Bored and looking for something to do in Eugene? Here are a few things to do and places to check out around town. Head to the Hult Center for Performing Arts located in 7th and Willamette. Students and families can enjoy various events like musical concerts, plays, tour shows like the Blue Man, and dance performances from a variety of programs like the Eugene Ballet company. Visit HultCenter.org or calling 541-682-5000. Gather up your friends and enjoy some school spirit by heading to the Matthew Knight Arena to watch some basketball. Or attend an array of various events like the Nitro Circus, music concerts, and standup comedy. Students can find numerous events by visiting matthewknightarena.com. McDonald Theater is a must for music fanatics out there. This venue holds various musical performances throughout the year and offers general admission which allows for dancing and balcony seating for those 21 and over as it offers a bar. Students can also enjoy film screenings and grab snacks at the Snack Bar and relax in the lounge. Visit mcdonaldtheater.com for upcoming events.  Looking for one of a kind shopping experience? Look no further than 5th Street Market. Here you can enjoy various retail shops, enjoy some brunch or sip some coffee at their numerous cafes. There’s something for everyone, from boutique fashion, beauty treatments, jewelry, to a variety of restaurants to choose from. Interested in culture and unique art? Then head over to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. Here you can explore various exhibitions, enjoy some historical films, view collections and volunteer as well. Also a great resource for students working on a project or looking for some inspiration.

An important part of college is adjusting to the changes and most of all the community on and off-campus. While the UO campus is a beautiful walk, there are times when it’s easier to use shuttles provided by the university. These shuttles can help students/faculty travel around across campus, around town and most of all arrive home safely. Safe Ride offers free shuttle services to students and faculty all throughout the year. While each term has various times of operation; it’s a helpful resource and a number that all students should have in their contacts. Never fear to walk home alone nor letting friends walk home alone. Visit their site for hours of operation or call them at 541-346-7433. Transit! Students can just now show their UO ID card and ride the bus for free. The majority of bus lines can drop off students at the front doorstep of campus (Kincaid St.) The EmX provides access to downtown Eugene, downtown Springfield, or the Gateway Mall. Especially living off-campus the EmX is a great tool to get to campus. Whether you live off-campus or on-campus, one of the most practical and easiest forms of transportation is riding a bike. All around campus students will find bike racks or have the option to rent a bike locker or space in a bike cage. Students are highly encouraged to lock their bike to a rack with a U-Lock through the frame and front or rear wheel. Bicycle registration is available for students in assist in recovering a stolen bicycle. As for students who wish to bring their car to campus, parking permits (as of 2014) are $300 a year and 400 a year for faculty. Students also have the option of carpooling and permits can be purchased for $200. For a day parking permits cost $10 and $5 for a faculty/hang-on tag.

Part of the college experience is adjusting to the new environment and learning the ins and outs of campus. The UO campus is spread out enough, that getting to class doesn’t take more than ten minutes if walking, and if biking shouldn’t be more than a five minutes. Depending on which side of campus students live getting around campus is really simple. Majority of classes and lecture halls are all located on 13th, the heart of campus. While living farther from 13th like 16th, 17th, and so on students should consider biking as it makes it a lot easier and faster to get to class on time. Student Recreation: The Rec offers a variety of activities for students including: PE courses, personal training, aquatics, rock wall and tennis center.  Located on East 15th Ave it’s convenient for students and can be accessed by walking or biking. Matthew Knight Arena: Whether students are heading to a basketball game or concert, the Matt Knight is walkable whether students live in the dorms or off-campus. Located at 1390 Villard St. students can access it with no problem. Limited parking is available but walking is highly recommended. Autzen Stadium: During the fall season football is a must for students and families. For students the most convenient route is walking and taking the Riverfront fields to access the field. Before the game students can tailgate and walk through a variety activities. As for the majority of families and community members the most accessible route will be driving to Autzen. Although during game events traffic is heavily congested and paid parking is available near and around Autzen. UO Health Center: One of the most important and resourceful place on-campus for students is the Health Center. The Health Center offers a variety of services from immunizations, lab tests, medical records, pharmacy, sexual health and much more. Students can access the Health Center by walking or driving. Located easily on 1590 E. and 13th Ave it is a location right in the heart of campus and available to fit student’s schedule. Students can call to make an appointment or drop in during their hours from Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. and Sat. from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.

