UGA 101 | Spring 2023

Cover Model: Dawn Sawyer

Cover Design: Brandon Dudley

FRESHMAN

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UGA BASICS

44. Campus Map

86. Academic Calendar

EDITORIAL

GUIDES AND MAGAZINES ADVISER

Mary Logan Bikoff

SENIOR EDITOR Elizabeth Rymarev

ASSISTANT EDITOR Dawn Sawyer

ASSISTANT EDITOR, PHOTOGRAPHER

Melanie Velasquez

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jill Ward, Sophie Davenport, Lori Johnston, Felix Scheyer, Sophia Stafford, Bo Underwood, Lilly Kersh, Anna Kapustay

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Tim O’Brien

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sidney Chansamone, Jessica Gratigny

CREATIVE SERVICES

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR

Brandon Dudley

©2023 The Red & Black Publishing Company, Inc.

CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER

Maddie Daniel

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carter Webb

STUDENT AD MANAGER Ryan Jones

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Sam Cockerham, Claire Han

ADVERTISING INTERN Ava Sim

BUSINESS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charlotte Varnum

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Melissa Mooney

NEWSROOM ADVISER Kayla Renie

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Barri Leach

No portion of this guide may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Red & Black Publishing Company.

ADVERTISING Contact us at 706-433-3001 or advertising@randb.com.

BULK ORDERS To distribute issues at your businesses or office call 706-433-3007 or email tellus@randb.com.

SINGLE COPIES Can be shipped. Order at redandblackstore.com.

ABOUT US

A nonprofit, independent student news organization, the Red & Black Publishing Co. produces a weekly newspaper, The Red & Black, which has served UGA and Athens since 1893. We publish news online daily at redandblack.com and produce special-interest publications and books year round.

FIND YOUR PATH WITH PUBLIC HEALTH

Interested in medicine, nursing, health care, the environment, or population health? Our degree pathways will prepare you for a career tackling today’s most pressing health challenges like –

Infectious disease

Reproductive health

Substance abuse

Mental health

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Environmental hazards

PURSUE UNDERSTANDING. TAKE ACTION.

SCAN FOR DEGREE INFO

More Expert Guides from The Red & Black

VISITORS GUIDE

EAT & DRINK ATHENS GA

This guide includes dozens of recipes from local favorites including Mama’s Boy, The National, Weaver D’s, Sweetie Pie by Savie and Rashe’s Cusine. This gorgeous book is a great gift for anyone who’s a fan of the Athens food and drink scene. Find it at redandblackstore.com

TAILGATE GUIDE

In town to cheer on the defending national champions? Our annual guide covers all the essentials for Georgia Bulldogs fans, with plenty of insider tips on setting up your tailgate and feeding your guests in style.

redandblack.com/guides

Registration Hacks

7 tips to ensure you get the classes you need

1. KNOW WHICH COURSES YOU NEED

First: Meet with your adviser. Most students take 12 to 15 credit hours per semester, and to be considered a full-time student, you must take at least 12. Note: The HOPE Scholarship only covers up to 15 credit hours per semester. DegreeWorks is a must. It’s individualized, showing requirements you may have filled with AP or IB classes and which classes you still need for your degree. The UGA Bulletin contains descriptions for classes, any prerequisites and old syllabi. It will help ensure you’re taking what you need now in order to get into other courses down the road.

2. CREATE YOUR WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Before you begin registration, it helps to write out or build on a website a couple of different options. Courseoff — an online class-building site — is helpful. You can look up courses DegreeWorks recommends or do a general search for an area you need. Each class will pop up with the current capacity, time, place and professor. Play around to see which course load works best for you and which classes are good backups.

3. MAP YOUR SCHEDULE (LITERALLY)

Once you have a list of courses, check how far apart the buildings are. Keep in mind, there are only 20-minute breaks between classes. For perspective: It takes 24 minutes to walk from Peabody Hall to the Science Learning Center. That same journey could take from 12 to 16 minutes by bus, or 8 minutes on a bike. Some professors will be lenient about travel logistics, so if you can’t get there on time, talk to them.

4. TAKE TIME TO PRE-SCREEN YOUR PROFESSORS

An instructor can make or break a class. Check out student reviews on ratemyprofessors.com and koofers.com. There are two sides to every story, so take reviews with a grain of salt. Usually students who write reviews are ones who had the most extreme experiences — good or bad. Your adviser can give more balanced feedback.

5. SIGN UP FOR CLASSES

Log into Athena before your time ticket starts, that way you can be ready to register for classes before they fill up. Have some backups — you won’t always get your first pick. When you register on Athena, you can enter the CRNs of the courses. Go to: Student > Student & Registration > Registration > Register for Classes, then select the semester you’re registering for and enter the CRNs.

6. WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK YOUR ADVISER Advisers don’t know everything, but they do know a lot. If you’re unsure of what class to take, how many credits to take, or if you’re looking to add a minor or take summer classes, ask your adviser. If you’re worried about scholarships, grants or financial concerns, go to the Office of Student Financial Aid.

7. FINALLY, MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

It’s sad, but classes can be full by the time you get to orientation. Sometimes a professor can add you to a course, so it never hurts to email and ask. But make sure you find several alternatives that fulfill your requirements and also are of interest to you.

It’s not the end of the world if ... YOU DROP A CLASS

Sometimes, even after searching Rate My Professor and studying the syllabus, the experience of a class might be different from what you imagined. Dropping or withdrawing may be a necessary choice to salvage your GPA, mental health or any unexpected circumstance.

If you are considering withdrawing but are uneasy about how it might impact your track to graduation, schedule a meeting to talk with your adviser. There is no shame in taking the steps that are right for you, but aim to decide before the class withdrawal deadline (two weeks after the semester midpoint).

JOIN

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR STUDENT WHILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR OTHERS.

ENGAGE WITH PARENTS AND UGA LEADERS

Meet UGA leaders, tour campus facilities and get to know fellow parents and their students.

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR STUDENT

Enjoy ample opportunities to engage with your student on campus to help support a full undergraduate experience.

SUPPORT OTHER UGA STUDENTS

Your annual gift of $5,000 or more impacts student areas of high need through the Parents Leadership Council Grants Program.

For more information about the Parents Leadership Council, email parents@uga.edu , visit give.uga.edu/plc or scan the QR code.

Prof Talk

10 tips from a professor (and a Double Dawg)

Dear freshman student,

Iknow the path to becoming a UGA student is different for each individual, but you did it, and I’m glad you’re here! I’m honored as a faculty member to get to know students and see them grow.

How we communicate and where we eat, shop, live and study in Athens and on campus have changed over the years (oh, how I miss Guthrie’s, Steverino’s and Cookies & Company), but some of this advice is the same thing my friends and I told each other when I was an undergrad at UGA, plus new tips that are relevant for today’s world.

A few years ago, I offered advice to my oldest niece as she started her freshman year. Next year, I hope to do the same with my son, when he begins his college journey at a to-be-determined university (we still have all of those applications and essays to submit!). Before it’s his time to head off to school, I hope these 10 nuggets of advice will be helpful as you start your freshman year.

1. Acknowledge when you need help. You will need others to come alongside you at times, academically, emotionally and socially. You’re not alone.

2. Learn across disciplines. Classes you’re taking one semester may not seem to have anything in common, but draw

connections between what you learn then and over the semesters, and bring it into discussions with professors and students.

3. Don’t lie to your professor. Integrity and honesty are keys to success. Lying will do you no good.

4. Try new food. The town has amazing international cuisine, which you can find anywhere, including campus events, organizations tabling at the Tate Center, dining halls, Athens restaurants and meals with fellow students and professors.

5. Don’t park illegally and leave your hazard lights on overnight to avoid a ticket (it’s not good for your car and won’t work, from a lesson a long time ago in the O-House parking lot).

6. Pay attention to the news. Listen, watch and read what’s going on in the community, state, nation and world. UGA students, faculty and staff may pop up in those stories, which gives you a more informed view of life here.

7. Go to the office hours. You may have that “aha moment” with course material or hear the advice you need when wrestling with a problem.

8. Find a mentor. Whether through a formal program or informally with a faculty member, staff member, recent graduate or someone you met through working or volunteering in Athens, you can have a mentor at any time, not just as graduation approaches.

9. Take a different route. Once you know where your classes, dorm, sports venues and the dining halls are located, look for another path to them. What you pass and those you see could help you learn more about your new home away from home.

10. Give thanks. If you ask someone to write a recommendation for you, email or send notes of thanks before you post the news on social media. And most of all, enjoy the moments and memories that you’ll make as a student here. From someone who returned to Athens years after earning my first degree from UGA, it’s a wonderful place to be.

Warmest regards,

Lecturer; Director, Cox Institute Journalism Writing Lab, Journalism Editor-in-chief of the Red & Black, 1995

P.S. If you see me out and about — on the route you use most often or a different one — don’t hesitate to say hi!

Decode Your Syllabus

Trust us, it helps to plan ahead.

Whether you’re attending a class in person or online, there is one simple task that should first be completed in order to ensure your success in the class: Read the syllabus. Failure to perform such a task could potentially jeopardize your GPA and lead to more nerve-wracking days than necessary.

Syllabi provide an outline of what a professor feels is most important about the course. In addition to exam dates, syllabi list out assignment deadlines, class policies, textbooks and other required reading.

After reading through each syllabus, it’s helpful to write assignments and exam dates in an academic planner to keep track of them. If you don’t have one, the campus offers a variety of them, or you can always set up a digital calendar with reminders, such as through Google Calendar.

Special Tip: Color code reminders according to what class they’re for.

Another important reminder is to take

into account all of your family responsibilities and social calendar events. If your sports team, sorority or family has a set list of events to participate in for the upcoming months, make sure to include these in your academic calendar and be mindful of them.

Professors are less likely to excuse an absence or give you a deadline extension if their syllabus provided you the due date months in advance. But, if you are aware of potential conflicts early in the semester and let your professors know, they are more likely to work with you on deadlines.

One last word of advice: Check in every month or so to make sure your professor hasn’t changed the syllabus from the first week of class. Sometimes, but not often, professors will alter the original copy without letting the class know, so stay vigilant!

Conflicts will arise. Planning alerts you in advance so you can create a strategy to lessen the stress of these inevitable conflicts.

