12 Tips For Surviving Morgantown, West Virginia
Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a seasoned WVU student, there are some things about the city of Morgantown, West Virginia that you NEED to know. Morgantown is the home of West Virginia University, the school known for its scenic views, steep hills, and, of course, its crazy parties. Even if you’re just coming for a weekend visit, you’ll need these tips to survive this amazing and entertaining town.
1. In Morgantown, West Virginia, every day is leg day.
Hitting the gym is always a good idea, but you can take leg day out of your weekly routine. The whole city of Morgantown is built on a hill- seriously. You’ll have trouble finding a flat area anywhere except for the Mountainlair green, so be prepared for some massive inclines. That being said, your butt is likely to be amazing by the end of the semester.
2. Don’t lose your cool when the PRT gives you problems – it happens a lot.
The PRT (personal rapid transit system) is WVU’s most cutting-edge transit technology (or at least it was in 1975 when it opened). Since then, it’s had a few ups and downs, like its frequent technical difficulties and unreliability. Ask anyone who takes it on a daily basis: it’s annoying. Like, REALLY annoying. You’ve got 10 minutes to get to the Evansdale campus for your math test and it’ll conveniently break down, leaving you stranded and waiting for a bus for 20 minutes. But don’t stress; it happens to everyone, and teachers are usually very understanding.
3. Buy/bring a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting COMPLETELY ruined.
If you plan on going out to the clubs, bars, or frats, pack a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting absolutely trashed. Morgantown, West Virginia nightlife is definitely not the cleanest establishments you’ll ever walk into- in fact, they’re not even close. The floors are almost always wet from spilled drinks, the packed crowds WILL step on your feet, and the color white just doesn’t exist in this in this town. Your best bet is a pair of cheap black flats or heels that go with everything.
4. Have outfits for any weather conditions on hand at all times.
Morgantown, West Virginia is located in the the mountains of the east coast. That being said, it has its fair share of freezing cold weather, but the temperature is sure to fluctuate frequently. This means that one day it’ll be 70 degrees and sunny, and the next will be 30 and pouring down freezing rain. So, be prepared for any weather at any time of the year; the weather is 100% unpredictable.
5. Be smart at clubs and parties.
As we all know, nightlife at Morgantown, West Virginia is one of it’s most well known features. That being said, know what you’re getting into. Partying CAN be dangerous, so be smart- eat before you go out, don’t take open drinks from strangers, and always stick with your friends.
6. Bring your own toilet paper.
Yes, you heard me right, and you’ll thank me later. Whether you’re showing up to a frat party or a club downtown, chances are they’ll be fresh out of TP before 11 o’clock. Bring your own and some for your friends and they will worship you.
7. Be ready to eat!
Morgantown, West Virginia is known for its diverse culinary scene. Be sure to try out all of the delicious restaurants downtown. Whether you grab a burger from Tailpipe’s, a burrito from Black Bear, or some late-night pizza from Casa D’amici, you won’t be disappointed.
8. Sleep during the week; you won’t get much on the weekends.
Morgantown, West Virginia the city (almost) never sleeps. Day parties and tailgates can start as early as 6am, and clubs can go till 3am. Take advantage of sleep during the weekdays, because the only slumber you’ll be getting on the weekends are your post-darty naps.
9. Take advantage of the free food.
At WVU, there is a lovely event every weekend called WVUp All Night. This late night extravaganza always features fun games, shows, and arts and crafts. But, most importantly, it features Drunk Breakfast. Drunk breakfast, which is the students’ name for this late night buffet, features an array of breakfast foods for students and their plus-one from 9pm to 2am. I mean, c’mon, who doesn’t like free food?
10. If you’re short on moola, Thirsty Thursday is your best friend.
Thirsty Thursday is (usually) the only weekday that people go out. If your Friday classes start later in the day and you want to save money, this is the night for you. Most clubs have Ladies’ night on Thursdays, meaning a free cover, and 50 cent mixed drinks at club Annex.
11. Don’t go to the mountainlair during peak lunchtime.
Around noon or 1pm, most people stop at the lair to grab lunch. Since most classes are downtown and within a 5 minute walk from it, you can expect thousands of students trying to get lunch at the same time as you. It will take at least 20 minutes of waiting in line until you can get anything, and the food isn’t usually as well prepared during peak times. Do yourself a favor and make lunch at home instead.
12. Don’t worry if you take a spill, because you will.
As previously mentioned, there are a lot of hills in Morgantown. Also previously mentioned, is that there is a lot of extreme weather in Morgantown. Mix steep hills with icy sidewalks and 4 inch heels, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. So, don’t worry if you fall down the Phi Sig steps or the High Street sidewalk, because everyone does.
Hopefully this Morgantown survival guide has given you some insight on what to expect upon coming to this exciting city. No matter what you choose to do, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with Morgantown and all it has to offer.