After a long day of classes and homework a great place to distress is Taylor’s Bar & Grill located on 13th. This campus bar offers a variety of bar food and hosts drink specials. Great place to hang out with friends, watch some sports on tv or enjoy some pool and listen to some good music.  Prince Pucklers: Looking to treat yourself? Look no further than Prince Pucklers. This unique            shop has been making ice cream for 38 years and has various ice cream flavors to choose from. Whether you’re a strawberry kinda person, or looking to try something new like fresh banana brownie it is sure a place to hit up. Prince Pucklers also offers milkshakes and a variety of topping flavors to please every ice cream enthusiast. The Barn Light: Trying to find some good beer, food and coffee? Check this place out as it serves as a coffee shop and alternative to the typical sports bar. Great place to relax, work on homework or enjoy some coffee or pint of beer. Aside from serving as a coffee shop expect upcoming events as well. The Barn Light has two locations, one on 924 Willamette and the other on 545 E 8th Ave. As the weekend approaches expect both fraternity and sorority parties around campus. Many apartments are home to many fraternity live outs and usually students can find a party just near every neighborhood. Don’t be surprised to see security present as some parties will have security at the door to ensure safety. While parties can be fun and a good place to social always go with friends. If parties are not your type of environment gather up some friends and enjoy some Netflix or a round or two of Cards Against Humanity.

While crime occurs just about everywhere across college campuses there are many precautions students can take to avoid putting themselves at risk. Students at UO are encouraged at the beginning of their academic career to sign-up for UO Alerts. These alerts are sent via text message or email and notifies students of possible danger. These alerts are extremely important as it contains important and helpful information and resources to students. Students must always walk with a friend or call Safe Ride when trying to arrive home late at night. Since the UO campus is a bike-enthusiast community, students should take extra cautious steps towards preventing bike theft. Students should always lock their bikes and register them to ensure safety. Living in a college town expect to see occasional bar fights as it is common when students have had a little more to drink. Avoid those situations by going home when you’ve had enough, call Safe Ride or cab, respect others around you and call UOPD when feeling threatened.

The Dough Co.: Having late night munchies at 1 a.m. and not sure where to go? Then head over to Dough Co. to satisfy your calzone cravings. Over 31 different calzones to choose from there’s sure flavor to suit everyone. Add a batch of cookies for $5 and with delivery until 3 a.m. it’s a great option for those late night study nights or a night out with friends.  Sushi Island Japanese Restaurant: This unique restaurant provides a full service of Japanese cuisine. With specializing in sushi it aims to provide the best and freshest quality to customers. Choose from a selection of appetizers, teriyaki and katsu, specialty rolls and party platters. Great place when looking for a unique dining experience.  Glenwood: Find a laid back and casual environment in Glenwood where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their menu consists an authentic Eugene menu and provides a relaxing atmosphere. At Glenwood stop by for an espresso or dessert or enjoy some eggs benedict with friends for breakfast. Plus located on 13th and Alder it is a great place to dine on. Qdoba Mexican Grill: Looking to grab food in between classes, head over to Qdoba right on 13th Ave. Here you can find a variety of burritos, tostada bowls, quesadillas, nachos and much more. Great place for students who want to stay on-campus and eat lunch there or before evening classes. Wild Duck Cafe: Whether students are interested in breakfast or lunch this place is a must. Located across the Matthew Knight Arena it is a local favorite. Providing a casual and comfortable environment it is a perfect location for any type of celebration. Their breakfast menu includes: WD Benedict, Smoked Salmon, Rancheros Poach and much more. Open seven days a week it is a great place to dine on with friends or family.