Trapeze · Pole · Fabrics · Slings · Aerial Yoga · Lyra classes, lessons, workshops for all ages & abilities

Learning Resources

Where you can go for some extra assistance

PEER TUTORING

Peer tutoring is completely free through the University of Georgia. Students can meet with a peer tutor who has successfully completed the course they’re taking currently. Tutors can discuss class content, offer study tips and resources and answer questions. There are one-on-one sessions as well as group study pods. Peer Learning and Teaching Others currently offers tutoring in over 300 undergraduate courses. dae.uga.edu

ACADEMIC COACHING

Academic coaches help students articulate their long-term goals and plan a path toward success. Coaching is available for all majors and years. It seeks to address the needs of students and to understand how that impacts their academic performance. dae.uga.edu

WRITING CENTER

Every student should take advantage of the Writing Center. Whether you need help writing an essay, a research paper or even a cover letter, the writing consultants are

there to help, free of cost! You can schedule either an in-person or online appointment with a writing consultant. Some of their services include evaluating aspects of writing like thesis statements and organization, teaching students how to proofread their own work, providing feedback on current drafts and more. When in doubt about your writing, set up an appointment! english.uga.edu/writing-center

CAREER CENTER

Many students have no idea what they want to do for a career when they enter college. If you’re not sure what career options are available, the career center offers plenty of resources to help you navigate your options. Explore the many majors UGA offers and their respective career paths. Take advantage of resume and cover letter reviews, and practice for job interviews. Maybe even sign up for the mentoring program and find someone in your dream field to speak to. The Career Center offers countless resources to help you plan for your future. career.uga.edu

Feeling Undecided

You don’t have to know your major right away.

When I was starting at the University of Georgia, I dreaded the question that seemed to come from every direction — “What’s your major?” I had this image that as a college student, your major can shape your very existence, what classes you take, what clubs you’re involved in and even who you hang out with. I was worried that by holding out on selecting a major, I would be aimless, listless and even worse, friendless.

It is true that your major plays a big role in your college experience, but it doesn’t define it. As I quickly learned, freshmen are pretty much all in the same boat when it comes to courses and workloads in the first semester.

There are classes that every student needs to take in order to graduate, and they are usually full of freshmen trying to chip away at their university requirements. Whether someone is studying biology or business, they still need to fill their humanities requirement.

Also, while joining clubs that com -

plement your major is a great way to bolster your resume, no one is limited to only the clubs that fall within their discipline. For instance, while many journalism majors contribute to The Red & Black, there are contributors who aren’t in journalism but still enjoy writing.

Unbelievably, there are more than 700 registered student organizations at UGA, meaning that every field has at least a handful of correlating clubs. The best part is that you don’t have to be in a club or commit to it if you just want to see what it’s all about — just ask to sit in on a meeting!

If you come in as undecided, you will be assigned an explore adviser to help you with your class schedule, as opposed to a major-specific adviser. With the help of my explore adviser, I ended up with a schedule for my first semester that was full of introduction classes in subjects I had never studied before, like cinema and global issues.

I think taking introductory courses

is the best part of being undecided because you quickly find out what you like — and even quicker, what you don’t like. If intro to biology doesn’t go as well as you had hoped, you don’t have to stress because you haven’t committed to studying it for four years.

My biggest piece of advice for any incoming freshmen who don’t know what they’re going to do yet is to be open. Being undecided isn’t going to put you behind everyone else as long as you are open to trying new classes and clubs. You can only find the major that suits you if you are looking for it.

By Sophia Stafford | Class of 2026

It’s not the end of the world if...

YOU CHANGE MAJORS

Coming to college provides you with an opportunity to grow and learn new things about yourself. You might have come to school set on pursuing one career, but you might find that there are other majors and subjects where you might be a better fit. If you’re set on going another direction, make sure to do the research on the credits needed and the requirements you must meet to graduate. Meet with your advisor, and talk with those within the field you want to pursue. Changing your major can be a scary step to take, but it will be worth it to study something that makes you happy.

Trouble deciding? Talk to your adviser to help chart your course and start a major. For registration hacks, see page 12, and for additional learning resources, see page 17.

Outdoor Learning

Where to catch up on coursework and commune with nature

Need a nice, quiet place to study? Here are some great spots to catch up on coursework and commune with nature.

HERTY FIELD

If you want to catch some rays while earning those grades, Herty — which, by the way, was the location of the first Georgia football game — has a perfect lawn, and the fountain provides soothing white noise. Pack a towel or blanket, and soak up tranquility.

Bonus: There’s a solar-powered charging station right across from the fountain.

LAKE HERRICK

A favorite place for putting up a hammock, Lake Herrick offers a quiet escape from more crowded sections of campus near the intramural fields. After you study, work off some exam stress with a

walk through the trails near the lake.

BEHIND THE BOOKSTORE

The small area between the bookstore and the Miller Learning Center is a favorite place to string up a hammock and catch up on classwork. (Or, let’s be honest, take a quick nap.)

NORTH CAMPUS QUAD

It looks like the cover of a brochure as you stretch out on the historic lawn of North Campus with your books or grab one of the benches near the Main Library.

FOUNDERS MEMORIAL GARDEN

Tucked away at the edge of North Campus, this restful spot is just yards from Lumpkin Street but has the serene feel of a secret garden. Settle in on a bench and appreciate the historic setting.

Studying in the Founders Memorial Garden [Tim O’Brien]

8 Tips for Dorm Living

You’ll love living with hundreds of strangers. Really.

Living with hundreds of strangers will be fantastic. Really. Here are a few guidelines for making the most out of your residence hall experience.

1. REMEMBER EVERYONE IN YOUR HALL WANTS TO LIKE YOU

Don’t be afraid to talk to your neighbors. If you’re looking to make friends on your hall, keep your door open on the first day. This makes it easier for people to strike up conversations.

2. GO TO DORM EVENTS

Resident Assistants and other staff work hard to create a social atmosphere to promote community. Go to the events and connect

4 AM

with the people on your hall and in your dorm!

3. BE PATIENT

Don’t be upset if you don’t find your friend group immediately. You will in time.

4. TALK WITH YOUR ROOMMATE

You don’t need to be the best of friends, but at least communicate enough to feel comfortable asking them to turn off the light.

5. USE THE DORM WASHERS AND DRYERS

Do your laundry at the dorm instead of hauling it back home. Remember: You pay for all these services in your housing fees.

6. ENJOY BEING RIGHT ON CAMPUS

Take advantage of the fact that you live right on campus. You don’t need a car to get to your classes, and the buses stop near your dorm. Plus: If you need to go to the dorm to take a nap between classes, you have ample opportunity to do so!

7. STAY SAFE.

Keep your doors locked, take well-lit paths to the dorm and wear flip-flops in community showers. Take basic steps to ensure the well-being of yourself and your belongings; you’ll be living with a lot of different people.

8. HAVE FUN.

Living on campus is a rare opportunity you won’t repeat; enjoy it!

COLD CUT SUBS - BURGERS - GYROS - MOZZARELLA STICKS WINGS - CHICKEN FINGERS - LOADED CHEESE FRIES - VEGAN CAKES & COOKIES - PHILLIES - RICE BOWLS - DESSERTS & MORE!!

DO PACK THIS

Trust us. You’ll need this stuff.

• Shower shoes

You can survive for a couple of days without those extra-long sheets. You will not survive without shower shoes.

• A desk lamp/string lights

There will be times you need to study at 4 a.m. and your roommate insists on sleeping. A lamp is an investment in your roomie relationship. String lights create atmosphere in a room with two default settings: pitch dark or glaring fluorescent.

• A basic first aid kit

Create a box with essentials — from Band-Aids and Neosporin to DayQuil.

• A 10-foot phone charger

You’ll be grateful for this if you sleep in a lofted bed. A long cord allows you to use your phone in bed at night, and it minimizes the journey to turn off a blaring alarm.

DON’T PACK THAT

Some things are best left at home.

• Storage (and clothes to fill it)

It’s tempting to bring a host of cubbies and to pack all your cute fall outfits. Instead, swap things out when you go home between semesters. Your tiny dorm closet and one storage unit will be plenty.

• A printer

Your room has limited space and printers are bulky. You can find printers around campus that cost mere cents per page.

• Plants

Small succulents are low maintenance and will be fine. Forget about plants that need lots of natural light.

• Candles

The dorms have a strict no-candle policy, so avoid bringing these fire hazards.

It’s not the end of the world if ...

YOU DON’T LIKE YOUR ROOMMATE

Movies and TV shows make it seem like you should become instant besties with your freshman year roommate. Although befriending your roommate is definitely possible, it is just as common that you and this random person you’ve been messaging with for two months do not become besties, or even acquaintances.

Living with a person can be difficult, and it’s normal to have arguments, tension and maybe a few silent treatments. If you and your roommate don’t vibe, you can reach out to an RA to moderate arguments or even switch rooms if it becomes necessary. It’s most important to feel safe and comfortable in your living space.

Transfer Tips

How

transfer students can find a place at UGA

Entering UGA as a transfer student can be daunting. Whether transferring was always in your plans, or it’s a last-minute decision, it can be both exciting and scary to enter a new school. In a university as big as UGA, you will be surrounded by students who have been here longer. Here are some tips for finding your way after transferring.

NAVIGATING UGA AND ATHENS

UGA is an impressive 767 acres sprawled across a large part of Athens, Georgia. Names like North Campus, South Campus and Health Sciences can sound overwhelming, but there are ways to navigate it.

Mickie Barthelemy is a first-year fashion merchandising major who transferred from Gwinnett Technical College in 2022. Her number one piece of advice for new transfers trying to navigate the bus system is to get the app.

“This app will be a student’s best friend, when trying to locate their classes and arriving at their destination on time,” Barthelemy says. “Using the category Transportation/Navigation will allow the student to access stops, routes and buildings around campus.”

FINDING A COMMUNITY

Finding friends and a community can be intimidating no matter who you are. Luckily, UGA offers a huge variety of clubs, organizations and athletic opportunities to help you find a niche.

Michael Howard, a third year management information systems major, notes

the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity and finding your people.

“As a transfer student, you (often) come in with nobody,” Howard says. “So it’s really important to be open.”

As the current social justice chair of the Black Affairs Council, Howard notes that getting involved in one’s community is a great way to stay connected, as well as putting yourself in spaces like the Tate Student Center, where you can meet and interact with new people. Look for fun things to do in Athens, like trying out great restaurants and bars or going to concerts around town.

ADJUSTING ACADEMICALLY

UGA’s academic rigor can feel like a big change for some.

For Adrian Gutierrez, a third-year management information systems major, he found that coming to UGA required him to adopt new study techniques to adjust.

“One of the things I did was buy a calendar, so I could put important dates from the syllabus there,” Gutierrez said.

There are also many resources available for students having trouble with a particular course. The tutoring center in particular is a free resource that connects students with other peers who have taken the class.

While UGA can seem intimidating at times, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Make sure to take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you, because you never know which will bring you closer to finding your community and achieving academic success.

It’s not the end of the world if ...

YOU FEEL LONELY

Maybe you think of college as the best four years of your life. It’s easy to go into your time at UGA expecting constant excitement and fun, but college can also be lonely. You move out of your house and live among mostly strangers. There won’t always be fun social events to go to or classes to attend. It isn’t always easy to make new friends quickly. There will be times where you feel alone, or Friday nights where you don’t have any plans. As disappointing as it can be, it’s also something that we all have to experience at some point. Loneliness is hard, but it teaches you how to find joy in your own company. It encourages you to step outside of your comfort zone, whether that means venturing out to a new coffee shop alone, or curling up with a book instead of going out.

