induce nausea.
  12. When people mention Miami they are not usually referring to Florida.
  13. U-turns are illegal; attempt at your own risk.
  14. When people say they need a sweeper they may be referring to a vacuum. Always clarify when asked to sweep a carpet.
  15. There are high schools with graduating classes that have more people than some Ohio towns.
  16. LeBron returning to Cleveland evokes many strong emotions.
  17. Ohio sports fans reveal the idyllic optimism that many Ohioans possess.
  18. Buckeye Spirit is felt across the entire state; if you are purple and polka dotted but you cheer in scarlet and gray, you are accepted.
  19. Soccer is a big deal in Columbus, the city has its own professional team. Crew games are a blast!
  20. Take advantage of Discount Tickets (D-Tix) at the Ohio Union, you are going to want to see Columbus.
  21. Marcella’s is one of the best restaurants in the Short North, even if you are gluten free, vegan, vegetarian or lactose intolerant!
  22. Just because it is raining doesn’t mean it won’t be sunny within the next ten minutes.
  23. … The reverse is also true; always carry an umbrella.
  24. Snow boots are a great investment.
  25. Presidential elections in Ohio are times every four years Ohio when receives more attention than any other state.
  26. I talk funny. (I’m from Chicago).
  27. Ohio has their own version of a hot dog. It includes both corn and mashed potatoes I am still not sure how I feel about that.
  28. People live with animals that are not their pets.
  29. The summers are humid; you will start sweating when you open the front door.
  30. Jeni’s ice cream does the impossible: makes a dessert out of cayenne pepper.
  31. All roads will forever be under construction, you cannot escape it.
  32. Ohio is the heart of the U.S., it will worm its way into yours.
  33. Most importantly, one day you will realize that while Columbus may be a temporary home, it becomes a place that will forever be a home away from home. 🙂

 

Next week stay tuned for Connor’s post, The 34 Best Instagram Opportunities on Ohio State’s Campus!

31 Ways Your First Year is Like Your Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream

Ohio State was founded in 1870 as a land-grant university. 75 years later in 1945, two hopeful entrepreneurs created an international sensation and paved the way for ice cream shops. This sensation is now known as Baskin-Robbins, which originally featured 31 ice cream flavors – one for each day of the month. Oddly enough, these 31 ice cream are similar to different aspects of your first year. Here is a fun and lighthearted list of what you may experience during your first year at Ohio State, represented by Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors.

1. Creole Cream Cheese: Get ready for a whole new experience.

2. Chocolate: Use campus resources for a rich, smooth transition.

3. Lemon Custard: Like some untraditional flavors, you may need to adjust to some things. 

4. Peppermint Stick: Many aspects will be fresh and new.

5. Banana Nut Fudge: Like the many ingredients in this flavor, there will be so many things to do.

6. Maple Syrup: Love syrup? Get a side with some pancakes at Sloopy’s Diner. 

7. Egg Nog: During the holiday season, be sure to go to Light Up the Lake.

8. Rock ‘n Pop Swirl Sherbet: Want some exercise? Dance to the music at BuckeyeThon.

9. Splish Splash Yogurt: Get your swim on at the RPAC (the pools are amazing!).

10. Amazing Spider-Man 2: See your favorite movie on the Oval with OUAB.

11. German Chocolate Cake: Visit German Village.

12. Baseball Nut: See a Clippers baseball game downtown.

13. Cherry Macaroon: Maybe you come here and find that special someone, that “cherry to your macaroon.” Go for a romantic walk around Mirror Lake (see #2 on this list of romantic places)…

14. Love Potion #31: …and maybe even win his or her heart.

15. Peppermint Fudge Ribbon: If you’re looking to “make ties” you can start by attending the Student Involvement Fair in the fall.

16. Super Yumberry Greek Yogurt: Find out what it means to be in Greek Life.

17. World Class Chocolate: Definitely look for a study abroad opportunity! (I went to Guatemala this past year and it was such a great experience.)

