To be frank, it was really rough for me to move from a big city to a small town. At first, it seemed like there was nothing to do but I was dead wrong. There’s always something to do and a lot going on, but it’s not always so apparent. It took me a while to figure out that having a good time in Humboldt State University pretty much comes down to good timing and dumb luck. Nonetheless, there are certainly ways to tip the odds in your favor here are a few of them:
1.) Live downtown
This is where everything happens and everybody meets.In fact, the four main bars in Arcata are all literally right next to each other on the plaza. After living in pretty much every part of town, my favorite pad ended up being the spot two blocks away from those aforementioned bars. It took a few years of missing social events to realize that location is everything.
2.) Learn happy hour schedules
I don’t know if there’s a single day of the week that goes without a drink special in Arcata. If you want to save money as well as enjoy bigger crowds, you have to figure out when bars/venues/restaurants give the best deals.I suggest assuming that “pint night” is every night, because it probably is, somewhere.
3.) Live the great outdoors
Sometimes the best way to have a good night in Humboldt is to start it off with a good day. Day drinking is a lot more socially acceptable in Humboldt than other parts of California.When the weather permits it, a great place to go is the Mad River Brewery; located right next to a great swimming spot on the namesake river in Blue Lake.
Also, there are a bunch of festivals and gatherings such as farmers market and the famous Kinetic Sculpture Race (which takes place during Memorial Day weekend). I’ve had just as much fun during the day as I’ve had nights out on the town.
Disclaimer: “Do not drink and drive.”
If you’re interested in Humboldt State University, check out our story on our campus tours.
4.) Live the campus life
Socializing on campus is made easier after 3 PM when you and your cohorts can grab a brew at The Depot. If partying is your thing, then making friends at school is your best bet to finding a classic, college style house party. Friends that you make at school are also useful for things like keeping up on homework.
5.) Take advantage of every venue available
A small venue can often be just as enjoyable as a larger one I suppose it really depends on how you’re feeling and what kind of music you like. I’ve been to some pretty sweet sets at the Arcata Theatre Lounge, but also had great times at the Jambalaya.
If there’s one last bit of advice I can give, it’s to chill out and go with the flow. Sometimes it seems like there’s nothing going on, and other times it seems like everything is happening at once.
Instead of fighting it, it’s just easier to just accept it for what it is. There are some wild times to be had in Northern California, you just have to be willing to let the experience unfold naturally.
Dean Sorrgen graduated from HSU in late 2013 with a BA in English. He now spends the majority of his time writing and exploring the world around him.