Museum Studies

Interdisciplinary Certificate

Sharing Spaces

What I’ve learned about being a good roommate.

Coming into college, I expected living with someone else would be easy. We would be best friends. Our room would be spotless. I know now that this was an unrealistic outlook, and an all too-common one. Roommates always have to work to get along.

I grew up having my own room and bathroom and I only had a brother. No one asked to borrow my clothes. I was never awoken by another’s alarm. I had what my parents called “my own little princess suite.” But on the eighth floor of Russell Hall, I learned a lot about how to live with a peer.

Before moving in, my roommate and I FaceTimed to discuss our habits. The first thing we discussed was space: Namely, how can I respect yours? For us, it can be as simple as making your roommate aware that you need a chill evening, and you’re not up for much chatting. You are not kicking your roommate out, yet you are getting that bit of “quiet time” you seek.

It’s also important to discuss sleep schedules and class times. My roommate and I knew we both adored sleep. When you find someone with similar sleep patterns, you can easily get all of the deserved hours. But if you’re a night owl and your roommate

has an 8 a.m. class, just ask them politely to not make too much noise in the mornings. Perhaps a sound machine could assist in diluting sound. It just takes communication.

Be transparent with your roommate — are you messy? Coming from my “princess suite,” the only mess I was familiar with was mine. But my roommate and I found that simply texting, “I’m wondering if we can clean the room a little. I will do my part as well,” works wonders. We also take the time to clean together — it takes collaboration.

When it comes to groceries, we came up with a system. Anything we preferred to be “ours,” we labeled with our initials. However, dorm fridges are small. So, we decided items like condiments were shareable. There is no room to have duplicates. We also share dishes and cleaning supplies, which we keep in an ottoman in the center of our room.

It’s hard to exist in such close quarters as roommates and nothing more — ask how they are doing, ask what you can do to make their lives better, go out to coffee or grab a bite to eat. All in all, your roommate does not have to be your best friend, but you should be able to respect each others’ ideals.

By Sophie Davenport | Class of 2026

Getting Involved

There’s more to college than just school.

The University of Georgia offers hundreds of clubs and organizations that help students find their niche. As you look for ways to get involved, consider what’s important to you.

I

WANT TO TRY SOMETHING NEW

College is a time to experiment. There’s probably no other time in your life where you’ll be offered such a plethora of activities and experiences to try. UGA’s wide array of clubs allows you to learn skills ranging from the intricate to the obscure. A few examples include the Ballroom Dance Club, Aviation Club, Juggling Club and Knit and Crochet at UGA.

I’VE GOT TO GET OUTDOORS

Head outside with clubs, such as Block and Bridle, a livestock club affiliated with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. There are hiking and rock climbing groups too, like the Outdoor Adventure Club.

I’M A JOCK — BUT NOT A D1 ATHLETE

Join one of the 38 active UGA club sports teams. This will allow you to hone skills, meet new people and travel to compete. Club teams include hockey, lacrosse and rugby.

I’M COMPETITIVE — BUT NOT A JOCK

Exercise your competitive nature with groups like eSports at UGA or the Board Game Club at UGA.

I WANT TO GIVE BACK

Take part in large-scale events like UGA Miracle’s 26.2-hour Dance Marathon,

which in 2023 raised more than $1.1 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, or the SDT Greek Grind dance contest, which raised nearly $70,000 for Prevent Child Abuse America in 2021. But fundraising doesn’t always have to be a colossal event. Local restaurants and breweries host percentage nights or benefit concerts in which a portion of sales benefits a club or cause. Almost every weekend brings a 5K or fun run. Not all runners are human — in the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club’s annual Dawg Jog 5K, dogs and owners compete to raise funds for animal-related causes. Other animal advocacy organizations include Rescue Paws, a student group that helps find homes for homeless animals.

I WANT TO SERVE

Several groups let you help students or Athens residents. Designated Dawgs provide safe rides home for students. Extra Special People helps support people with developmental disabilities. The UGArden Club works with the student-run organic farm to raise sustainably grown produce, which is then distributed to the community. The Backpack Project of Athens aims to help the homeless population in Athens by making care packages and raising awareness.

I’M MORE CAREER-FOCUSED

Just about every field has a student group. These offer ways to learn about what it takes to move into your intended career. Clubs organize networking events, speakers and workshops. A few

Flag football teams play on the Intramural Fields. [Tim O’Brien]

MICROSOFT 365

All eligible UGA students, faculty & staff have free access to some of the most widely-used productivity software from Microsoft.

For more information about Microsoft 365, visit the link in the QR code.

examples are UGA’s student chapter of the American Society of Microbiology and the UGA Economics Society.

I WANT TO FIND A COMMUNITY

UGA is full of students from all walks of life, and there’s no shortage of cultural organizations or communities to join. The Pride Alliance and Pride Center offer support and advocacy for the university’s LGBTQ community and its allies. ASL Dawgs provides resources for UGA’s Deaf community and anyone interested in learning about American Sign Language and Deaf culture.

There’s also a variety of cultural and international organizations, including the Asian American Student Association, the Hispanic Student Association, the African Student Union, the Filipino Student Association, the Indian Cultural Exchange and the Russian Club. The International Student Life office at UGA offers resources and hosts events, including the annual International Street Fest.

I’M SEEKING A SPIRITUAL HOME

There are a number of religious organizations on UGA’s campus serving many faith communities. The Wesley Foundation, which meets at the Wesley Main Chapel on Wednesday evenings, is one of the largest Christian organizations on

campus. There are also more intimate Christian groups including the Baptist Collegiate Ministries.

Many Jewish students will gather at Hillel to enjoy free Shabbat dinners and services, and Catholic students can find a home at the Catholic Center.

The Muslim Student Association is UGA’s primary group for students of the Islamic faith and seeks to be both a network for Muslim students and a voice for their community on campus.

I MIGHT RUN FOR OFFICE

You can get involved in the Student Government Association and represent your class and your interests at the university level. But there are other ways to get involved. The Residence Hall Association represents more than 9,000 students. You can take part as a committee member, floor representative or on the executive committee. Or, you can join a group that focuses on your area of study, such as Ag Hill Council, which advocates for South Campus.

I LIKE TO DEBATE

Some of the oldest organizations on campus are the Demosthenian and Phi Kappa literary societies, which fuse debate and discussion with social activities. For a more competitive focus, consider the Mock Trial team.

E. Dougherty St. Athens, GA 30601

DEAR UGA CLASS OF 2027, Congratulations on your decision to enroll at the finest university in the land! We are so excited to see you all on campus soon. I am George Moore, the Student Government Association President, and I have the honor of representing UGA’s student body alongside two of my best friends — Yuag Shaparia (Vice President)and Gabi Lewis (Treasurer). We were elected to serve for the 2023-2024 school year, and we are committed to bringing people together to unite the student body and present student needs to administrators.

The Student Government Association (SGA) is here for you! We were elected to represent students, and we want to make

A F

sure that we are accessible and have an open line of communication with you to address any needs that may arise during your first year at UGA.

You are invited to apply to SGA’s FirstYear Programs, which are tailored for students to develop interpersonal skills with a close-knit community of peers and mentors. First-Year Program students get connected with the SGA, campus and the Athens community all within your first two semesters here.

As you prepare to make Athens your new home, know that you are about to enter some of the most exciting and memorable years of your life. If there is one thing we want you to take away from this letter, it is that there are going to be highs and lows throughout college and your first year, but it will be the people alongside you who make this experience worthwhile.

Our UGA community is rich with over 800 student organizations, campus resources to cater to your every need and events to help you become a part of the Bulldog family through our favorite traditions and celebrations.

We look forward to welcoming you home in August!

George Moore, Yuag Shaparia and Gabi Lewis President, Vice President and Treasurer SGA 36th Administration Executive Officers

STEM History Minor Competitive Job Skills

Go For It

Pushing my comfort zone was the best thing I could have done.

Transitioning from my lifelong home, a small town where everybody knows everyone, to the University of Georgia was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. It’s easy to feel lost in the vast sea of people in a big university, like you are one in a million but still don’t quite fit in. But it was the first day of class when I realized I belonged here at UGA.

My roommate, who I wasn’t even close with yet, asked me if I wanted to go jump in the fountain with her. Apparently, it was a first-day-of-class tradition and everyone was doing it. My first instinct was to say no, that it was too out of my comfort zone. As silly as it is, I was so nervous to do it. But even though my brain was saying no, I said yes.

As we got closer to the fountain, I could hear loud music, splashing and voices yelling, which only increased my nerves. When we approached, all I saw was a mass of soaking wet people. Before I could process the scene in front of me, my roommate was taking off her shoes and was running toward the water. I quickly followed her, my heart pounding, and we squeezed through all of the people and into the cold water.

It was the most exhilarating feeling. All of the air left my lungs, and suddenly it was only adrenaline that I felt. There, in the fountain, being squished between fifty-plus people, I could not stop smiling. Instead of feeling like one in a million, I felt like I was part of a unit. That night, as I went to bed, UGA did not feel so foreign after all. It was already starting to feel like home.

Because of this experience, my biggest advice is to go out of your comfort zone and take risks. When going to a big college, it can be your instinct to just retreat into your own little bubble. It was mine, too. But it was when I challenged myself — sat next to a new person in class, introduced myself to strangers and joined new clubs — that I felt like UGA was where I was meant to be. I’ve learned throwing yourself headfirst into a new experience makes it easier. A new person that you sit next to in class could end up being in your wedding one day. There are so many possibilities, and college is too short not to explore them all.

So, go to that party. Join that club. Get a roommate you have never met before. Sit next to that stranger in class. Introduce yourself to a new person. All of those things changed the course of my freshman year for the better. You will regret not living your college life to its highest potential. If I had not pushed myself out of my comfort zone, I would probably still be the shy girl who kept to herself. As you are transitioning into a new school in a new place, say yes and step into the unknown.

By Anna Kapustay | Class of 2026

YOU LOSE OLD FRIENDS

Losing touch with your high school friends may seem like an impossibility, but the truth is it is a very normal experience. College offers people the chance to grow and change through new experiences. It is unlikely you’ll be the same person you were in high school for the rest of your life. When your interests and goals change, it might be difficult to relate to high school friends the same way. Between classes, extracurriculars, new friends and jobs, college can get very busy and it’s OK to fall out of touch with old friends or feel like you don’t share the same interests.

It’s not the end of the world if...

Gameday Guide

How to successfully navigate your first Georgia football season

There’s really nothing like a Saturday in Athens in the fall. The Georgia faithful arrive by the tens of thousands to Sanford Stadium to watch the Bulldogs tee it up between the hedges, while the Athens population seems to triple in the process.

This year, the buzz surrounding Georgia football is likely to be at an all-time high — back to back national championships tend to do that. Although the team is losing several key players on both sides of the ball to the NFL draft including defensive lineman Jalen Carter, edge rusher Nolan Smith and quarterback Stetson Bennett, there are plenty of Bulldogs ready to step up and make another title run.