18. French Vanilla: En savoir plus sur l’étude à l’étranger à l’étude à l’étranger exposition!

19. Pistacho Almond: So get crackin’!

20. Chocolate Ribbon: A school like Ohio State is a gift, unwrap that gift and think outside of the box.

21. Rainbow: There is something here for everyone, regardless of background. Find your own “pot of gold” at the end of your journey.

22. Cotton Candy: Have fun and don’t be afraid embrace your childish side.

23. Pineapple Sherbet: Trust me, college is going to be sweet.

24. Lemon Crisp: It can also be sour at times.

25. Rocky Road: There are going to be bumps along the way.

26. Coffee: You may need some energy for those late night study sessions.

27. Strawberry: Stop by for a treat at Thompson Library’s Berry Café.

28. Chocolate Chip: Big or small, no two chips are the same. Be your own person.

29. Peach: Do your best in your classes, so you can be just peachy.

30. Vanilla: Vanilla is standard. Ohio State has high standards for you, but we have faith you can be successful here.

31. Date Nut: And at the heart of it all is a nut that we all love: a Buckeye.

Your first year will be one to remember, so try to make the most of it. Get involved, meet people and take risks. This will be a time that will challenge you, but at the same time will teach you so many things. You will discover more about yourself and make the friends of a lifetime, so get pumped because your college experience is just around the corner!

Stay tuned for Sam’s post, the 33 Things I Now Know About Ohio.

29 Bits of Wisdom For Your First Year

Before you move onto campus in about a month, think about what you want out of your Ohio State experience and let these bits of wisdom help you create an amazing first year.

1. Never let Facebook be the ultimate judge of someone’s character | Do not believe everything you see. Just because someone lives (or posts) differently than you does not mean he or she will be a bad person.

2. Sleep is so, so good | It’s important to take care of yourself. All-nighters will not help you pass an exam because in reality, the majority of the time you will be too tired to think straight.

3. Focus on being a good roommate, not a best friend | Concern yourself with being a considerate roommate and don’t expect to be his or her best friend. You can still be good roommates and have a great living experience together if you’re simply respectful and courteous.

4. Communicate | With roommates this is especially important. Nothing will ever get resolved unless you have honest and open discussions.

5. Get to know your professors | They are here to help you learn and grow. Talk to them and ask for help.

6. Don’t do laundry on Sunday night | Try selecting a different day and time when more machines are available.

7. Bring an umbrella.

8. Ask for help | There are so many people at Ohio State that want to make your experience amazing. Help is available, just ask!

9. Be yourself! | Why be someone else when you can be you?

10. Surround yourself with great people that will push you to your best, celebrate you, and pick you up when you are down.

11. Call home.

12. Wash your bedding/sheets and blankets.

13. Meet new people | People want to make friends but are often too scared to make the effort.

14. Keep your Facebook appropriate | It’s the world wide web, y’all.

15. Don’t leave your belongings unattended | They may not be there when you return.

16. Let yourself be a first year student | Your first year of college will be amazing and full of fun programs, just for you.

17. Take pictures.

18. Be smart with money | Create a plan and stick to it! The Wellness Center in the RPAC can help you!

19. Stay healthy | Watch what you eat and go to the gym (great stress relief, too!).

20. Reflect daily | Make sure you are making an effort to stay on track with physical, mental and emotional health. Do not let a breakdown be your first indicator.

21. Do not let stereotypes decide your feelings about people | People will surprise you in both good ways and bad.

22. Take time to be alone | You will need the time to decompress and chill.

23. It is okay to go to a dining hall and eat alone.

24. Cheer for the Buckeyes | Whether in athletics, residence halls, or our classes – be there to support your team and your entire community. We are all in this together.

25. Check your syllabi | Keep track of your assignments because your professors will not always remind you about them.

26. Get an agenda/planner/calendar | It will help you keep track of your life and help you manage your time.

27. Be silly | Get out there and be awesome! Order pancakes, chicken fingers, and a milkshake at Sloopy’s every so often, talk to the people in your class, and dance like there is no tomorrow!

