Sure, college isn’t always easy, but when you’re located in a beautiful city like Salt Lake, everything is automatically a whole lot better. Take some time this semester (if you haven’t already!) to explore the 801. Keep reading for the ultimate U of U bucket list!
We don’t exaggerate when we say we have the “greatest snow on Earth.” Utah is world-renowned for its high quality ski resorts. There are 5 ski resorts within a 45 minute drive from U of U. Many resorts (Brighton especially) offer discounts to college students. So bundle up and bring your student ID! If you’re a snowboarder, be warned: Deer Valley and Alta only allow skiing.
The Alpine Loop is perfect during the fall. It’s a great way to impress any visitors that you have on campus. This loop is a 20 mile drive that takes you from American Fork Canyon into Provo Canyon. It’s a bit of a drive from campus, but a nice thing to do if you are looking to relax and enjoy the view!
Temple Square is located in downtown Salt Lake City, about ten minutes from campus. It is most commonly known for its stunning Christmas light displays. If you can’t visit during the holiday season, make it a point to visit anyway. It’s a definite bucket list essential. The grounds are always beautiful.
Mt. Olympus isn’t the highest mountain peak you can climb in the valley, but it is surely one of the most difficult. This 6.3 mile hike usually takes climbers around six hours, and it leaves you at the summit of a stunning mountain overlooking the Salt Lake valley. Every bucket list needs a challenge, right?
The Utes gymnastics team is ranked nationally, and for good reason! The Utes have one of the best gymnastics programs in the country. You may see a future Olympian, and you can get a discount when you use your student ID!
Visit Caffe d’Bolla in downtown Salt Lake City. It’s locally owned by a roasting and brewing expert. Every cup of coffee is perfect. If you really want to be blown away, order a cup of siphon coffee. It’s a bit expensive ($12 a cup!) but it is the perfect treat after an aced exam!
Gilgal scuplture garden is one of the weirdest places in Salt Lake City. Located up the street from Trolley Square (15 minutes or so from campus), Gilgal garden is the work of an LDS business man and mason. It’s open to the public, and there is no cost for admission. This may be the weirdest thing on your bucket list throughout college!
Fortunately for all you adventure lovers, the U of U has something called Outdoor Adventures (or OA). Those interested in the OA can go on a variety of camping, hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering trips with fellow students. Trip leaders are volunteer students. Get outside! If the OA doesn’t interest you, make sure you plan a trip to one of our five beautiful national parks.
Salt Lake City is the hub for many incredible concerts (especially in the summer) due to its really unique venues. Check out shows like Twilite (held at Pioneer Park), and venues like the Gallivan Center, Salt Air, Red Butte, and the Complex. All venues host a wide variety of musicians!
Located in Sandy (about 20 minutes from campus) the RioT is Utah’s MLS soccer stadium. Home to Real Salt Lake, a variety of sporting events are held here. Keep an eye on the schedule because you might even catch an international match!
Once you do, everything else will seem super inferior. There are a variety of local restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and bars downtown. Check out Uinta Brewing, and try a burger with a local beer (801, SUM’R, and Wyld are some of the most popular). If you’re interested in an incredible meal specializing in one delicious hamburger, you can never go wrong with The Copper Onion. Make reservations in advance, because it’s always busy!
Smack dab in the middle of Sugarhouse, Liberty Park is a great place to browse the farmer’s market, play tennis, or just relax! There’s a small splash pad, a reservoir, and a few carnival rides all hidden throughout its hills. There are also free yoga classes held on the weekends, and other events throughout the week.
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (located on campus) was named Salt Lake City’s “Best Museum Without Walls.” The building is closed for remodeling, but all students should check it out at some point during their college experience. Full of classic works of art, contemporary pieces, and so much more, art gurus will love this museum. Students have free admission!
Unfortunately, not everyone is fit to be a collegiate athlete, but that shouldn’t stop you from playing sports! The U of U has a ton of sports clubs where you can join anything from table tennis to Quidditch! There are usually tryouts involved, and a fee for the uniforms. However, many of the U’s sports clubs have won national titles. If you’re interested in playing a sport that isn’t listed, you could always create your own!
The Pie is known across the valley for it’s huge variety of pizza goodness. The Pie is a classic place to eat, and is a block from campus. The Pie is busiest on game days at the U, and you can definitely find your fellow classmates eating pizza and chugging house root beer.
The Holy War is the classic rivalry between the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU). The entire state picks a side on game day! Plan ahead of time, and scoop up your tickets for game day ASAP (they go quick! Everyone in the state is hoping to attend!). This game is so wild that the athletic directors have decided to cancel the football game for the 2016 season. Rest assured, it will be reinstated!
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