The first few weeks of your freshman year of college are finally over. Even though it took a few tries to find the right classrooms, you somehow made it through. Now that it’s time to get pumped for a well-deserved weekend of excitement, it occurs to you that you lack the one thing necessary for nightlife in Austin: A CAR! In a beautiful bumping city like Austin, there seems to be countless things to do while you’re attending UT. However, unless you have made some new friends with shiny vehicles or don’t mind asking that upperclassman you went to high school with to tote you around town, it might be a little hard to have a fun weekend. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun places for you and your roomies to go within walking distance, right under your nose. Lucky for you new freshmen out there, you have us at HerCampus to guide you through your weekend!
1. Dinner
There’s nothing like sitting around with a bunch of your new floormates and stuffing your face with delicious wings. I’m not just saying that because they happen to be my favorite food, but because the restaurant Pluckers on Rio Grande Street has some of the yummiest wings ever. Opened by a few UT alums, this restaurant has not only wings, but also burgers and sandwiches – along with some rocking sweet tea to cool you down after your busy week. There are also several TVs airing various sporting events to entertain you during the countless awkward silences you may or may not have with your new acquaintances. (But really, they are inevitable!)
Another great eatery is Kerbey Lane CafĂ©, located on Guadalupe Street right across from Duren dormitory. Kerbey will literally save you when it’s midnight and you’re craving a full plate of anything. Open 24/7, this restaurant offers anything and everything you can think of, from pancakes to pasta and vegetarian enchiladas. When you get there, make sure to order the queso, because it is to die for. Be prepared for a wait because, since it is such a popular place for students, Kerbey can get pretty packed – but it is definitely worth the wait. You can even pay for your meal using Bevo Bucks, which makes it even more convenient.Â
2. Fro-yo
Sometimes the Austin heat can be unbearable, and there’s no way to beat the heat like frozen yogurt. There’s a variety of yogurt shops around campus; if you walk down the Drag, you are likely to hit Swirl. Veer off on 24th street and you’ll see Juicy Tart, which is my personal favorite (especially since it’s open till 2 a.m.!). Not only does Juicy Tart have great flavors, but they also have a karaoke room. You get a frozen treat, plus a few bonus laughs over your friend’s rendition of Firework.
3. The Union
While the Union is a great place to get some fast food or some serious study time in, it is also a place for fun. If you haven’t discovered the Underground, then you probably think I’m crazy. It might be a little difficult to come across, but located on the bottom floor of the Student Union is the fun-packed Underground. Here you will find bowling lanes, billiards and air hockey tables. The neon-lit lanes and glowing shoes make for a great time. They also have a bunch of junk food to eat during a competitive game. The prices aren’t too bad, and they accept Bevo Bucks, which come in handy during your first year on the Forty Acres.
4. Capitol
I already know what’s on everyone’s mind when they see the Capitol on this list; it brings back memories of boring history classes, right? When you think of the Capitol, you definitely don’t think of playing Frisbee. However, the lawn of our state’s Capitol provides the perfect grounds for some ultimate Frisbee. It’s not exactly on campus, but it isn’t too far of a walk. Most of us are lucky to have those gym class days behind us, but sometimes a little physical activity can be exciting. Head toward Congress and 11th with a few fellow first years and you’re set.
5. Sixth Street
 For those of you who are a little more adventurous, you can also walk all the way down to Sixth Street. It’s a bit farther and it may seem like a waste of time, considering most of the students in the class of 2015 are eighteen, but it really isn’t. Even though you can’t get into most of the clubs (and I’d advise not going in the sketchy ones you can get into) there’s always some sightseeing to be done. I’m not talking about all the pretty lights and downtown buildings, but instead the interesting people of Austin just walking around. Whether they are slightly inebriated, having dramatic fights with their spouses or running around in unique outfits, the nights on Sixth are a sight to see. Feel free to go in the daytime as well: there are some fabulous shops and restaurants near the Sixth Street area that are perfect for a Saturday morning.