28. “Don’t be scared to walk alone, don’t be scared to like it” | This lovely lyric from John Mayer speaks volumes. You are more independent at college and have the opportunity to do what makes you happy and study what interests you. Be your own person and don’t be afraid of the changes you will make in your life (for the better of course).

29. You decide your experience | Make wise choices and be all that you want to be. Don’t wait for something amazing to happen to you, go make it happen yourself.

Stay tuned for July 14 when Brandon will write about 31 Ways Your First Year is Like Your Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream!

27 Things to Bring to College!

One month and 14 days until move-in day! Are you excited? Are you worried about what to bring with you to Ohio State? Here are some things I suggest:

I. Seasonal Attire

1. Umbrella

2. Rain jacket

3. Rain boots

You might have heard the rumor…and the rumor is true. It rains a lot here in Ohio. So make sure you have proper rain gear with you to stay dry and stylish in the rain!

Singin_-in-the-R_1939616b

4. Coat

5. Snow boots

6. Scarf

7. Gloves

8. Hat

Ohio weather can be brutal in winter and it lasts for a couple of months. It’s essential to bring clothes and accessories that will keep you warm and comfortable.

a6b57c5fb883bbbc00fd64237fb47e79

II. Special Event Clothing

9. Professional attire

If you are looking for a job or internship, you’ll probably want to go to a career fair to check out all the companies and available positions. Make sure you dress to impress!

6.10.12 KTP2012_021

10. Buckeye attire (football jersey)

Even if you’re not a football fan, you may want to join the rest of campus and wear scarlet and gray while cheering for the Buckeyes. It’s a great opportunity to feel the Ohio State spirit!

23

III. Study/School Supplies

11. Planner

College students are often busy and have many responsibilities. A planner may help you keep track of your schedule.

12. Folders

You may accumulate papers from your classes once school starts. Consider bringing a couple folders to help keep your things organized.

13. Desk lamp

One challenge new Buckeyes face is learning to share living space with a roommate. A desk lamp can help, especially if you and your roommates have different sleep or study schedules.

14. Laptop

Although there are computers available in libraries, you may want to do some work or watch a movie while you are in your room. A laptop or a tablet allows for more mobility and freedom.

IV. Residence Hall Living

15. Alarm clock

Bring an alarm clock to wake you up in the morning and make sure you go to class on time.

16. Laundry basket

Each residence hall will have a laundry room (typically found in the basement). Here’s a tip: try to avoid doing laundry on Sunday nights because it gets really crowded!

Moore_Hill_Gallery(3)

17. Bedding

Don’t wait until the last minute to get bedding! (And don’t forget those extra-long sheets!)

tn260-sports-coverage-ohio-state-buckeyes-bedding

18. Flip-flops

19. Robe

Some of you may live in a residence hall with a bathroom shared by the residents of your floor. Here, flip-flops and robes can come in handy!

20. Power strip

In our modern world, technology surrounds us. A power strip makes sure that you always have a place in your room to charge all of your electronics and mobile devices.

21. Space savers

Most of the residence hall rooms are fairly small and don’t have a luxurious amount of storage space. Consider bringing some space savers with you to make the most of your closet space!

f1711b98597872640ef543534d956cf1-e1380158363266

V. Emergency:

22. First aid kit

Headaches, cuts and bruises happen. Be proactive and make yourself a first aid kit to be ready for those minor ailments or accidents!

first-aid-kit

VI. Everyday:

23. Workout gear

You may hear the phrase “Life in Motion” from the RPAC challenges during orientation. There are a lot of amazing recreational facilities on campus, so get ready to put on your workout gear and stay fit!

tumblr_inline_molrkopend1qz4rgp

24. Water bottle

Ohio State is scarlet, gray & green! Bring a water bottle with you to refill at a water fountain and help eliminate waste!

