The university boasts plenty of groups and activities for students interested in branching out, meeting new people and experiencing new things. Still, there's a whole other world beyond UGA's iron-clad gates. Figuring out all of Athens' intricacies takes time and serious exploration. Here's a handy starter guide.

Beyond the Arch: Off-Campus Centers of the Athens Community

BikeAthens: Local organization BikeAthens is an excellent resource for those interested in exploring the city on two wheels. They organize group rides, have a downloadable Athens bike map and offer volunteer opportunities such as their Bicycle Recycling Program, where novice gearheads can learn about maintenance while helping the community. Visit bikeathens.com.

Daily Groceries Co-Op: This member-owned grocery store sells organic fare, bulk foods and local produce. Putting in about three hours per week as a cashier, stocker or other helping hand can earn you up to 20 percent off your granola and other goodies. Visit dailygroceries.org.

Avid Bookshop: During football season, the UGA campus can sometimes feel like it was built for rowdy fans. But fear not, bookish English majors! Avid, Athens’ newest independent bookstore, holds events, readings and is a great resource for those looking to tap into the local writing community. Visit avidbookshop.com.

Rubber Soul Yoga: The Ramsey Center has plenty to offer students interested in fitness. But do they have a clown school? Cal Clements’ Rubber Soul Yoga, on Pulaski Street, has your standard Hatha yoga classes, plus lessons in clowning, circus skills, guided mediation and acro-yoga, a combination of yoga and acrobatics. Visit rubbersoulyoga.com.

Nuci's Space

Nuçi’s Space: Dorms don’t make great venues for band practice. But just down the road at Nuçi’s Space, budding members of the Athens music scene can find inexpensive practice rooms ($6–$8 per hour), equipment rental and even mental health support groups. Visit nuci.org.

Fun and Free: Great Stuff to Do in Athens That Doesn’t Cost a Dime

Help out on a local farm: The fields are swimming in the bounty of summer, and local farmers are always happy for a helping hand at harvest time. Full Moon Farm, about a 20-minute drive from campus, harvests every Tuesday and Friday morning. For more info, call Jack Matthews at 404-242-9633.

Go to a coffee cupping: 1000 Faces Coffee operates a modest roaster on Barber Street. They hold cuppings, where patrons can learn about the coffee roasting process and try some brews, every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.

Visit Bear Hollow Zoo: Open daily from 9-5, Bear Hollow, at 293 Gran Ellen Dr., houses native Georgia wildlife from bobcats and, yes, bears to a great horned owl and an alligator.

Check out the Rabbit Box: A storytelling event where locals tell true-life stories, the Rabbit Box meets the second Wednesday of every month, upstairs at The Globe, on the corner of Clayton and Lumpkin downtown, from 7–9 p.m. Come early! The limited seats fill up quick.

See and Be Seen: Best Places to Spot a Local Celebrity

The Manhattan Café: Located on Hull Street in downtown Athens, The Manhattan caters to an older, townie crowd. It’s also a favorite haunt of the Drive-By Truckers’ Patterson Hood and world-class Rumi scholar Coleman Barks. This one’s for the 21+ crowd, and fake IDs are not recommended.

The Grit: If you like a side of tofu with your budding career as a paparazzo, vegetarian diner The Grit is the place for you. In addition to being a favorite lunch spot of Hood’s, it boasts local music luminaries (like Twin Tigers bassist Amy Morris) on staff, and is a popular spot for touring bands to dine before taking the stage at the 40 Watt.

Five & Ten, The National, The Branded Butcher and Farm 255: Sporting big-name chefs like Hugh Acheson, Peter Dale, Matt Palmerlee and Whitney Otawka, respectively, these fine dining eateries frequently count folks like Michael Stipe and Mike Mills among their customers. Stipe's famously wary of being approached by fans (so, y'know, show some respect.)