It’s summertime, and the living is… not that eventful. Aside from volunteering for tornado relief efforts and studying for summer classes, campus remains in a lull.
When he’s not working in the Engineering Department for the REU program, Miller Wright, a junior majoring in metallurgical engineering, plays with his girlfriend’s new black Labrador puppy.
“His name is Sir Bartholomew Batman Barton. Ollie for short,” Wright said.
Others in protest, Caitlin Hunnicutt and Carrie Tucker, both seniors majoring in marketing, strive to keep their sanity by making dance videos in the Bruno Library study rooms.
“Finance is the devil,” Hunnicutt said. “Random dance breaks keep me alive from studying too much.”
Carly Palmour, a senior majoring in documentary film production, said her summer would be more entertaining if she had more money to spend.
“Ideally, I’d be traveling all summer and going to music festivals or something cool like that,” Palmour said. “Unfortunately I’m broke, so I’m just working and going to the creek when it rains.”
For students looking for a summer boredom cure, experience these places:
WHO: Alcove International Tavern
WHAT: An upscale bar with over 100 beer selections.
WHY: It’s downtown, but in a secluded area a few streets away from the major bar scene. There’s no smoking allowed, so it’s the perfect place for an after dinner cocktail without the stink.
WHERE: On the corner of 8th Street and 22nd Avenue.
WHO: Netflix
WHAT: Movies and TV shows stream instantly from your computer, Xbox 360, Wii or PS3.
WHY: You’ll never have to get out of bed. You can try a one-month trial for free and you don’t have to worry about due dates or late fees.
WHERE: Get started at www.netflix.com.
WHO: Lake Harris
WHAT: One of Tuscaloosa’s recreational lakes, open to the public.
WHY: A secret gem for hiking, fishing and kayaking in Tuscaloosa.
WHERE: Drive past NorthRiver Yacht Club and turn right at the stop sign, onto Lake Nichol Road. Drive for about 7 miles, and take a right at the sign that reads “Lake Harris.” Continue down the dirt road until you reach the main gate. Parking is in a gravel lot on the left.
WHO: Chloe’s Cup
WHAT: A local coffee and tea shop that serves breakfast and lunch.
WHY: It’s a quiet caffeine joint for those looking to branch out from the Barnes and Noble and Ferguson Center Starbucks. In-house coffee purchases get 2 free refills.
WHERE: 2117 University Boulevard, downtown next to Moe’s Original BBQ.
WHO: Black Warrior Outdoor
WHAT: A local outdoor retail store with the “Druid Cavern,” a 600 sq. ft. climbing wall with 35- and 45-degree overhangs.
WHY: It’s one of a handful of places to rock wall climb in Tuscaloosa. It also has leather couches and HD TVs for folks to linger, not just shop.
WHERE: 2104 University Boulevard, downtown across from Moe’s Original BBQ.
[TWITTER RESPONSES, @TheCrimsonWhite]
“Teaching, working in student services, sleeping, reading for thesis, sleeping, movies, Netflix, HBO, sleeping, bar time.”
-Jessica (Bama_Jess) Jessica Valenti, UA graduate student
“Between working at orientation & volunteering to rebuild our city, there’s still a lil time to water ski & hang out w/ friends.”
-Courtney Page, a senior majoring in public relations (CourtneyPage6)]
