Every week the editorial board reflects on a current issue in Our View. The position taken does not reflect the opinions of everyone on the Hilltop Views staff.

St. Edward’s University is usually referred to as a hidden jewel in the middle of Austin, but honestly, this city has more jewels than the queen’s crown. From the beautiful landscapes to the mouth watering  food, Austin truly has it all.

Fun in Austin is not just limited to the typical college parties. Austin is more than just the infamous 6th Street. The bars and college parties are definitely a part of the Austin vibe, but this city offers so many other methods of entertainment especially ones involving the outdoors. In case you didn’t know, Austin is one of the top 10 fittest cities in the United States, according to Sharecare. So it is no doubt that at any time during weekends, you can find Austinites hiking up mountains like Mount Bonnell or the Green Belt, canoeing through lakes like Lady Bird lake, biking around the city, swimming at Barton Creek pools or just walking down South Congress. Regardless of where you’re from, when you come to Austin, exercise becomes a lifestyle.

The music scene in Austin is worth the hype. Sure, there are the big festivals such as ACL, SXSW, Fun Fun Fun Fest, but there are a lot of cool shows that happen on a more hole-in-the-wall basis. There is also the worry that by not being 21 or older, you won’t be able to get into a lot of venues. That is so not true in Austin.

Places like the Mohawk, Red 7, Emo’s, and the Scoot Inn all cater to the under 21 crowd. The demographic of the local bands you’ll see is a reiteration to the fact that Austin doesn’t really care how old you are, or what your day job is – if you play music, then cool, come play a show. Local Austin bands to keep an eye out for include Ume, Growl, Mother Falcon, Hikes, Borrisokane, and the Riverboat Gamblers.

St. Edward’s is right down the street from the Texas Capitol – as if anyone needed a reminder. With session happening right now, and a likely special session in the fall, it is not unheard of to see students at the Capitol – whether it is because of an internship or that Texas politics just really gets your gears going.

Everyone comes to college with this exorbitant amount of pressure to pick the right major, to push yourself in the classes you enroll in, as well as in the leadership roles you take on. It is all with the goal that by the time you graduate, you are ready to take your world on.

So yes, absolutely engage with the large number of activities on campus, just don’t forget that there’s an entire city for you to take on, too.