While college life can be filled with deadlines, discussion posts and 8 a.m. classes, students sharing their GCSU bucket-list items indicated that the best college memories are rarely made in the classroom.
Students say that Milledgeville is full of local favorite spots, spontaneous adventures and bucket-list-worthy traditions that are imperative to the full college experience. While preparing for graduation and next steps, seniors reflected on their time spent at GCSU.
In regard to everyday life and spending time with friends, Macey Ainsworth, a senior psychology major, shared her favorite pastimes during her time at GCSU.
“I think one must-do experience in Milledgeville that every student should try before graduation is going to play pickleball … then from there either going to Cookout or Bucky’s,” Ainsworth said. “Just something fun and spontaneous and random.”
Ainsworth gave insight into her favorite moments spent on campus, getting a specialty coffee at the local coffee shop, Morning Grind, and exploring new cuisines with the multitude of restaurants in Milledgeville. She mentioned local favorites such as Shima, Huey Magoo’s and El Amigo.
Along with local food options, downtown Milledgeville is filled with shopping and dining opportunities that are close to campus and convenient for a quick breakfast. Madason Clarke, a senior marketing major, praised Local Yolkal for its well-known breakfast favorites and welcoming atmosphere.
“The food is so yummy and everyone there is so nice,” Clarke said. “ My favorite food off the menu is the biscuits and gravy with the home fries or the stuffed French toast.”
GCSU campus hosts a multitude of engaging events for students during the year. Karmen Thompson, a senior nursing major, gave insight into one of her favorite student events.
“Midnight Breakfast happens every single semester during finals week, and it’s just so much fun,” Thompson said. “You go with a group of your best friends and y’all get to share a meal together and enjoy that time together before the semester ends.”
Along with organized university events, students said local organizations and student ministries enrich their daily lives through meetings and gatherings throughout the semester.
“I love when BCM does our front campus worship night,” Ainsworth said, as she reminisced on her time involved in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. “That’s always a really sweet and special time and a good time to bring in the community as well.”
Though the campus is full of activities, Milledgeville hosts a multitude of outdoor opportunities that emphasize Georgia’s natural beauty.
According to Thompson, the next location on the bucket list is further out from the GCSU campus. Sunset Fields, a local hot-spot for students, hosts various walking trails, frisbee golf courses and fields for many types of sports.
“Sunset fields is so beautiful, I love going out there and throwing a football or a frisbee and walking around the track,” Thompson said. “Some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen are when I go out there.”
With the multitude of activities and events occurring daily on campus, students aren’t able to attend them all. Ainsworth shared a seasonal event that she regretted not attending.
“Lockerly during Christmas time,” Ainsworth said, referring to the annual holiday light display at Lockerly Arboretum, a local botanical garden.
While balancing the college workload, these students have chosen to make the most of their experience at GCSU. Their insight into various aspects of Milledgeville helps create a bucket list of activities and experiences for current and future students.