Georgia’s home opener will take place on Sept. 2, 2023 when it takes on the University of Tennessee Martin, and the team will begin SEC play when it hosts South Carolina on Sept. 16, 2023. Other key home matchups include showdowns with Ole Miss and Kentucky. With this in mind, here are some tips on how to survive the vaunted Georgia student section and have the best gameday experience possible.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

The only drink that you should be heavily consuming on gameday is some good old H2O! While the only thing they’ll let you bring into Sanford is one unopened water bottle, there are plenty of drink kiosks and concession stands throughout the stadium that will allow you to remain hydrated. Water is the fuel that will get you through a long day between the hedges.

BE WARY OF THE ELEMENTS

The September heat can be pretty gruel-

ing early in the season, and as such it’s important to come prepared. Unless you want to leave the stadium looking as red as the jerseys Georgia plays in, I suggest you apply sunscreen a couple times. As the season progresses and the weather cools down, be mindful of whatever else the day might throw at you. A poncho or a light jacket could be the difference between a great gameday and a terrible one.

GET THERE EARLY

The process of getting through the student gate and into the stadium before a big game is not exactly known for its efficiency. Don’t arrive at the gates 20 minutes before kickoff expecting a smooth entry process. Get there around an hour (or more, suit yourself) early, find some good seats in the student section and soak in the pregame atmosphere. For marquee matchups like last year’s Tennessee game, it’s probably necessary to get there even earlier if you want decent seats.

DRIP OR DROWN

A good gameday outfit is essential for the occasion. One of the best parts of any Saturday in Athens is seeing the thousands of Bulldog fans decked out in red and black. If you don’t own a jersey or other Bulldog-themed attire, make an effort to at least wear the aforementioned red and black. At the very least, do not come wearing the other team’s colors — you wouldn’t want to get barked at.

STAY FOR THE LONG HAUL

Going to a Georgia football game so you can scan your student ticket, avoid getting a strike and promptly bounce is the worst way you can play it. Unless Georgia

Fans geared up for the rain on gameday [Sidney Chansamone]

is winning by 90 points at halftime, it’s smart to get the whole experience by sticking around for the whole game. You paid for the whole ticket, you might as well use the whole ticket.

KNOW THE LORE

A storied program like Georgia understandably has a laundry list of rituals, chants and cheers that date back to the days of leather helmets. Unless you want Larry Munson rolling in his grave, you need to know the two simple words which express the sentiments of the entire Bulldog nation – go Dawgs.You need to know how to call the Dawgs, spell “Georgia” and point towards the upper South Deck as the Battle Hymn is played before the game.

GET LOUD AND HAVE FUN

If you forget any of the above tips, all can be forgiven if you go to Sanford Stadium and root for the Bulldogs like your life depends on it. Be respectful to your fellow fans as well as those of the other team, but also go in there and be a part of the reason why Sanford is one of the hardest stadiums to play in all of college football. Have fun with it and enjoy your time between the hedges!

2023 Home Games

SEPT. 2 vs. UT Martin

SEPT. 9 vs. Ball State

SEPT. 16 vs. South Carolina

SEPT. 23 vs. UAB

OCT. 7 vs. Kentucky

NOV. 4 vs. Missouri

NOV. 11 vs. Ole Miss

WHAT’S NEXT? WE CAN HELP.

Choosing a major and career path is overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

UGA’s Career Center is a safe place to explore your options. Work with trained career professionals to find a direction that aligns with your interests, skills and values.

Visit career.uga.edu/appointments to connect with your dedicated Career Consultant.

WHAT DO HISTORY MAJORS DO AFTER COLLEGE?

EVERYTHING!

KEEP MUSIC A PART OF YOUR LIFE AT UGA

AN ENSEMBLE

Most of our ensembles are open to anyone through an audition process, however we have sevearl vocal and instrumental groups that are open to everyone.

CHOIRS: Glee Clubs, University Chorus, and the African American Choral Ensemble do not need an audition.

BANDS: All bands, including the UGA Redcoats, are open to all students by audition. Concert Band and University Band are two spring ensembles open to everyone.

PHILHARMONIA: All string players are welcome to the UGA Philharmonia. Remaining parts selected by audition.

MUSIC APPRECIATION CLASSES

In both fall and spring semesters, we offer a wide range of music appreciation courses available to non-majors. Scan the QR code below to learn more.

COMPLETE SEASON OF CONCERTS

Over 55 concerts are on the books for 2023-24. The complete season will be announced July 1. Most concerts are free, but ticketed events are only $3 for UGA students with a valid ID. Scan the QR code for details.

CONNECT. CREATE. CELEBRATE. HUGH HODGSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC

music.uga.edu/uga-101

JOIN

Georgia Pride

Sometimes, you’re so focused on what’s ahead and where you’re going that you forget to see the beauty in what’s beneath your feet.

Last summer, as I began to run the emotional gauntlet of college admission letters, I thought I had a clear choice in mind. I was going to move to the West Coast, where I’d begin my new life at the University of California, Berkeley.

I loved my family, and I loved the town that had raised me, but I’d always longed for a place where I didn’t feel like the exception. Growing up as a queer individual in the South, I’d adopted a rather dismissive attitude toward all things Georgia. Over the years I’d found a tight-knit group of other individuals who saw the world the way I did. A perspective that was larger than football, frat parties and the -isms and -phobias that we’d been forced to endure.

But my parents are both teachers, and in order to try and alleviate some of the strain that my dreams put on our family, I decided to apply to some in-state universities as well. The University of Georgia — the “football party school” that was so many of

my tormenters’ greatest desire — became my new best bet.

My parents suggested a family trip to Athens to tour the campus. Though I was not overly thrilled, I agreed. And to my surprise, I found people like me — different, weird and proud.

Suddenly, I saw the dream that I’d thought would only ever bloom far away from home sprouting under my feet. The soil had been there all along; I just hadn’t allowed myself to appreciate my roots.

By counting out the South, I was choosing to not see the beauty in what was here. I had done to Georgia what I believed it had done to me — intentionally seeking out the most unpleasant aspects of the entity. I’d come at it with bias and negativity, the exact reality I believed I was leaving behind.

Almost a year has passed since that visit. In that time, I’ve found people who love me, in an environment that helps me build toward success. The fears I had coming to this school have been replaced by pride.

Felix Scheyer | Class of 2026

As a queer individual, I found community where I least expected it.

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Why I Rushed

I

To me the decision to apply to the University of Georgia felt logical. I had family nearby to help me out and the school has a great program for my major. What I failed to consider was what would happen when I actually got here. Before I knew it, college decision day had rolled around and I was about to be a Dawg. And I was freaking out.

Coming from out-of-state, I had a curated image of UGA in my mind. The letters SEC and everything attached to them seemed to follow me everywhere I went. I had convinced myself I was going to a school that socially accepted only one type of person, and it was a type of person I didn’t consider myself to be. Suddenly the logic I had based my decision on was ripping apart at the seams.

One big stresser for me was whether or not to rush. The options bounced around in my mind, mixed in with others’ opinions of sororities — both good and bad. My frantic Google searches only added to the confusion.

One part of me thought I had to rush. I thought it was the only way to “fit in” and make friends. The other half of me felt lost. Me rushing? It felt ridiculous. I spoke to everyone I knew involved in Greek life, trying to gain some insight on what recruitment even meant. Would I have to dye my hair? The answer to that one was always no, thank god.

I eventually decided, Google searches exhausted, that I would rush. I figured that if nothing else, going out-of-state meant that I should try something new. I remember the day I signed up, just a few hours before the deadline to register. I completed the form with some hesitance

but submitted it nonetheless.

Just a week after confirming my path to sorority recruitment, I attended orientation at UGA. One of the things that stuck with me came from my orientation leader: He sat down and looked around at us, the room mostly quiet other than the buzz of nerves and excitement from the participants. He told us the most important thing about coming to college was to have an open mind — to be accepting of everyone, to go out of your comfort zone and meet people you wouldn’t ordinarily be friends with.

Something about this talk changed my perspective entirely. I made the decision to make the most of my experience no matter what it brought me.

Recruitment itself was one of the strangest things I’ve ever experienced in my life. I drenched pretty dresses in sweat and then again in tears. I met some of the most wonderful and important people in my life today. I was confused and scared but I made it out alive and a year later, I’ve found myself with a community of friends that support me every day.

But that isn’t close to the summation of my experience at UGA. I misjudged what it meant to be in a sorority here, but I misjudged just about everything else too. This is a school with hundreds of opportunities around every corner and Greek life is just the tip of the iceberg.

There’s more to a school than what it looks like at a distance, and in my experience, with having an open mind, there will always be a good time following close behind.

By Jill Ward | Class of 2026

wanted to embrace every opportunity with an open mind.

Why I Didn’t Rush

One thing I knew about the University of Georgia before I came here was that Greek life is a big part of the student experience. Because I wasn’t interested in joining a sorority, that perception worried me as I started my freshman year.

Many people I knew who attended UGA found a close group of friends within their sorority. It seemed like a great way to start a scary new chapter — with a whole group of people by your side.

As tempting as it was to look into joining a sorority, I decided ultimately it was not the path for me. I personally felt like the social circle of Greek life was too limiting of a space.

One of my big hopes for college was that I would have the opportunity to meet all kinds of new people. I felt I could expand my circle so much more and invite so much more diversity into my time in college if I focused on making friends outside of Greek life.

That’s not to say I don’t sometimes regret my decision. A big factor in my choice was simply my unfamiliarity with the recruitment process. I had no clue what it meant to rush or pledge or bid. I was daunted by the stereotypes I had of sororities and what the process of joining one is like.

In my two years at UGA, a lot of those stereotypes have been broken. I have seen

friends and relatives benefit profoundly from their involvement in Greek life, and I have seen many people make lifelong friendships within their sorority. Without that kind of social framework, it can be a challenge to make and maintain friendships in college.

But it is by no means impossible. If you are starting college and feel like Greek life isn’t for you, my first piece of advice would be to not rule it out. Reach out to someone who is involved in Greek life and ask them about their experiences to see if it’s right for you. But if you, like me, still don’t feel like a sorority or a fraternity is your thing, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere for a social life. You will not miss out on a college experience by not joining one. While it may seem that everyone at UGA is involved in Greek life, approximately 73% of students are not in a sorority or a fraternity, according to Student Affairs. And there are many ways to get connected with other students.

But you probably won’t make friends sitting alone in your dorm room. So regardless of whether or not you decide to get involved with Greek life, don’t be afraid to get out there and meet new people.

Lilly Kersh | Class of 2024

I felt I could expand my circle if I looked beyond Greek life.

Cheap Eats

Take a break from the meal plan.

Dining hall food is great, but it can get old. Here are some cheap and cheap-ish food spots close to campus recommended by our Eat & Drink team.

GRAB A SLICE

Yes, there are national chains that line Baxter Street, but for something unique to Athens, order a pizza at DePalma’s.

