Weekends in college are a unique experience for students living away from home. Students are given an immense amount of free time that allows them to take a break from academics for the most part and create lasting memories. Students at Villanova often enjoy going out to eat on the weekends since classes and other obligations during the week often make this harder to do. Although Lancaster Avenue is home to many well-known spots that are loved by Villanova students, some believe these experiences have become too exclusive.
Why have they? The first underlying factor is money. Sure, it is great to go out with your friends every weekend, but spending large amounts of money on high-quality food often poses a struggle for many. Some well-known spots such as Veekoo on Lancaster Avenue seem like the ultimate experience, but the prices can be a bit excessive. Restaurant culture has become more mainstream in recent years, thanks to TikTok’s rise in popularity. Villanova students may find themselves trying to mimic experiences shown on social media that aren’t always the most realistic.
How do we combat this? The first step is finding alternative ways to make great memories and have fun. Instead of looking for the most upscale spots in the area, try reading reviews on all the restaurants around. You might be surprised to find that local spots actually serve better food even if the atmosphere is not at the top of the list. Memories aren’t only about the show, so finding a group of friends to go out to any random place in the area can still fulfill the same needs.
Another aspect of this debate is Philadelphia. To many Villanova students, Philadelphia is close to campus, but the costs of getting there are just too high. Although the West Campus SEPTA is widely mentioned and advertised, many students steer away from it out of fear of getting lost or the comfort of ordering an Uber directly to their dorm buildings. Although it may be more convenient to order an Uber, SEPTA charges less than $10 to travel from Villanova’s West Campus stop all the way to 30th Street Station located in University City. This area of Philadelphia introduces even more options for Villanova students to explore on the weekends.
If you’re reading this article thinking that these ideas are unnecessary, keep reading. There are numerous on-campus events, trips, and student-discounted opportunities hosted by the Campus Activities Team that cater to a wide range of interests. While the cost of transportation might be a barrier for some, clubs often offer discounted rates to go even further to cities such as Washington D.C. Rather than viewing the weekend experience as overly exclusive, it’s more accurate to see it as customizable if everyone looks in the right places. Villanova offers an extensive number of opportunities for students looking for something to do with their free time.
Weekends at Villanova offer students a valuable chance to unwind, explore and explore the surrounding area. While it’s easy to get caught up in the appeal of popular restaurants and trendy outings, there are so many unseen things to do. Whether it’s finding a hidden gem in the area, hopping on SEPTA for a Philadelphia adventure, or simply enjoying a low-key night with friends, the true value of the weekend lies in the people we share it with, not the places we go. This weekend, challenge yourself to try something new.
