Liberty University Freshmen: 9 Things to Do Before You Graduate
By Peter Gooch and Nathaniel Chambers
Every fall, the central Virginia city of Lynchburg is inundated with college-age individuals from around the globe as students begin what for most is a four-year educational journey at Liberty University. These college freshmen will have plenty of options to explore in the days, weeks, months and years ahead for them in Lynchburg.
Below are nine things that should be on every freshmen’s must-do list before they graduate from Liberty.
1) Flames sporting events:
Liberty athletics is growing exponentially, and freshmen should take advantage of the opportunity to experience big-time college sports in Lynchburg.
Home games for the FBS-level football team at Williams Stadium and consistently dominant Division I men’s hockey team at LaHaye Ice Center provide an unforgettable competitive college atmosphere.
Not to mention, there are some excellent giveaways at the football games, as well as other home sporting events.
2) Late-night ice cream runs:
Liberty students are notorious for late-night dessert runs in Lynchburg. Freshmen should aim to visit popular destinations such as Mister Goodies and Rookies for low-priced bonding experiences with those they’ve met in the classroom or the dormitories.
3) Downtown Lynchburg:
Instead of staying on-campus every day, freshmen should take it upon themselves to explore the historic-looking city that Liberty calls home.
Walk around downtown, find one of many trails to follow, enjoy a game of putt-putt, and eat a delicious meal at stellar options like Bootleggers, Market at Main, Shoemakers, RA Bistro or El Jefe.
4) Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre:
On an unmistakable precipice east of Liberty’s main campus, the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre is a place all freshmen should find their way toward.
With a bus going from Green Hall on North Campus, the lodge at Snowflex is an easily accessible but serene and isolated area to study with a great view. There is also year-round tubing and skiing for those interested.
5) Get involved in intramural sports:
For the Fall 2018 semester, Liberty is offering 25 intramural sports for students to get involved in. Freshmen should take advantage and sign up for one or more, as intramural sports are a fantastic way to meet people and show off one’s athletic skill.
Whether you want to play competitively or just to meet people, there are opportunities for you. Intramural sports are a great way to get into sports without being on an NCAA-established team.
6) Montview Student Union:
Attached to Liberty’s premiere main campus academic building, DeMoss Hall, the Montview Student Union should become a destination for students looking to relax and get their minds off studying.
Montview includes an underground bowling, game room and multiple food options that allow space for fun times of hanging out. On top of that, there is a nice overlook of the campus on the fifth floor of the student union.
7) Visit Camp Hydaway:
A hidden gem, approximately a five-minute drive from main campus, freshmen should aim for a visit to Liberty Mountain’s Camp Hydaway.
Options include driving ATVs, relaxing in a hammock, swiming in the lake, playing sand volleyball or basketball, trying a high-ropes challenge course, kayaking, having a bonfires and spending the night in campsites or cabins.
8) Watch a movie at the dollar theatre:
It may be a few weeks after the national release date, but to get their mind off homework freshmen can watch new movies on the big screen for a cheap price at Venue Cinemas in Lynchburg.
9) The LU Monogram Trail:
Got a hot date? Save some money by taking that special someone on Liberty’s Monogram Trail to enjoy the scenery and get the chance to see the giant LU up on Liberty Mountain.
