Emily + Trevor here. 👋 Two local college students + interns at LALtoday, giving the lowdown on how to make Lakeland home during your four years (and hopefully more) here.

Because between moving in your stuff, filling out your planner + finding the next orientation event, these first few weeks are overwhelming. So here’s a few tips for your first weekend in swan city.

1. How to get around

Uber or Lyft are great options for students who don't have a car.

Students from Polk State College, Southeastern University + Southern Technical College have access to free bus transportation through Citrus Connection. All you have to do is show your student ID card when you arrive. (Yes, it’s that simple). 👌 Pro tip: You can also ride the Megabus to major cities throughout the state for cheap rides, starting at $19.

But, let’s be honest. When most of us were car-less freshman, we’d have to ask a friend for a ride. Wanna know the secret to keep them saying yes? Venmo gas money. ⛽

2. Where to fuel up ☕

Maybe we should’ve started here.

Lakeland may have 8 Starbuck Stores, but we also have some of the best locally-owned coffee shops. Between Concord Coffee, Mitchell’s Coffee House, Hillcrest Coffee + Black & Brew, you have plenty of study spot options. (The last two both serve up Patriot Coffee Roasters, which has a permanent space with Born & Bread Bakehouse.)

Remember that ID we told you to bring everywhere? Concord honors it with 10% off all year for students.

3. Early Saturdays are 100% worth it

Everyone waiting in line at 7:30 am (or earlier) for Born & Bread Bakehouse will tell you to get the cruffin flavor of the week (because they’re ah-mazing). Though, we also suggest the staple Benton’s Breakfast Sandwich. Pro Tip: Ask for it stuffed with extra arugula. (You’ll thank us later.) 🌱

4. Instagrammable spots

There are several sweet spots that keep Lakelanders coming back for great photo ops. (And food. Did we mention, more food?) Check out 801 East Main where you’ll find The Poor Porker offering it’s freshly fried beignets, chicory coffee (roasted with Patriot Coffee) + the frequent sounds of live jazz or indie tunes most Fridays + Saturdays. For more instagrammable locations, click here.

Photo by @kourtneybcasey

5. Step into the wild

Circle B Bar Reserve is a great way to explore Florida wildlife + protected land. Look familiar? You may have heard of this place from the ABC Action News viral video. (FYI students from outside Florida: beware of gators.)

The new Se7en Wetlands park is also another great trek of 8.5 miles encompassing marshes, swamps + lakes designed to help naturally clean the already treated wastewaters.

6. Shop Local

Pro Tip: Get to Goodwill on Sundays to find out what clothing is marked with “color of the week” stickers. These finds are 50% off all week long. On Wednesdays, Salvation Army also has half off all items.

Grandma sent you a little extra spendin’ money? Try two of our local favorites: Rane Made + 5th & Hall - where you can find one-of-a-kind pieces, thrifted + handmade, for Lakelander’s just like yourself.

7. Catch a film

The Polk Theatre shows classics along with fresh indie film (like tonight’s Puzzle). Check website for dates + show up for their hard-to-pass-up-on $2 beer and wine + student tickets (only $6).

Cinemark Lakeland Square Mall (enjoy their nice ‘n spacious recliners) + Cobb Theatre also offer $5 movie tickets every Tuesday, where you can catch new releases with your pals.

8. Discover your inner artist

Enjoy local art at The PMA with it’s inspiring exhibits. The museum also hosts special events to tour, interact with artists + even learn some new yoga moves in their serene environment. Did we mention that entry into the museum is always free?

9. Community Events

For every month’s First Friday, check to see if your school offers free food vouchers (shoutout to FSC for the vouchers) so you can try some new food trucks + unique eats.

Lakeland’s Downtown Farmers Curb Market is each Saturday from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. down Kentucky Ave. Grab your shopping bags + pick-up some organic produce and plants. 🌱

10. Live Music

Lakeland is full of many talented artists + musicians. (Who knows, maybe you’re even one?) Every weekend there’s a place to find live music + discover new sounds. Check the full list here.

We know the first few weeks can be equally exciting + nerve-wracking in a new city (we’ve all been there). 🙋‍ But now that you’re equipped with all the real important stuff, we hope you’ll feel right at home.

Welcome to LALa land college students,
-Emily + Trevor

via GIPHY