After months of focusing on enrollment, housing, exam scores, and essays, you might be wondering if one of the most important aspects of the college experience—your social life—is even a factor. But before you bury your nose in your books and give up on having a lot of fun, remember that by enrolling in a southern institution, you’ve chosen a great place to study where the possibilities for both excitement and relaxation are endless.

Few areas of the world are as culturally diverse and richly historic as the American South, where the weekends can include anything from iced tea and ghost stories to sunny beaches and boat rides or autumn mountain trails. How about a field trip?

Out & About
- Savannah, Georgia, with its renowned magnolias and mystery, is an attraction in itself. Ride out to Tybee and climb the lighthouse; take a visit to Bonaventure Cemetery. Or just celebrate southern living with a mint julep on the veranda.

- If you enjoy outdoor festivals, Little Rock, Arkansas, is the place to be with its annual Riverfest, a celebration along the Arkansas River that boasts more than 100 performers, plenty of food and drink, and an amazing fireworks display.

The Nightlife
- The world-famous Mardi Gras street celebration isn’t the only reason to get excited about New Orleans, Louisiana. Jazz Fest is the premiere festival for music, art, and food lovers worldwide.

- On any given weekend in Memphis, Tennessee, you can enjoy Blues music on the Highland Strip, see professional racecar driving at the Memphis Motorsports Park, or take in a sidewalk cup of coffee and poetry reading on the one and only Beale Street.

Field Study
- Historians will enjoy Delaware’s fascinating background. The southern-most member of America’s original 13 colonies is home to Delaware State University, which houses campus buildings that date as far back as 280 years! The region’s scenic beauty is overflowing with remnants of the American Revolution era.

- Florida’s seemingly endless coastline offers a variety of field trip options for the outdoor adventurer. Put on some sunscreen and head to Clearwater, Ft. Lauderdale, or Panama City Beach, where the marine life is nearly as colorful as the Floridian locals you’ll meet.