You’ve bought your books, toured the entire campus at least twice and located each one of your classes.
Now, it’s time to find out where all the local hot spots are, the places you may call home for the next four years when not in class.
One place almost all University of Memphis students have become well acquainted with is RP Tracks.
“This is just a great place to get your feet wet when you first move to Memphis,” said Mike “Professor Mike” Oliza of the restaurant. “There is a pretty eclectic mixture of people that filter in and out here. And you meet a wide circle of people pretty fast.”
Oliza also said the food is great and that is why more than half of the daytime clientele is associated with The U of M in some way.
The list of restaurants in the area is endless. From Blue Coast Burrito to Garibaldi’s Pizza and Brother Juniper’s, hunger pains will become a thing of the past.
Believe it or not, however, there is not a Starbucks in the immediate off-campus area, but there is another coffee option.
Mo’s is the one-stop place for breakfast, lunch, coffee, music and even art.
With so many creative outlets available Mo’s is rapidly becoming a haven for many U of M students.
Open mic night, singer/songwriter showcases and art exhibits are just a few of the ways for U of M students to share their talents.
A special art section in the back of the shop could certainly appeal to U of M students, said owner Nina Black.
“Original art prints are available to decorate dorm rooms under $50,” she said. “The room will appeal to students from a price and content standpoint.”
Of course, before hitting the hot spots, students will have to be fashionably dressed, and who better to dress you than Blues City Clothing?
This styling shop has everything a girl (sorry boys) would need for a new wardrobe from shoes to skirts to jewelry.
“I am trying to focus on hip, trendy clothing that will reach all girls of The University,” said owner Erika Smith.
And, yes, it is college, so bar crawling will be involved. A popular place for a good late-night time is Gill’s or Newby’s, located on Highland Street.
Gill’s Bar and Grill is complete with several flat screen TVs, and they host events every night of the week.
Monday and Thursday live bands rock out. Tuesday nights students get the chance to rock out with karaoke night. And poker fans get to have their fun on Wednesdays.
“We are having a big back to school party on Aug. 24,” said Gill’s daytime manager, Mazie Marise. “It starts from when we open (11 a.m.) to when we close (2 a.m.).”
Newby’s is known as “the college bar you never graduate from.” Sounds a little like home already, right?
Newby’s menu has one side for food and drinks, while the other side houses a theater that holds around 500 people.
Bartender John McDonald said they have brought in acts such as Kid Rock in the past.
“We had Tone Loc here two weeks ago, and Coolio is set to be here in the wintertime,” McDonald said.
He also said Thursday night is usually the biggest night on the strip, with 300 or 400 people in the place.
