To the envy of some of my fellow University of Georgia graduates, I’m back living in the hip college town of Athens, Georgia, frequently spending time on the picturesque campus.

Being on campus invigorates me, brings back great memories, and allows me to meet some great students who are enjoying their collegiate experience. So here are five things I noticed in a weekend’s worth of activities:

1. The diversity of activities will keep you busy.

An a capella concert on Friday night spotlighted the talents of incredible singers from four student groups, covering everything from Carrie Underwood to showtunes. Then on Saturday, more than 90,000 fans cheered on the Georgia Bulldogs at an evening football game. In between, there were quiet chats over coffee and the diverse sounds of local bands playing at bars across the street from campus in downtown Athens.

2. You will find your place on campus.

Even at a large public university, the opportunities to meet friends who share your hobbies and interests are endless. You may think everyone is a stranger when you’re a freshman or a transfer student, but it won’t always be that way. On campus, there’s a little something for everyone:  there’s sororities and fraternities, groups for people concerned about the environment and other social issues, athletics, cheerleading squads and dance teams, and playing in the band, among a multitude of other groups.

3. College is a supportive environment.

Friends, parents, grandparents and siblings cheered, gave standing ovations and lined up to buy tie-dyed T-shirts and CDs made by the a capella groups. Complete strangers became best friends by the end of Georgia’s win over Auburn.

4. You don’t always have to be studying to learn.

Sometimes what you experience over a weekend can add to what you’re learning inside the classroom. Listening to music at a concert or even when belted out by a trumpet player in the marching band during a football game can teach you about different styles of music that supplement a professor’s lecture in music class. Even seeing drunk students stumbling down the sidewalk in downtown Athens or a stadium can demonstrate what you’re learning about the human body or in a health and nutrition class.

5. You can go back.

You don’t want to be a student your whole life, but it is possible to return to live in your college town or even come back for visits and not feel out of place. I’m a 1995 graduate, but students don’t stare when I’m on campus, and some recognize that professionals who live in the town can serve as mentors.

So spend some time on a campus – as a student or during your college visits – and you’ll have one-of-a-kind experiences and learn something about yourself, too.

–Lori Johnston