25. Campus map

Ohio State’s campus is huge. It’s totally normal to get lost during your first week! There will be volunteers in red booths across campus to help give directions. You can also keep a copy of campus map with you or access a map from any of your mobile devices.

f_img_blank_120130725094928Campus Locator 2

26. Travel coffee mug

Campus cafés encourage students to bring their own coffee mugs. They even offer a discounted price if you choose to fill your reusable mug!

27. An open heart

Welcome to Ohio State! You might feel a little bit nervous, excited or awkward; it’s totally normal. Come with an open heart, you will make a lot of friends and some incredible memories.

with-an-open-heart1

 

Be sure to check in on Friday, July 11 when Michelle shares 29 Bits of Wisdom to Get You Through Your First Year.

 

25 Tweets You May See Your Freshman Year

As an Ohio State student, I’ve found that social media is a great way to connect to the Buckeye community. Through sites such as Twitter, you can find out what is going on around campus, keep in touch with friends, take some awesome selfies, and share everything about your college experience. For the 25th day of orientation, I have shared with you 25 of my own tweets from 2012, my freshman year. I hope you enjoy!

8/20/12: Move-in Day! First stop: football tickets 🙂

Screen Shot 2014-07-07 at 12.47.40 AM

8/21/12: Having a great time at Community Commitment today! Thanks @PayItForwardOSU for introducing me to awesome new Buckeyes and community service in Columbus!

Screen Shot 2014-07-07 at 12.56.04 AM

8/22/12: First day of classes! Placing bets on the amount of time I’ll be scrambling around like a lost puppy today. Need to get that OSU Mobile app

8/27/12: After this semester I’m pretty positive I’ll be qualified to teach my new favorite class “the art of speed walking”

9/3/12: Freshman 15 here we come:

Screen Shot 2014-07-07 at 12.58.36 AM

10/19/12- Attention poor and/or hungry Ohio State upperclassmen: Please let me block you for any meal any day this semester #ExtraBlocks #FreshmanProbz

10/24/12: Flashback to 4:30 a.m. when I locked myself out of my room and had to go to the front desk complete with toothbrush in mouth wearing my SpongeBob pajama set

11/24/12: It truly doesn’t get better than being a Buckeye #BEATMICHIGAN

Screen Shot 2014-07-07 at 1.13.49 AM

11/25/12: If you are an Ohio State student with an Instagram there is a 94% chance you have uploaded a picture of football tickets, Mirror Lake, or The Shoe

12/3/12: Love our late night talks in room 4028, random roommate was one of the best decisions I ever made

12/5/12: Just waved to one of my math tutors at JO South, so now I’ll automatically ace my midterm today…Right..?

12/12/12: How long is it going to take for the boy across the table to realize that he’s actually playing footsie with me and not his gf to my right #libraryprobz

12/21/12: Can’t put into words how incredible my first Buck-I-Serv trip was. Missing everyone already. Thanks for the most amazing experience I could have asked for @BuckISERV #OperationBreakthrough

1/6/13: Couldn’t be happier being back home. I love my friends. I love Ohio State

1/18/13: It’s 18 degrees right now and I just considered that warm. Ohio weather what have you done to me?

Screen Shot 2014-07-07 at 1.32.53 AM

1/21/13: GREEK LIFE TAKES OVER SOCIAL MEDIA ALERT ALERT #BidDay

2/8/13: SO happy to have participated in Buckeyethon! Proud of everyone who danced tonight and raised a total of $608,623.29!! #BTFTK

2/14/13: MAROON 5 IS SO AMAZING OMG FREAKING OUT IN LOVE OBSESSED. Shout out to D-Tix for the free tickets 🙂 @ohiounion

3/25/13: Officially declared a professional writing minor!!

