by Daniel Coffey
I remember walking on the University of Nevada, Reno’s beautiful campus as a freshman three years ago. I was overcome with a sense of comfort as I strolled through the tree-lined quad and rested by the calming Manzanita Lake.
The world seemed to stop around me as I absorbed the lavish qualities of my new home.
While I do not regret taking the time to explore this campus, my desire to spend all my time at the University limited the experiences I had in the greater Reno community. However, as I have gotten older, I have started to understand the unique community that Reno is today.
After all, where else will you find an exciting nightlife balanced by a spectacular natural landscape? I have been fortunate to discover the secret and not-so-secret pleasures of Reno, so I have decided to share a few of those things with you.
TAKE IN ART AT NEVADA’S ONLY ACCREDITED ART MUSEUM – FOR FREE!
The Nevada Museum of Art offers exceptional art at an affordable price for students. If paying isn’t your thing, go on the second Saturday of the month. Not only is admission free to the Museum but there are fun activities that allow you to create your own art, so you’ll never walk away empty-handed.
SPEND A FRIDAY NIGHT DOWNTOWN
Among all the bars, local attractions and casinos, the downtown district is always full of excitement. Go to Whitney Peak hotel to climb the rock wall that overlooks the historic Reno arch. If you’re of age, grab your best Santa hat and zombie makeup for the, always eventful, themed bar crawls. Word to the underage readers: they do, in fact, check IDs downtown.
TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE ARBORETUM AT RANCHO SAN RAFAEL
For those of you who prefer to spend your time outdoors, you’re never far from a relaxing nature walk. The arboretum in Rancho San Rafael Park is only a short walk from the residence hall. Nothing helps me clear my mind more than climbing the giant trees that tower over the massive park.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET LOST IN THE WEST UNI- VERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD
Houses located near the University are often in a league of their own. As the neighborhood surrounding the University developed, people built imaginative homes of all kinds of shapes and colors. After all, you might stumble upon a house that you want to occupy in later semesters.
CLEAR AN AFTERNOON TO SPEND AT THE RIVER WALK
The downtown River Walk is one Reno’s greatest treasures. Tucked behind the neon signs of the casinos is the picturesque Truckee River. From kayaking to swimming, the river offers a variety of activities for any person looking to spend a day outside. Don’t forget to check out the Reno-Tahoe event calendar to be aware of any organized events happening around the river.
Over the next few years, you will learn to love this University and its historic campus, but don’t forget to embrace Reno as well. You live in a wonderful place full of vibrant life; it’s your responsibility to go find it.
Daniel Coffey studies public relations. He can be reached at dcoffey@unr.edu
