Dreading moving back home this summer? We can’t blame you. When you’ve tasted the freedom of independent living in college, it’s hard to go back to your childhood bedroom in the same boring house your parents live in. You’ve grown accustomed to walking around that rental home with two spacious bedrooms, doing just about whatever you please with your roommate. Your parents have their own set of rules. And you’ve made it your mission to rebel against them since you were 16. Staying back in your off-campus rental with a prime location might be a good idea, actually.
And since your lease is year round and you’ll be paying rent on that four bedroom Athens Ohio rental anyway, who says you’ve got to move back home? Get your money’s worth and hang back in that top-of-the-line rental down the street from Ohio University. Or you can at least frame it that way for your parents. Retaining your freedom and spending summer in your college town is one of the many possible rites of passage into adulthood. Summers are awesome in Athens, but the truth is they aren’t for everybody. They have their pros and cons. If you are considering staying in your Athens rental to experience summer life, here are some things to consider.
You’ve Got the Whole Town to Yourself
Townies love summertime in Athens. The town is practically empty, so you pretty much own it. It’s a stark difference in comparison to the hectic uptown areas when school is in session. All that’s left are the residents who call Athens home, you, and likely a handful of other students with the same idea. Sounds kind of perfect, right? If you’re someone who loves their quiet time, summertime in Athens can be a dream. That studio apartment on Court Street won’t be bombarded with the noise of drunk college kids in the late night hours leaving the bars—instead, you’ll hear some cars drive by, if that. It really is that peaceful.
If you’re the type to want to go out, a few of your friends can pretty much rule the entire scene. The bar circuit becomes much more personable and friendly. And there isn’t as strong of a police presence, so there’s less hassle. And you don’t have to push your way past other students when you’re walking back to your student rental housing around the corner from the most happening areas. That means less hassle, plus you’ll be home and on your bed in no time after the bars. On the flip side, if you love a club packed to the gills, you might get a little bit bored. It also helps if your friends stick around too. Otherwise, you might find yourself alone, bored out of your mind with nothing to do. However, you’re also not really going to see college friends back in your hometown, so if you’re independent enough there’s not much difference there. Getting to experience all that Athens has to offer on your own is a treat.
Enjoy Your Student Rental Housing for Another Season
Everyone has fond memories of their student housing close to Ohio University in different seasons. After all, the seasons are incredibly distinct in Ohio. There’s the brilliant foliage in the fall, the chill in the air and the snow on campus in the winter, and the emergence of life in the spring. Are we missing one? Since most students don’t stay back in Athens for the summer, they don’t really have strong memories associated with it. Staying behind in your off-campus student housing gives you the chance to soak up the sun Athens-style.
If you’re one of the lucky ones who rents off-campus student housing with an expansive backyard, you’re primed to make some summer memories. Why not hang up a hammock in the backyard and lounge around on a few afternoons? With how quiet the city is during summer—even if you’re in a sought-after rental home in uptown—it’s idyllic and perfect for reading a book outside.
Or maybe you have a few friends who also stayed behind over for homemade dinners that go on late into the night while the sun’s still out. Whatever you decide to do, getting to experience Athens’ glory throughout every season from your Ohio University housing will make for happy memories as time goes on.
Summertime Rules in Athens
Athens has quite a few summer festivals that attract a good share of alumni, as well as craft brew enthusiasts and music lovers from around the state. Boogie on the Bricks features an array of local and regional bands on two stages, as well as craft beer and food trucks. Ohio Brew Week in July features 9 days of Ohio and regional craft brews, brewing classes, food pairings, and guest lectures.
You’ve also got plenty of things to do around town. Step out of your rental apartment right in the middle of town and see a film at the Athena Cinema. Or maybe grab a drink and light snack at Jackie O’s. Go for a nature walk at Stroud’s Run State Park. Hike around Wayne National Forest. Sit by the Hocking River and read a book or play games with friends. There’s a ton to get out and do in Athens, and summer is the best time to do it when no one else is around.
A Chance to Get Ahead
Not that a summer in Athens has to be a total re-enactment of Animal House. You could actually enroll in summer classes at Ohio University, make some progress on that degree and even graduate early. By no means do you need a full course load, but taking a class over the summer is a great way to get a leg up on your peers. It also fills up your day with a few hours of activity. Go to class for a small part of the day, and you’ll have the rest of the time to fill with activities. Or lounge around in that huge two-bedroom apartment that you’ve got all to yourself. It’s your summer to do what you want. Since you’re already paying for summer rent on your Athens rental, you might as well make that money count, or at least that’s what you can tell your parents. They don’t have to know how much fun you’ll really be having.
