Ohio University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

OU students agree: Athens is unique. A small town built around a college, it is full of distinctive personalities. There are small, specialty shops and great restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else. Practically any student you ask will say that the atmosphere is one of the greatest parts of going to OU. Athens is the epitome of a college town: tree-filled greens, colonial architecture, brick streets, all of which makes for a very quaint and comfortable learning atmosphere. However, at times, it can seem like Athens is closed off from the rest of the world (when a Wal-Mart finally opened a store in Athens a few years ago, students rejoiced). Shopping can be really difficult (the closest mall is about 45 miles away in Lancaster) and most students resort to online shopping or driving an hour and a half to Columbus. There are plenty of exceptional, cheap thrills in and around Athens, though, such as the haunted areas and the skatepark.

The residents of Athens are very tolerant of the rowdy OU students and, for the most part, friendly (part of their patience might have to do with the fact that their businesses rely a great deal on the students). “Townies,” as they are affectionately known, range from upper-class citizens to hippies, creating an eclectic and downright weird community. A great college town, it’s hard not to love Athens; just be prepared to escape to the “real world” every now and then when you need a Target or Starbucks fix.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere in Athens is great!... The atmosphere in Athens is great! Everyone is so friendly, and most people (who are not students) tolerate a lot of things that people in small towns do not usually have to deal with. There are not any other universities present, with the exception of Hocking College, but that doesn’t really count. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Through my five years at Ohio... Through my five years at Ohio University, I found that there are not any real bad spots in the town. Sure you have the typical ‘drunk muscles’ that exist when people drink way too much, but that is typical at any university. Actually, the only places you will avoid are frat houses (if you are a guy and not in the fraternity) and any other bars where people don’t know your name. Things to visit in Athens are many, if you know where to look. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere at Ohio University... The atmosphere at Ohio University is very different than any other college campus I visited while still in high school. The community of Athens cares about the school since the University is a huge part of their economy. With the nearest city being over an hour away, there is a sense of community and pride in the school and city that is hard to find anywhere else. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere is very laid-back... The atmosphere is very laid-back and homey feeling. Going to Stroud’s Run is always a good time, and visiting the Ridges is cool to see and learn about. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

For any first timer, it is... For any first timer, it is important to go to the Ridges to give yourself a cheap scare. Stroud’s Run is a great place to go cook out and play on the beach if you have a car. Any of the local eateries all around the campus are great, such as Souvlaki’s, Tomatillos, Bagel Street Deli, and the Diner. Also, go to see the many great speakers and performances that are constantly going on all around campus and the local area. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Athens:
• Athens is notoriously haunted; from the spooky Ridges, which used to be an insane asylum, to the five cemeteries that form a pentagram around the city. Athens was even voted the 13th most haunted place in the world by the British Society for Psychic Research. Athens was also featured on FOX’s Scariest Places on Earth TV special.
• There are tons of unique, fun festivals in Athens County throughout the year, including Parade of the Hills, the Ohio Paw Paw Festival, the Bead International Festival, and the Jambalaya Jam.
• The new 17,000-square foot Athens Skatepark was designed by award-winning Grindline Skateparks and partially funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation. It was even featured on the MTV show, Viva La Bam, when broken in by the show’s star Bam Margera during a 2004 episode.
• Athens is a paradise for hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers. The city is surrounded by several state parks (Burr Oak, Lake Hope, Lake Snowden, and Wayne National Forest), making it easy to take a weekend hiking, backpacking, or camping retreat.
• Thousands of partiers head to the small town every Halloween to partake in what has been called the “Mardi Gras of the Midwest.”

Famous People From Athens:
Dow Finsterwald, champion professional golfer
Maya Lin, architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
David Wilhelm, campaign manager for Bill Clinton and former chairman of the Democratic National Committee

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