For a late night snack, head to Little Italy, where pizza is served by the slice until 3 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

If you happen to be near Five Points, stop by Fully Loaded. This pizza place serves by the slice and by the pie. Grab a seat at the outdoor patio when the weather is nice — and don’t miss out on Wing Wednesday for 90¢ wings.

HAVE A TASTE OF AMERICANA

In the heart of downtown Athens, The Grill recently reopened with its charming retro vibe, burgers, shakes and its iconic fries and feta. For a sustainable and locally-sourced option, try out the Farm Burger on Prince Avenue.

INDULGE IN SOUTHERN COOKING

Dawg Gone Good BBQ is a counter-service barbecue spot specializing in pulled pork, ribs and mac and cheese. Grab a meal to sit at one of their outdoor tables or take a plate to go. Located off of East Broad Street, Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods boasts classic Southern cooking — and a connection to famed Athens band R.E.M.

MAKE SOME TIME FOR TEA

Stop at Ding Tea, a Taiwanese establishment, for one of its many afternoon boba options. Want a snack? Bubble Cafe offers a full dining menu, as well as snacks like dumplings and edamame to pair with its bubble teas.

TRY A TACO OR TWO

Take time to check out Barberitos, an Athens-based restaurant chain offering burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more at multiple Athens locations. If you’re looking for a wider variety of tasty tacos, stop by el Barrio Tacos & Tequila on Milledge Avenue. You can also get 10% off with a student ID Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Cali n’ Titos is an Athens favorite that serves affordable Cuban and Latin food. With two locations in Athens, the restaurant is known for its banana shake and Cubano sandwiches.

THINK INTERNATIONAL

Stop by Athens Wok for an expansive and affordable menu offering Chinese, Japanese and Thai options. Head next door to pick up a poke bowl from Ahi Hibachi and Poke, or try their hibachi and sushi offerings instead. Other options include Mediterranean Grill on Lumpkin Street, which has a menu of authentic entrees including spanakopita, gyros and kabobs — all for $15 or less.

Grab some fries at the new Farm Burger on Prince Avenue. [Jessica Gratigny]

Downtown Adventures

Stuff to do (that doesn’t involve going to bars)

CATCH AN INDIE FILM

Local independent movie theater Ciné is the best place in town to catch lesser-known films and documentaries. The entertainment doesn’t stop at film, however; Ciné also hosts art exhibits and concerts.

SEE (AND HEAR) LIVE MUSIC

There are more than a dozen concert venues within a half-mile of downtown Athens, each with its own history and aesthetic. Most host all-ages or 18-andup shows. On the corner of Washington and Pulaski streets sits the fifth location of the historic 40 Watt Club. Serving as a likely stop for any big-name artist coming through Athens, the Georgia Theatre offers a ground floor and several balconies to watch large shows, as well as a rooftop bar that hosts its own acts. Hendershot’s on Prince Avenue provides a venue for events like album release shows, concerts and open mic nights for musicians and comedians. Athens also hosts many festivals — like AthFest and Twilight — that include free performances in the streets.

PLAY SOME GAMES

With over 400 board games and card games, The Rook & Pawn can keep you entertained for hours. It also doubles as a cafe, so you can munch on a sandwich plate while playing your game of choice. From classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to epic strategy-based games like Risk and HeroQuest, The Rook & Pawn’s selection can keep even the most novice tabletop

gamer engaged. All ages are welcome with a fee of $7 per person per day to play. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can try your hand at axe throwing at Lumberjaxe.

BROWSE BOUTIQUES

Although Athens has national chain stores like Urban Outfitters, the streets are dotted with Athens originals. Community offers locally sourced products and sustainable fashion creations by Athens designers. Find vintage looks at stores such as Dynamite Clothing and Agora Vintage. You’ll find gameday outfits at shops like Heery’s and Cheeky Peach. Pop culture fans will find plenty to discover at legendary Wuxtry Records and its sibling store, Bizarro Wuxtry, which specializes in comics and collectibles.

GRAB SOME COFFEE OR TEA

Beside bars, there’s plenty of places to get a drink to cool off or warm yourself up. Cafes and coffee bars like Walker’s Pub, Hendershot’s and Jittery Joe’s offer a place to study, hang out or just get your caffeine fix. Bubble Cafe and Taichi Bubble Tea offer a variety of teas served with boba, popping pearls and other toppings.

HIT THE ICE

A popular activity at the end of fall semester is skating at the Classic Center. The Akins Arena becomes a skating rink every winter, open to the public. If you don’t know how to skate, no fear: you can always be pushed around on a plastic seat.

Orville Peck at the Georgia Theatre. [Sidney Chansamone]

Finding Balance

How I learned to juggle a job, friends and class

Going into my senior year of college, I feel like I’ve been on a circus tour the last couple of years. I’ve juggled changing majors, two jobs, adjusting to new schedules every semester and new friends. I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Money wasn’t a big concern for me going into college — I was fortunate to have my dad finance my expenses in the first couple of years. But as time went on, I got older and more independent and I started to support myself.

When I picked up a job at a retail grocery store, I did not know what to expect. I knew I needed money and I also knew that it took up a large part of my day that could be used for studying, hobbies or working on my other job at The Red & Black.

I was always told that in order to make my insane schedule work I needed to “find a balance.” This is true, but don’t stress yourself over making time for everything at once. Some tasks require all the attention you need in that moment, day or week, and the other commitments you have will need less attention in order to execute the more pressing one in a meaningful way.

However, this doesn’t mean you should neglect all other tasks in order to focus on one – this means planning ahead of time and getting ahead of the stress before it happens. My best friend in college besides my roommates and my cat is Google calendar. As soon as you get an assignment, your work schedule or plan a brunch with friends, put it into your calendar! This is a sure way to not miss anything and to visually see your week.

When you get to the tasks that you need to do, be intentional with it. If you take a day off, fully bask in it and take your mind off any worries or stresses. If you are at work, fully engage in your job and connect with your coworkers – some of my best friends were made at work. This will allow you to make the most of your time and be as efficient as you are capable of.

There will be days when you don’t have the usual energy, motivation or drive to do what you need done. This is okay. I have those weeks where I mentally check out and when I come back, it feels like a sudden avalanche of work collapsing down on me. When this happens, don’t freak out – instead make a to-do list to visualize your workload, then start with the most pressing task or whatever is due first and go in order.

Having a good support system will make or break your college experience, and impacts how you handle times of laughter and love, as well as stress and hardship. Find the people in your life who light you up and inspire you, and hold them close to your heart. They will be the first to pick you up when you fall, and the last to let go when you hit the ground running.

Elizabeth Rymarev | Class of 2024

If you’re looking for a job, try . . .

SGA PROFESSIONAL CLOTHING CLOSET

The Student Government Association provides students with one free professional outfit per academic year. Select the desired items on the SGA website and you’ll receive an email to schedule a pickup at one of the designated pop-up shops.

UGA MENTOR PROGRAM

The program connects students and alums to form meaningful relationships. When selecting a mentor, students create a profile and from there are linked to mentors who relate to them based on a variety of criteria including: industry, major, location and more. Once connected, mentees and mentors can meet anytime and anywhere.

LINKEDIN LEARNING

Aside from LinkedIn being a great tool to connect with people, UGA provides free LinkedIn learning through MyID. LinkedIn Learning provides over 16,000 video courses taught by industry experts in software. Once completed, certifications earned are automatically posted to their LinkedIn profile.

FREE AND DISCOUNTED TOOLS

Students have free access to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Microsoft Office Suite. Discounted items include Adobe Creative Cloud and Spotify.

HANDSHAKE

By simply creating a profile, UGA’s job and internship platform connects students to thousands of jobs, internships, employers and events all via email.

JOIN

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR STUDENT WHILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR OTHERS.

ENGAGE WITH PARENTS AND UGA LEADERS

Meet UGA leaders, tour campus facilities and get to know fellow parents and their students.

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR STUDENT

Enjoy ample opportunities to engage with your student on campus to help support a full undergraduate experience.

SUPPORT OTHER UGA STUDENTS

Your annual gift of $5,000 or more impacts student areas of high need through the Parents Leadership Council Grants Program.

For more information about the Parents Leadership Council, email parents@uga.edu , visit give.uga.edu/plc or scan the QR code.

Where to Find Help

Services to help you succeed as a student going through tough times

ASPIRE CLINIC

The clinic can help with everything from managing student loans to a diet plan or legal advice. The financial planning services, legal counseling and nutrition advice services are free. Other programs, such as therapy, are offered on a sliding scale.

For details: 706-542-4486

COUNSELING AND PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

This service, referred to as CAPS, offers short-term individual and group counseling. An initial screening is free, with reduced rates for visits afterward — if the student has paid health fees. CAPS also offers mental health workshops.

For a screening and 24-hour hotline: 706542-2273

DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER

The DRC offers help in areas such as learning issues, anxiety, ADD and physical disabilities. DRC staff works with each student to develop a plan, such as providing testing or attendance accommodations.

For details: 706-542-8719

THE FONTAINE CENTER

The center is devoted to assisting in decision-making and addressing health issues related to drinking and drug use.

To book appointments: 706-542-8690

NUTRITION SERVICES

The health center’s Nutrition Teaching Kitchen offers cooking classes at $5 per

THE COTTAGE

student focused on healthy and simple meals. The department also offers appointments with nutritionists.

For details: 706-542-8690

PRIDE CENTER AT UGA

The Pride Center was formed to foster an inclusive and informed community for LGBTQ+ individuals in Athens. It offers a list of resources on its website and provides safe spaces like a student lounge and a quiet study room on campus.

Details: pride.uga.edu

706-542-4077

RELATIONSHIP AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION (RSVP)

RSVP offers classes, counseling and educational resources on relationships and sexual violence. Its programs include healthy dating tips, consent education and training on how to be an active bystander.

24-hour hotline: 706-542-7233

General information: 706-542-8690

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER

Many programs are run through the UHC, which offers medical services through four clinics with services from general checkups to dental, vision and gynecology clinics.

For details: (706) 542-1162

STUDENT CARE AND OUTREACH

This division’s mission is to assist students with any kind of hardship. sco.uga.edu

Off Campus

A sexual assault center and children’s advocacy center, the Cottage grew out of the Athens Rape Crisis Line. It operates a 24-hour help line, conducts legal and medical advocacy, provides referrals for survivors and offers crisis counseling. It also supports education about sexual assault and other issues.

Details: northgeorgiacottage.org

Crisis line: 877-363-1912

NORTHEAST HEALTH DISTRICT

The public health department offers many free or low-cost services, such as long-term birth control, contraceptive pills, condoms and STI testing. The department also offers immunizations.

Details: publichealthathens.com/wp or main clinic: (706) 389-6921

NUÇI’S SPACE

With an emphasis on helping musicians, this nonprofit is dedicated to preventing suicide and removing stigma around mental illness. It offers health referrals and resources such as support groups and workshops. The center is named for Nuçi Phillips, a UGA student and musician who died by suicide.

