GUEST BLOG: Graduate students' guide to Athens
By Jasmin Goodman, Staff Writer
May 17, 2008 | 6 p.m.
There are a number of off-campus living facilities for OU students. One that I have found particularly helpful and accommodating for graduate students is University Courtyard. Although Courtyard rents to both undergraduate and graduate students, the staff does an excellent job of matching graduate students with other graduate students.
In addition to the dedicated staff, University Courtyard offers some of the best amenities: free parking, an open computer lab with printer and study rooms, an exercise gym and a pool. One of the features that most residents utilize is the shuttle bus that travels to and from campus.
Although Courtyard is only a short walking distance from campus, we all have our days when we either don't feel like walking or we don't have cash to pay for parking on campus. For only $50 per quarter, you can purchase a bus pass!
My experience in Courtyard has been amazing so far. I've only had one issue with a roommate, and the staff was more than helpful in resolving the problem. More than half of the graduate students in my program live in Courtyard, and they certainly take advantage of the amenities and shuttle services.
For students seeking private living quarters, the Office of Off-Campus Living is available to assist. Click here for more information about renting, and don’t forget an old faithful like Cragislist.org.
Now, on to food!
Believe it or not, Athens offers a variety of restaurants and cuisines to its residents. I racked my brain for days trying to figure out which restaurant I wanted to feature. I mean, there are the typical McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's. But since becoming a graduate student, I have discovered that the dollar menus are no longer appealing to my tummy.
Four years of hitting the drive-thru every day during undergrad eventually took a toll on my digestive tract. Because as a graduate student you are going to spend a lot of hours studying (trust me), you are going to need a slightly healthier alternative than the typical fast food joints.
Bagel Street Deli is one such alternative.
Located directly on Court Street, it is within walking distance from the library and Baker University Center. Bagel Street Deli offers bagels that can make anyone's mouth water. Vegetarian? Try one of the many bagels on the "Veggie Delights" menu. Love Tofu? The "Steamy Tofu Melts" menu will keep you coming back. Other menu titles are "Carnivorous Cravers," "Poultry Pursuers" and "BSD Originals."
There are literally hundreds of bagel/food combinations to choose from. This morning I was feeling somewhat school-spirited, so I ordered the OU Bagel. Next time, I'm thinking about ordering the "Chris Farley" bagel with honey, banana and peanut butter. If you are not in the mood for bagels, Bagel Street Deli also serves made-to-order salads.
Another interesting feature of Bagel Street Deli is the decor. When I walked in for the first time I immediately noticed artwork hanging on graffiti covered walls. The tables are spaced so that you can either come in with a group of classmates or enjoy a more intimate conversation to toss around thesis ideas.
Click here for a list of other local eateries.
Don't worry, this will be the first of many more "Graduate students' guide to Athens." I wanted to focus on these topics for a number of reasons.
First, housing is important because, well, we all need it. As you can imagine, graduate school is a totally different experience from undergrad. It's important that your home environment is stable enough to support your hectic class and work schedules.
Second, food, although we all need it, was the unlikely topic for today's blog. As I mentioned, I was quite surprised to learn that Athens had such a diverse dining scene. This is especially important for students from different cultures with various dietary needs. Athens does a great job of incorporating international culture into its list of local eateries.
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