3/28/13: SOS LOCKED IN THE BATHROOM STALL IN THE JOURNALISM BUILDING THIRD FLOOR THIS IS NOT A DRILL

4/3/13: Exactly one year ago I decided I was going to attend Ohio State. Honestly can’t imagine going anywhere else, way too sentimental but I LOVE MY SCHOOL

4/15/13: There are few things more frustrating than Bob Gribben informing you “your password is not unique enough”

4/25/13: Please raise your hand if you have ever felt personally victimized by a statistics exam

4/27/13: I know life rocks when I intensely click through all 56 of someone’s prof pics only to discover they were sitting at the table behind me the entire time. Never Facebook stalking at the library again…

4/29/13: Officially completed my freshman year of college! So blessed to have met so many incredible people, OSU I LOVE YOU

Stay tuned for July 9, when Dan will write about The 27 Items You Will Want to Bring Freshman Year!

23 Things to do on the Weekend!

Whether your personal definition of the weekend is a traditional Saturday-Sunday affair, or a liberal Friday (even Thursday) to Monday morning, everyone needs something to work toward during the week; Ohio State and Columbus hardly lack in activities, festivities and general fun for the weekend. My name is Alex and here are my favorite things to do:

 I. YEAR-ROUND OPPORTUNITIES

1) Study: Let’s be honest, that midterm isn’t going to study for itself. I like to set aside a little time from my weekend to get down to business and get ahead in my classes.

(suggested background music)

2) Hang out: Going to class with friends is great, but make sure to get to know each other outside of the classroom.

3) Athletic events: The feeling around campus on game day is pure SCARLET AND GREY ENERGY. Breakout your Buckeye attire and face paint because the Bucks are about to win!

4) Concerts: Whether it’s a free OUAB concert or a performance at the LC Pavilion or the Newport Music Hall, Columbus is a favorite stop on some of the best tours.

II. PLACES TO EAT:

5) Thurman Café: This famous burger café has delicious monster burgers (including the Thurmanator) and is located German Village.

6) Melt: Just a short bus ride or walk into the Short North, this restaurant has an amazing assortment of delectable sandwiches.

7) Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: World-famous Jeni’s Ice Cream is available on campus!  However, I think visiting the shop in the Short North is well worth the trip.

8) Piada: For all you Chipotle fanatics, just imagine Chipotle but for pasta!

9) Northstar Café: With several locations, Northstar is my personal favorite for great food and organic options.

10) North Market: Right by the Convention Center, the North Market hosts many independent vendors and food from around the world.

11) Tai’s Asian Bistro: Talk about more bang for your buck, when I order their Pad Tai, it lasts me for days!

12) Union Café (not the one on campus): If you are looking for a great brunch, pop on in for some tasty breakfast food!

13) Surly Girl: Located close to campus in the Short North, Surly Girl offers great comfort food.

14) Katalina’s: Three words. Nutella Pancake Balls.

15) Figlio: If you are looking for pizza and pasta, Figlio in Grandview is a great place to eat!

III. OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE

16) Scioto Audubon Metro Park: This Columbus park has an outdoor rock climbing wall!

17) CoGo BikesNo bike, no problem. CoGo is a bike share program so you can bike the Columbus trails.

18) Columbus Crew: So maybe you’re not playing on the field, but come cheer on Columbus’s very own professional soccer team. Check out student discount tickets at D-Tix.

19)  Run the Trails: The Olentangy Trail stretches alongside the river. This is a perfect place for long runs and bike rides.

20) Relax on the Oval: It’s nice to actually stop and smell the roses (or grass) once in a while.

21) CoSi: You might nerd out a bit, but CoSi isn’t just for kids. This interactive science museum is a blast for all ages.

IV. THINGS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER (but are easy to forget)

22) Call home: Let’s face it, there are times where you may miss home during your first year. Make a point of calling those good friends or family members when you’re thinking of them, they’ll appreciate it.

23) Sleep: You’ve earned it. Although you may not want to spend your whole weekend catching up on sleep, it’s healthy to take time to rest. Work on creating a healthy sleep schedule, so you can use your weekends to build relationships and have adventures!

Check in on July 7 (orientation day 25) when Nikki will write about The 25 Tweets You Might Post During Your First Year.