Details: nuci.org or (706) 227-1515

Class of 2027 Bucket List

The start of your time in Athens can make you feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start. Check out the items on this must-do bucket list for your four years in the Classic City.

F Take part in the Dawg Day of Service

You’ll learn about volunteer opportunities around Athens as you meet new people and help a worthy cause of your choosing.

F Attend a Georgia Theatre concert

Check out the center of the Athens music scene at the Georgia Theatre or its iconic rooftop to get music and a view.

F Attend an event inside the Chapel

It’s not just for taking photos outside! Built in 1832, the Chapel still holds special lectures, student organization events and even the occasional wedding.

F Learn about the people

The Hunter-Holmes building was named for Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Hamilton Holmes, who integrated the University of Georgia in 1961. Make a point to learn about them and other notable alumni who have made campus a more inclusive and diverse community.

F Order ‘chocolate cake for breakfast’ at Mama’s Boy

Most Athenians know Mama’s Boy for its biscuits and brunch. But it takes a bold soul to order this menu item: cake smothered with whipped cream and fruit.

F Meet Uga

He’s elusive, but it’s entirely possible to meet college football’s best mascot in real life, either at a special event or before a game.

F Pick a pumpkin at Washington Farms

Located just outside of Athens in Bogart, Washington Farms offers fall festivals and hands-on harvesting.

F Stroll through an exhibit at the Georgia Museum of Art

Spend an afternoon walking through the sun-drenched halls of the Georgia Museum of Art. The best part? Admission is free.

F Visit the Morton Theatre

Opened in 1910, the Morton was one of the first vaudeville theaters to be built, owned and operated by an African American, Monroe “Pink” Morton. The theater still hosts performances to this day.

F See the Iron Horse (ideally at sunrise)

The modern art sculpture sits in a field off Georgia State Route 15, where it’s been

since it was removed from campus in the 1950s.

F Check out the observatory on the top of the physics building

The UGA Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts open house events for those interested in taking a peek into the night skies.

F Sit through an entire early season football game

It takes fortitude, hydration and sunscreen to last four quarters of a September game.

F See all the sports

Make it a mission to cheer on each team — from volleyball to track — at least once. Most events are free or very low cost for students.

F Visit the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA

Taking a stroll through the flower gardens in the spring or the changing colors in the fall makes for a memorable trip.

F Catch a movie at Tate

It’s free with your student ID, it’s a great way to connect with other students and movies are always better on the big screen than Netflix.

F Find all the bulldog statues

It takes real effort to track down all the statues — there are dozens — scattered throughout Athens.

F Visit Bear Hollow Zoo

A must for animal lovers, this (free) zoo in Memorial Park is a refuge for injured and rehabilitated native Georgia species.

F Go ice skating at The Classic Center

In the Winter, the Atkins Arena at The Classic Center becomes an ice rink for Ice Dawgs hockey games and open skating.

F Attend a Greek philanthropy event

Attending an event like Mr. Milledge or Greek Grind is a low-key way to get a flavor of Greek culture while also supporting a good cause.

F Splash around in the fountain at Herty Field

Join in the UGA tradition and take a dip in the fountain on Herty Field in North Campus. Bonus points if you go past midnight.

Parent Handbook

Whether you’re seasoned veterans who have sent several kids off to college, or anxious firsttime empty nesters, we’ve got you covered with tips from parents who have been there. We’ve gathered advice from UGA experts on ways you can support your students while encouraging independence.

A Letter From Parents

Fellow Parents and Family Members,

It’s official. If you weren’t already, you’re a Bulldog now!

We are a family comprised of one passionate UGA alumna and one who was raised and educated in Ireland. No matter what your level of exposure has been to UGA up to this point, you are counted among the Bulldog Nation.

This is the start of an incredible journey for your student. It’s also the start of a journey for you. We’ve been able to create our own experience here at UGA through our time on the Parents Leadership Council (PLC). The PLC is a group of highly engaged parents who are eager to be involved on campus and make a direct impact on undergraduate student life.

During our time as PLC members, we have both become keenly aware of all the exciting things happening on campus. Our youngest child, Lily (Class of 2024), is forging her own path on campus, which allows us to see firsthand the value that UGA offers in its academic rigor, internship and career support, Greek life, student organizations and much more. Ultimately, it has been a privilege to lean into our own experience while our daughter pursues her dreams at UGA.

As your family embarks on this new adventure, we’d like to offer our advice on how to remain connected with your student and the university.

GET TO KNOW UGA

Make what is important to your child important to you. It may not seem like they want you to, but they secretly do. That intentionality will help with those desired, yet fleeting conversations. And this leads us to our next point ...

TEXT OFTEN

Texts are much easier for busy and newly independent students to answer. They are also a great way to remain connected. Be sure to ask a question so your child has to respond.

VISIT ATHENS

Take them to dinner and invite their friends. It can be a great way to get to

know the new people of influence in their world.

If you are able, offer to pay for dinner. Students can’t resist free food! While you’re at it, get the phone number of at least one friend. Just in case you need it.

BUY THEM A PARKING PASS

Passes are much cheaper than parking tickets. Trust us.

LET THEM KNOW ABOUT RESOURCES

Be sure that your student knows about student.uga.edu. It’s the best tool to quickly find resources they may need on campus, from career counseling to mental well-being and the Arch Ready Professionalism Certificate Program.

SET EXPECTATIONS FOR THEIR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

BEFORE CLASSES START

Make these realistic. This helps ensure you are all on the same page.

KNOW THE UGA FAMILY IS THERE FOR YOUR STUDENT

If your student signs up for the UGA Mentor Program, they’ll connect with an experienced alumni mentor to help them network and plan for their future.

BE POSITIVE

Don’t forget — they are excited but nervous. How you act will be their guide.

LASTLY, YOU CAN BET THEY WILL HAVE FUN IN COLLEGE, SO USE THEIR TIME AWAY FROM HOME TO HAVE SOME FUN YOURSELF.

We’ve found a wonderful community at UGA through the Parents Leadership Council. Getting involved on campus has been one of our best decisions.If you’d like to learn more about the PLC, please email parents@ uga.edu.

Lean into the UGA experience with your student as they forge their path in life.

Best of luck to you and your student. We hope to see you around campus!

Talia and John Murphy Chairs, UGA Parents Leadership Council | 2023-24

Move-In Tips

How to make moving in easier on you

TIME YOUR ARRIVAL

Students moving in during the first days of move-in need to schedule arrival times. You will be assigned a 15-minute window to arrive and then have 45 minutes to unload. Don’t miss your time slot! Students arriving later in the week don’t have to schedule times, but you could find yourselves waiting to unload during this less structured period. If your student is arriving early for Panhellenic Recruitment, ask them to coordinate with their roommate so you don’t all arrive at once. If your student is not involved in recruitment, consider moving in later when it’s less chaotic.

BE ZEN ABOUT THE TRAFFIC

Streets near campus will be backed up. If you can mentally prepare and keep your cool, it will help your student, who’s already on edge, stay calm too.

RESIST IMPULSE BUYS

As you sit in traffic, you will see vendors selling rugs, futons and other gear. Don’t feel pressured to add to that tiny dorm room.

DRESS LIGHT

It is stunningly hot in Athens in August. You will be hauling boxes across asphalt lots and in tight elevators. Bringing an extra shirt is not a bad idea.

LEAVE TO GET LUNCH

Go pick up food and give your student a

little alone time to sort their belongings and acclimate. Pro Tip: Bring back extra sandwiches and a big box of cookies to share with residents on the hall. It will make a good impression on your student’s new neighbors.

PACK A SUPPLY KIT

You will end up needing things you don’t expect. To prepare for emergencies, pack a crate with: paper towels, spray cleaner, masking tape, a hammer, a screwdriver, wet wipes (everyone will be grimy and sweaty) and many more bottles of water than you imagine you might need.

BRING THE FLAT-PACK

Bringing something from Ikea? It’s a lot easier to haul the flat-pack for a Hauga or a Vesken into the dorm than having to schlep the assembled item.

DON’T RACE OUT FOR EXTRA STUFF

Before you race out to buy anything, discuss if it’s a priority. There are only two Targets in Athens and they will be packed. Can that towel or whiteboard wait? (Plus, this gives you an excuse to visit in a few weeks or to send an exceptional care package.)

DON’T LINGER LONG

Once you’ve helped with the major hauling and unpacking, say goodbye, but don’t drag it out and get everyone emotional. Save the tears until you head down Atlanta Highway.

Moving in doesn’t have to be too stressful. [Sidney Chansamone]

Help, Don’t Hover

How to support your children while letting them take the lead

As the start of the school year approaches and the University of Georgia switches back to more traditional operations, parents and their first-time college students need to consider the best ways to approach this transition. Experts emphasize meeting in the middle.

“I think one of the most respectful things we can do … is talking to our young adult child, and saying ‘What do you need from me?’” said Janet Frick, who is an associate professor in the UGA Department of Psychology and also the parent of a UGA student.

For parents who may be apprehensive about their student’s departure for campus, UGA staff also encourage a deep-dive into the plethora of resources available online and in-person, for everyone involved.

“UGA has several opportunities for parents to stay connected to what’s happening on campus,” Victoria Redmon, assistant director of student transitions said. “Parents can check out opportunities to stay engaged through the Parent and Family Portal or the Parents Leadership Council.”

In many ways, it’s not just the class of 2026 that’s starting from scratch — sophomores and their parents may also be grappling with a return to regular campus

following the upheaval of the pandemic. So for any parents that might need some advice with helping and not hovering, this one’s for you.

ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR INDEPENDENCE

Frick said one of the most consistent themes among college students is a frustration having to do with parental control. While it’s important to keep students in check, parents should approach their students with respect for their own ability to take care of themselves.

“If they have a problem to solve, let them solve it,” Frick said. “You can be a sounding board, but let them take the lead on that.”

Frick, who has a doctorate degree in developmental psychology, said it’s also important for parents to separate their own experiences from those of their students.

“Of course, we influence our kids, and the things we teach them shape who they become, but they really are also their own people,” Frick said. “They’re going to be the ones figuring out what they want to do in the world.”

But parents might also remind students that the college experience has a wide reaching effect on families, too.

“Have a conversation with [your student] about the college experience and what your expectations are,” Redmond said.

BE AWARE OF EVERY RESOURCE

UGA offers extensive resources for parents and students alike. The Office of Student Care and Outreach is a one-stop shop connecting families with on-campus resources, including those focused on health and wellness, financial assistance and campus engagement.

While faculty and staff will not — and cannot — discuss academic information with parents unless students have given permission in advance, parents can encourage students to explore tutoring and academic support services offered through the Division of Academic Enhancement. More information on FERPA can be found under the general information tab at reg. uga.edu.

Redmon also suggests parents look into the Department of Student Transitions Interactive Transition Guide.

