Bored yet? Find out what Tech and Atlanta have to offer

The Georgia Tech social scene: it’s there. Though perhaps not readily apparent in its various aspects, it is indeed alive and even mildly thriving. Even in the past two years, Tech has made great strides toward improving campus life and removing the Institution from the category of least content students – it remains number two. However, with the exception of a few engineering majors, students need not feel at a loss because opportunities abound.

For those of the outdoor and active persuasion, investigate the options at SAC and ORGT. Organized sports and small group activities are available in a variety of skill and interest levels, perfect for the seasoned hardbody or the casual participant. If all else fails, circle the SAC field or drop by the Burger Bowl next door. Tech may not be renowned for its greenspace, but don’t let that be a deterrent.

Long hallways are perfect for challenging games of Ultimate, and Instructional Center classrooms make for interesting racquetball courts. When searching for a unique and exciting outing, whether alone or with a date, little can be more inspiring than observing the Department of Parking operating at their finest. Stop by the Architecture lot for a non-stop ticketing funfest. Best of all, the event is completely free and ongoing. A parking ticket is not hard to find at Tech.

For those who enjoy theater, DramaTech puts on many productions throughout the year. The shows are a great break from continuous studying and can be very entertaining. The students have a heavy hand in the production of the pieces, and they are quite a lot of fun. DramaTech – just do it. The Student Center also offers numerous boredom breakers. Have a few hours to kill before the drudgery of another lecture? Watch a free movie or sleep in the music listening center. The lanes and pool tables are open all day for a quick game or an all-afternoon party.

The more artistically motivated can engage in numerous activities at the craft center. These offerings are just the basics; many events are held in and around the Student Center all year, from small booths to large outdoor festivals. Organizations exist to fill most any interest, but if one does not fit, new ones can always be started. Groups are continually recruiting for their causes, especially at the Organizations fair.

Still looking for something to do? Tech sports teams have games all the time. This makes for great entertainment and provides the opportunity to support the Institute and perhaps even appear on television. Oh, and remember to wear yellow.

If campus does not seem the place to be after hours or on the weekends, naysayers will be hard-pressed to express displeasure of Atlanta. Sure, the city is large, largely unwalkable, atmospherically oppressive and downright dirty.

Nevertheless, Atlanta is a mecca for entertainment. Nightcrawlers and barhoppers have it made in Atlanta. The city is home to the highest number of young singles in the country. If the perfect match is nowhere to be found in those sociable and group-oriented CS classes, chances are they might be out in the city. The streets are full of people and fun and offer a greatly needed reprieve from school monotony. Most would argue that the finest in nightlife resides in Buckhead, and for founded reasons.

The amount and variety of during and after hours entertainment in the city is unparalleled, if only in comparison to Tech. The Midtown area holds some of Atlanta’s best cuisine, shopping and nightspots. The cars are flashier, the clothes seem more expensive and the music is louder. Furthermore, Little Five Points and the Moreland District offer fun on a low-key level. The area is great for watching people (versus Five Points which is great for watching the wallet). Eclectic shops, restaurants and people make this district a great afternoon hangout.

Virginia-Highlands effortlessly meshes Buckhead with Moreland for an up-and-coming stylish yet workable atmosphere complete with its own set of amazing locales for a variety of entertainment. Hang around after dinner at numerous coffee and dessert shops and be sure to partake of the vivacity of that which is Paolo’s Gelateria. It is not to be missed. Have no real aim for the day? Traverse Peachtree (street, that is). Bum around downtown and enjoy the mix of people, or the mix of drinks. Underground is the underdog and the Central Library has what the Tech Library lacks.

For real fun, try driving in the area late at night on the weekend. Sometimes the show is better than a parade. If you happen to enjoy movies, Atlanta offers a number of non-traditional movie theaters. Amongst the selection are Tara Cinemas, having shown such enigmatic favorites as Assassination Tango and Bowling for Columbine.

In addition to the Do’s around campus, here are some on the Don’t list. The Library is a great place to study, and is renowned for its bathrooms. Put more eloquently, the bathrooms are like a 1950s horror flick – eerily alive and pulsating with filth. Unless a science project is calling, avoid these outhouses at all costs.

Also, do not take classes in the Old Architecture auditorium if staying awake is part of the program. Temperatures run the in extremes, and the seats and lighting beg for dozers. Extra credit should be awarded to those who stay alert.

Finally, always know an alternate route. If Tech can inconvenience students in any way, expect it, for it is the norm. The bottom line is this: enjoy the requisite six or seven years it takes to graduate. It will be worth it.