You’ve come to college to learn and earn your degree, but a major part of your experience at UNCW will be the life you build here and the memories you make. There are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of here in Wilmington as long as you know where to look.

1. The Beach. The reason half of you came to UNCW to begin with, Wrightsville Beach, is just a few miles from campus. The approximately four mile beach has 44 public access points and boasts some of the best surfing in the state. Surfing is allowed all throughout the beach except within 100 feet of major piers or 500 feet of Johnny Mercer’s Pier at the center of the island. Memorial Day through Labor Day surfing is also prohibited directly in front of the staffed lifeguard stands. These areas are marked by flags. While parking was recently raised to $2 per hour there are several churches just a few blocks from the sand that allow beach goers to use their parking facilities when the churches are closed.

2. The Soapbox. The self-proclaimed “laundro-lounge” is home to not only a supply of coin-operated washers and dryers but also some of Wilmington’s major concerts. Laundromat by day and venue, bar and club by night, it has been the host of hundreds of concerts since its opening in 2001. The Soapbox boasts all sorts of acts from local groups to top 40 artists like Ryan Cabrera and Farewell. It is located at 255 N. Front St. in Downtown Wilmington.

3. Bars and Clubs. No matter your age there are dozens of bars and clubs to choose from all over Wilmington from the beach to downtown. There is something for everyone in this city with sports bars, dance clubs, themed lounges and laid back hangouts all to be found on downtown’s Front Street alone. For those under 21, Olive or Twist and Rize are popular favorites. Olive or Twist nearly always has a line for “College Night” on Thursdays, and Rize is free entry for ladies of all ages every night. There are dozens of 21 and over bars, but some highlights are Pravda, a Russian themed vodka bar located on Front Street Downtown, Wrightsville Beach’s 22 North, a laid back beach bar, and the Sidebar known for dancing and drink specials.

4. Fitness. Wilmington was one of only six North Carolina cities to be named a North Carolina “Fit Community” in 2009. “Supporting physical activity, healthy eating and tobacco use prevention” are all goals of the City of Wilmington as a fit community, and there are plenty of opportunities to get fit while you’re here. Several running loops are available from Wrightsville Beach’s 2.45 mile loop from the municipal park to the beach and back, to UNCW’s 3 mile loop around campus. Hugh McRae and Ogden Park are also both popular locations for running and outdoor recreation.

5. Campus. The university has plenty of opportunities for free recreation as long as you look in the right places. UNCW boasts over 200 student organizations that host activities both on and off campus, from Masonboro Island outings to community service trips. The Residence Hall Association and Association for Campus Entertainment both provide dozens of on campus entertainment opportunities with comedians, concerts, movies, student talent contests, cookouts and tailgates. UNC Weekends schedules weekend and late night programming throughout the school year with past activities including free roller skating at Jelly Beans rink, bingo nights in Wagoner Dining Hall and discounted paintball trips. Campus Recreation also hosts kayaking and camping trips, facilitates high and low ropes courses right on campus, and even rents camping equipment for minimal fees to the adventurous student.