“While it is a great resource for current students, it can also be helpful for parents who are looking to learn more about resources at UGA,” Redmon said. “From navigating campus to discovering opportunities available to students, this guide is full of quick links that will help parents learn more about the resources dedicated to their student’s success and well-being.”

LET THEM LEAD THE CONVERSATION

It’s easy for parents to step in as the experts, but allowing students to lead conversations and ask their own questions might result in more open lines of communication.

Frick recommends parents try being “just a listener,” offering advice as it’s asked for rather than jumping into lecture mode.

ENCOURAGE INVOLVEMENT

Feelings of isolation and loneliness from this past year are common, and nudging students to take advantage of opportunities for social interaction might help them with this transition in the long run.

“It takes time to sort of find your people or … the activities you want to do,” Frick said. “And I think a lot of freshmen come in thinking that that’s going to be easy.”

Redmon recommends participating in Welcome UGA, which is an effort to celebrate first-year and transfer students at the beginning of the semester. Events include open houses, information fairs and latenight programming. There are “numerous opportunities for students to acclimate to campus, make new friends and start building great memories,” she said.

Everyone is going through a transition, which is bound to be difficult no matter how many times you’ve done it, Redmon said, adding: “You are not alone in this experience, so it’s OK to lean on your support systems during this adjustment.”

Candid Comments

UGA students give advice to parents

Your child might not tell you directly what they need or how you can best help. So we’re helping you out with honest tips and suggestions from current UGA students.

RESPECT BOUNDARIES

“Make sure to check in with your child, but not too often. Be receptive towards whatever method of communication they prefer. Most of all, respect their boundaries.”

“Unless they ask you to, don’t call them late at night on the weekends.”

“Don’t constantly ask them where they are or check their location.”

“Try to check in once a week, not daily.”

“Don’t visit unexpectedly. Give a heads up.”

IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU

“Your child is growing up. Let them be their own person, make their own decisions and mistakes. Understand that it’s a transition period and your child’s emotions might be all over the place. Give them freedom, but be there to give them guidance. “

“Give them enough leeway to make their own decisions, but make it known that you’re always there for them even if you’re not there with them on campus.“

“College has changed since you went. Talking about what it was like back in the day is not always helpful.”

“Never (ever) call their professors. Or their advisors. Your student needs to handle some issues on their own.”

“Don’t put too much pressure on them about grades. It takes time to adjust to college rigor, so let them make mistakes and learn from them.”

COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE BROKE

“If possible, help pay for groceries. Food is expensive.”

“Instead of sending decorations or physical gifts, send money, gift cards or take them out to lunch or dinner. Dining hall food gets old after a while.”

“Consider sending a care package on their birthday. It makes potentially spending it away from home easier. “

Hotels Near Campus

All within minutes of walking from The Arch

GEORGIA GAMEDAY CENTER

3 min. from The Arch

Can’t get enough red and black? This downtown complex rents 65 football-themed condos.

GRADUATE ATHENS

10 min. from The Arch

Housed in a former iron foundry, this renovated hotel has an on-site spa. You also can chill and catch a concert at The Foundry.

HILTON GARDEN INN

6 min. from The Arch

With rooms and suites as well as 24/7 business and fitness centers, this upscale downtown hotel is a good destination for a longer stay.

HYATT PLACE

7 min. from The Arch

This 190-room hotel on North Thomas Street, adjacent to the Classic Center, features a fitness

center and 24-hour business centers. Check out the HyBar Rooftop, which offers fabulous views.

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON ATHENS

7 min. from The Arch

This Broad Street hotel has larger suites and connecting rooms with family-friendly features such as full kitchens.

HOTEL INDIGO

8 min. from The Arch

Minutes from campus, the eco-friendly Indigo houses a concert venue and gallery. Its restaurant and room service feature local vendors. Electric car charging stations are available on-site.

THE RUSHMORE

32 min. from The Arch

This bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Athens’ Five

Interdisciplinary

Points neighborhood. Operated by local business ATH|BNB, The Rushmore features 14 luxury suites and all-inclusive amenities.

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT

3 min. from The Arch

This hotel on South Hull Street puts guests in close proximity to both downtown and North Campus. It has a variety of rooms and suites.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION AND HOTEL

18 min. from The Arch

If you want to be in the heart of campus, there’s no better spot than this UGA-operated complex that includes a 200-room hotel, with suites accommodating six people. It’s an easy stroll from Myers Quad and Stegeman Coliseum.

SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATE

“There is comfort in knowing whenever I’m facing a decision in my UGA journey, there is someone in my corner.” – UGA student

The Moment When YOUR OPTIONS MULTIPLY

COLLEGE AND BEYOND CAN BE OVERWHELMING.

The UGA Mentor Program can help you find and connect with a mentor who shares your interests and background.

GETTING STARTED IS SIMPLE.

• Create a profile on our digital platform.

• Watch a brief orientation video.

• Request an alumni, faculty or staff mentor based on your search criteria. FIND A MENTOR AT MENTOR.UGA.EDU.

Transportation Information

Your guide to transit, parking and where to start

Getting here

Most visitors will drive into Athens, 70 miles from Atlanta, and many out-of-state visitors arrive at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Inter- national Airport, then rent a car or hop on a shuttle. Flights to the local Athens–Ben Epps airport (accgov.com/ airport), a few miles east of downtown, are available through charter service only. Here are two ways to get to town if air travel is part of your plan.

CHARTER FLIGHTS

Epps Aviation, GeorgiaJet, Wheels Up and AirStar all service Athens–Ben Epps airport.

GROOME TRANSPORTATION

This shuttle service runs multiple times a day from Athens to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The shuttle picks up and drops off at several Athens area spots including the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel in the heart of South Campus. One pet allowed. $25 to $60, online book- ing discounts available. 706-612-1155 | groometransportation.com

Getting around CAMPUS BUS

The UGA bus system can be efficient and save you the time and expense of hunting for parking. You can download the UGA app for routes. Regular UGA Bus services do not run during home football games, when the university is closed, or the weekend im- mediately before or after a holiday.

transit.uga.edu

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY TRANSIT

Athens bus service operates throughout the county and is fare free through at least June 2023. Trip planning is available online and through the myStop app. Buses run seven days a week but not on major holidays. On Saturdays and Sundays from 6:45 a.m. to 11 p.m., an on-demand ride can be request- ed through the Uber app for free. accgov.com/transit

DOWNTOWN PARKING

Parking downtown can be tricky during busy times, and often you’ll have more

UGA IS A DESTINATION FOR SUCCESS

96% of the University of Georgia Class of 2022 are employed, attending grad school or engaged in post-grad internships. Of 2022 graduates employed full time, 99% were hired within six months of graduation and over half were hired prior to graduating.

Learn more about UGA Career Outcomes and see college-specific data at career.uga.edu/outcomes

luck on side streets farther away from the heart at College Avenue and the Arch. Metered parking is $1.50 an hour with a two-hour maximum from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and all meters take credit cards. After 6 p.m., you may purchase ad- ditional time, and after 10 p.m., the meters are not monitored. You can find city-operated decks ($1 an hour) on College Avenue, a few blocks from the Arch, and on West Washington Street, closer to restaurants and music venues. The West Washington, College Av- enue and Courthouse parking decks have extended free parking up to an hour until the completion of the East Clayton Street Improvements Project. Parking in these lots is typically free for the first 30 minutes. The downtown area also has several ParkMobile spots and lots which can be reserved and paid for via the ParkMobile app.

GOOD TO KNOW

Most street parking is free on Sundays and major holidays, and are not monitored after 10 p.m.. Many UGA lots are free and unrestricted on non-game weekends.

CAMPUS PAY LOTS AND DECKS

North Campus Deck

South Campus Deck

Tate Center Deck

East Campus Deck

Performing Arts Center Deck

Carlton Street Deck

RATES:

0-30 minutes: $1

31-60 minutes: $3

61-120 minutes: $5

Each additional hour: $1 Maximum daily fee: $10

During special events: $20 for home football games and $5 for other campus events

(Credit cards accepted)

160-6 Tracy Street, Athens, GA · canopystudio.org · info@canopystudio.org

Trapeze · Pole · Fabrics · Slings · Aerial Yoga · Lyra classes, lessons, workshops for all ages & abilities

Illustrations by Grace Johnson

Get Outdoors

Five campus spots to enjoy nature

TRIAL GARDENS AT UGA

Located on South Campus, the gardens serve as the site of a contest where annuals and perennials battle Southeastern heat and humidity. Ranked by endurance and beauty, the best plants of the year are given the Classic City Award. The gardens are open year-round.

FOUNDERS MEMORIAL GARDEN

At the edge of North Campus, this garden is dedicated to the 12 founders of the Ladies’ Garden Club of Athens, which was the first garden club in the U.S. The 2.5-acre site, managed by the UGA College of Environment and Design, houses over 300 species.

OCONEE FOREST PARK

Walking Trails in Athens

 Ben Burton Park

This 32-acre wildlife preserve on Mitchell Bridge Road features a 1.4-mile trail following the Middle Oconee River.

 Birchmore Trail

Located in Memorial Park, the trail is a 1.25-mile loop that winds through forests, ravines, creeks and bridges.

 Dudley Park

This 32-acre green space is a short walk from campus. The park provides access to two paved trail networks, the North Oconee Greenway and the Firefly Trail.

 Firefly Trail

The trail follows the historic Georgia Railroad and eventually will span 39 miles from Athens to Union Point.

 North Oconee Greenway

This system with access points throughout Athens includes a wetland trail, wildlife corridors and 8 miles of paved trails.

 Sandy Creek Park

This massive recreation area north of Athens encompasses 782 acres surrounding Lake Chapman. The park has over 16 miles of hiking trails.

Managed by the UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Oconee Forest Park is a 60-acre area filled with century-old trees. Visitors can enjoy Lake Herrick as well as picnic facilities, a hiking area, a dog park and tennis courts. There’s plenty of parking. The park is ADA accessible and the area can be reached by UGA buses and Athens Transit.

STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Just south of main campus, the garden is an educational facility operated by the university. Within its more than 300 acres are themed gardens, special collections, a conservatory and more than five miles of trails. The Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden offers younger visitors interactive ways to learn about native plants.

UNIVERSITY GOLF COURSE

With six sets of tees ranging from 4,354-7,258 yards, the par 71 Robert Trent Jones course was Golf Advisor’s fifth-best college course and eighth-best course in Georgia in 2019. The course is open to the public, and there are several pass and membership options available.

Botanical Garden [Jessica Gratigny]

North Campus Walking Tour

Wander the historic heart of UGA

If you have an hour or so to kill while waiting to meet up with your student, take the time to explore North Campus. We recommend you start at the intersection of Broad Street and College Avenue. As you face south, you’ll see the expansive lawn stretching beneath large oak trees and historic campus buildings.

THE ARCH

With its cast-iron structure and three pillars, this landmark is hard to miss. Each pillar represents one of UGA’s founding

principles: wisdom, justice and moderation. While it’s now the symbol of UGA, its origins are more practical: The Arch initially served as a gate between North Campus and Broad Street to keep cattle from grazing on the college lawn.

Campus Legend: It’s believed if an undergraduate walks beneath the Arch, they will not graduate.

HOLMES-HUNTER ACADEMIC BUILDING

The large, ornate columned building on

[Marianne Delgado]

your right will be hard to miss. It currently houses the office of the registrar. This building was renamed in 2001 in honor of Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter-Gault, who integrated UGA in 1961.

DUELING DEBATERS

As you walk past Holmes-Hunter and onto the lawn, pause for a moment when reaching Demosthenian Hall. Directly across the quad is Phi Kappa Hall. Founded in the 19th century, these buildings have hosted a centuries-old rivalry between debate societies.

Campus Legend: Demosthenian Hall is supposedly haunted by the ghost of the infamous Robert Toombs, a 19th century UGA student who was expelled.

THE CHAPEL AND CHAPEL BELL

After pausing to appreciate the debate history, continue walking until you reach the UGA Chapel with its striking painted-white exterior and its six Doric columns.

You can also walk behind the Chapel to the Chapel Bell. Students today ring the bell after a victory, such as a football game or acing an exam. The bell used to sit in a tower on top of the building, but in 1913 it was relocated behind the Chapel because wood rot damaged the tower.

MOORE COLLEGE

After you’ve gone around to take a peek at the Chapel Bell, walk down steps on either side toward the large, graceful building on your right. Moore College currently houses UGA’s Honors College. Built from 1874 to 1876, the building is UGA’s sole example of Second Empire architecture, characterized by the mansard roof.

HERTY FIELD

The large expanse next to Moore College is Herty Field, where Georgia played its first intercollegiate football game in 1892. (Georgia beat Mercer University 50-0.)

The Stats

Population of Athens-Clarke County: 127,358

Student enrollment: 40,118 (undergraduate 30,166)

Students hail from:

41 states and 57 countries

Government leadership: Mayor Kelly Girtz

Fun fact: The first building on UGA’s campus was a 20-foot-square log frame.

Home games were played on Herty Field until 1911. The field also was used for other sports, such as baseball. The fountain in the center of the field is a popular photo spot.

TERRELL HALL

Make your way back to the UGA Chapel, and walk across the lawn to the large, red brick building on the opposite side of the North Campus quad. Terrell Hall currently houses the offices of undergraduate admissions. It was built between 1904 and 1905.

OLD COLLEGE

Continue walking, and you’ll soon be face-to-face with UGA’s oldest remaining structure. Just look for the statue of UGA’s founder, Abraham Baldwin, in front of the building. Old College was built in 1806. The building has housed classrooms, a dormitory, dining facilities and even a World War II training program for the U.S. Navy.

MAIN LIBRARY

UGA’s Main Library has seven floors filled with primary sources and scholarly works. From the top floor, you have a great view of campus and the surrounding countryside.

JACKSON STREET CEMETERY

Across the street, you will find this cemetery, which in 2009 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery contains 800 grave spaces that include two former UGA presidents.

Renovations in 2015 at nearby Baldwin Hall uncovered an additional 105 grave spaces with mostly remains of possible enslaved or formerly enslaved people. Since the discovery, UGA commemorated those Athenians and other enslaved individuals with the Baldwin Hall memorial on campus.

The Arch [Melanie Velasquez]

All-Ages Activities

What to do with the whole family during a visit

INDIE BOOK AND MUSIC BROWSING

Music fans of all ages head to Wuxtry Records, which occupies a revered spot in Athens music history. Its upstairs sibling, Bizarro-Wuxtry Comics, is a hive of collectibles. Independent Avid Bookshop in Five Points stocks popular and harder-to-find titles and hosts author readings and other events. It has an exceptional kids section.

ACCESSIBLE ART

The Georgia Museum of Art serves as the state’s official art museum. It occupies a contemporary building on East Campus, and holds over 8,000 objects in its permanent collection. Admission is free. The museum hosts family days that combine crafts for younger kids and educational information about permanent and special collections.

FARM FRESH

The Athens Farmers Market operates on Saturday mornings from March to December at Bishop Park, offering food

trucks, coffee and produce. Kids activities and crafts are often offered — along with performances by local musicians. The market also operates Wednesday evenings downtown at Creature Comforts, usually with performances by local musicians.

FUN AND GAMES

The Rook & Pawn offers floor-to-ceiling games for the whole family. The board game cafe serves food, coffee, tea and spirits. Guests must pay a small fee to play for the day. For thrill seekers, LumberJaxe offers hourly axe-throwing packages and events for people looking to test their skills. Participants must be 13 and older.

THE THREE BEARS

Housed in Memorial Park, Bear Hollow Zoo provides refuge and rehabilitation for native wildlife that have physical or other challenges. Admission is free and the small zoo is easy to stroll through as you see animals such as otters, an alligator and the three namesake bears.

Avid Bookshop in Five Points [Tim O’Brien]

Dining for Any Occasion

Where’s the best place to eat in Athens? It depends on what you’re looking for and who’s in your group.

LINGERING OVER BRUNCH

Students tell us the best day for parents to visit is Sunday: There’s less happening and dining halls are on reduced service.

THE CAFE ON LUMPKIN

Breakfast and lunch options are strong at this Five Points restaurant, but the real star is afternoon tea — with a tower of scones, mini sandwiches and pastries.

THE FARMCART

From the organic flour in the biscuit dough to fillings grown on the owners’ farm, everything is locally sourced at this Baxter Street spot.

A STOP BETWEEN ERRANDS

If you’re in Athens with your student and making trips around town, try these convenient breakfast and lunch spots.

DONDERO’S KITCHEN

With seating tucked into a historic home, this place on Milledge Avenue has the cozy feel of a tea room or B&B.

EM’S KITCHEN

At this eatery in Hawthorne Drugs, the breakfast menu features omelets and made-from-scratch biscuit sandwiches, and lunch offers an array of sandwiches and salads. It’s convenient to shops and businesses on Atlanta Highway, Alps Road and Prince Avenue.

MARTI’S AT MIDDAY

Huge salads and hearty sandwiches are the draw at this cheery Normaltown café with a small indoor area and large patio. It is convenient to the Health Sciences Campus and businesses on Prince Avenue.

FOR A MULTI-AGED GROUP

Whether you’ve brought along younger siblings or grandparents, these places have something for everyone and ways to keep younger diners distracted.

BLIND PIG TAVERN

With three locations — Downtown, East Side, Atlanta Highway — the huge menu caters to varied tastes.

Breakfast at Em’s Kitchen [Tim O’Brien]

LA PUERTA DEL SOL

This sister restaurant of Cali N Tito’s is housed in a sprawling building complete with arcade games and family-size tables.

TED’S MOST BEST

This downtown spot serves exceptional pizza and pasta and has a spacious patio, complete with a sandpit for the kids.

FOR A FAMILY DINNER

If you want something special while keeping budget in mind, these restaurants are good destinations for a group.

DEPALMA’S ITALIAN CAFE

At this Athens classic find pizza — served by the slice or by the pie — but also comforting favorites such as eggplant Florentine. It has locations downtown, on the East Side and on Timothy Road.

FARM BURGER

Farm Burger opened its Prince Avenue location in January after its farm-to-table predecessor, Farm 255, closed in 2013. Check out the rotating weekly burger selection, and don’t miss the sweet potato hushpuppies with apple butter.

THE PLACE

If you’re craving Southern specialties, The Place, across from historic North Campus, has you covered. Don’t miss the decadent twist on chicken and waffles.

FOR THE VEGETARIANS

Most Athens restaurants offer vegan and vegetarian options. Here are two favorites.

MAEPOLE

At Maepole, diners select from hearty but mostly vegetarian bases, sides and proteins to create healthy twists on classic comfort foods. It’s an affordable way to experience chef Peter Dale’s work.

TASTE OF INDIA

This eatery offers cuisine for vegans and omnivores, like Tandoori chicken or veggie samosas.

IF YOU’RE TREATING A CROWD

A great way to get to know your student’s friends is to take everyone to dinner. Here are destinations that cater to a variety of tastes without breaking the bank.

POQUITOS

Birria, carnitas, posole and a perfect patio landed on Prince Avenue this year from the former owners of The Grit and Pedro de Paz of Ted’s Most Best.

WHITE TIGER GOURMET

Picnic tables abound for groups at this casual BYOB neighborhood spot in Boulevard. Smoked pork, veggies and mac and

cheese aim to please; there’s also a beloved grilled tofu sandwich and vegan options.

LUNCH FOR TWO OF YOU

If you’re in Athens for a quick visit, here are places to head for a little one-on-one conversation.

THE ROYAL PEASANT

This Five Points pub has definite British vibes and a menu to match. Along with hearty classics such as bangers and mash and fish and chips, the menu includes lighter salads and even a vegetarian curry.

TRAPPEZE PUB

This airy and spacious downtown spot has an expansive menu (try the veggie Reuben).

MAMA’S BOY

At this local brunch favorite, we suggest going for a weekday lunch where you get the same inventive takes on classic Southern food with none of the tedious waiting in line.

FOR A CELEBRATION

Mark a major event with a visit to restaurants with nationally recognized chefs and cocktail experts.

THE NATIONAL

Inspired by European travels, this Mediterranean-influenced restaurant offers serene decor and stellar service.

SLATER’S STEAKHOUSE

This old-school-style steakhouse from noted restaurateurs Jerry and Krista Slater boasts thick cuts of meat and a make-yourown martini bar.

ZZ & SIMONE’S

In a new, design-forward space (a blush bar, saddle-leather booths), the folks behind the erstwhile Dinner Party put forth elegant renditions of classic pastas, pizzas and seafood.

Poquitos [Melanie Velasquez]

UGA CALENDAR 2023-2024

FALL 2023

Aug. 14 Orientation / Advisement

Aug. 15 Registration

Aug. 16 Classes Begin

Sept. 4 Labor Day Holiday

Oct. 9 Midterm

Oct. 23 Withdrawal Deadline

Oct. 27 Fall Break

Nov. 22– 24

Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 27 Classes Resume

Dec. 5 Classes End

Dec. 7 - 13 Final Exams

Dec. 15 Commencement

SPRING 2024

Jan. 4 Orientation / Advisement

Jan. 5 Registration

Jan. 8 Classes Begin

Jan. 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Feb. 29

Midterm

Mar. 4 - 8 Spring Break

Mar. 11 Classes Resume

Mar. 21 Withdrawal Deadline

April 29 Classes End

May 1 - 7 Final Exams

May 10 Commencement

SUMMER 2024

June 4 Orientation

June 5 Advisement / Registration

June 6 Classes Begin

June 19 Juneteenth Holiday

July 4 Independence Day Holiday

July 6 Midterm / Withdrawal Deadline

July 31 Classes End

Aug. 1-2 Final Exams

Aug. 5 Summer Conferral

For more details and updates, see: reg.uga.edu