First off, welcome to Denton!
Regardless of where you're coming from or which college you're attending, there’s much to learn about Denton that even long-time residents don’t know about. So take advice from a true local (that’s me!) to guide your way through this city I love.
Before we get into all the college-y tips, here’s a little about Denton to get you in the loop of what this city is all about.
Ultimate College Freshman Guide to Denton
Cool Facts about Denton
There’s a thousand reasons to love Denton for it’s quirkiness, economic development opportunities, constant entertainment options and so much more.
Denton is truly like nowhere else. Many call it the “little Austin” because of the prominent music, art, local restaurant (including food trucks) and beer garden (or house patios turned bars) scenes. It’s also known as the “little d” because we’re just within an hour drive to the big city of Dallas.
To introduce you to this unique town, here’s some fun facts about Denton:
- Denton is home to 2 universities: University of North Texas, Texas Woman's University. It also neighbors North Central Texas Community College just down the road in Corinth and Gainesville (psst -- a much cheaper option for getting summer credits or other school credits towards your degree).
- Celebrities from Denton or went to college in Denton: Norah Jones, Dr. Phil, Pat Boone, Eli Young Band, Bowling for Soup, Lecrae, Sam Moon, Maren Morris, Ray Roberts, and many more from UNT and TWU.
- North Texas is known as “Horse Country” across the nation. Just north of Denton are ranches upon ranches filled with gorgeous, high-end equestrian barns and more.
- Not only is there a public train called the A-train (via DCTA) that you can take to most areas of Dallas (including airports!), but there’s also a bikeable, walkable, joggable “Rail to Trail” — a concrete path that parallels the train tracks from downtown Denton all the way over Lake Lewisville. A great option for training for marathons or triathlons!
- Denton has its own semi-pro soccer team called the Denton Diablos. You can buy cool merch at it’s team shop on the Denton Square and attend a home game for cheap!
- Denton is at the tip of the “Golden Triangle” — a historical term meaning wealth. When you draw a line from Dallas to Fort Worth to Denton, everything in between that triangular shape is a “gold mine” of economic development opportunities for long-term success that has proven to stand true for many years.
- Denton County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation and Denton was named one of the top 100 places to live in America.
Check out this photo from Discover Denton that shows other fun facts that make Denton...well, Denton!
Popular Downtown Denton Businesses
Pretty much anywhere on the Denton Square will be a great start to check out all the fun LOCAL businesses that make our city great. We are all about local and small businesses here — especially on the Denton Square.
In fact, Subway once tried coming on the Square several years ago and people literally boycotted it. Sadly funny, but very true to the heart of what downtown Denton is meant to be — all about local and small.
Here’s some popular downtown Denton businesses you should consider checking out:
Bars (21+ only):
- Oak Street Drafthouse, East Side Social, Miss Angelines: 21+ only. All owned by John Williams and his full-time staff. Inspired by beer gardens on Rainey Street of Austin.
- Paschall’s: speakeasy on the 2nd story of Andy’s bar.
- Steve’s Wine Bar: live jazz music, wine and beer with a patio.
- Vinyl Lounge: a total 70’s vibe bar that makes you feel like you’re in an Austin Powers movie set.
- Armadillo Ale Works: Denton’s most popular brewery.
- Denton County Brewing Company: another great Denton brewery close to all the action of the Square.
Retail & Entertainment
- Recycled Books & More: a maze-like, 3-story bookstore that is WAY cooler than any other bookstore you’ve been to. They’ve also got movies, music, games, and much more.
- Free Play: vintage arcade bar reopening Fall 2021!
- Axe Throwing: Ironwood and Horse’s Axe are a ton of fun with a date or group of friends.
Restaurants
- Barley & Board: a stylish New American restaurant that’s totally worth going to during happy hour if you’re 21 and over. Great date night spot with dishes you can share and save room for dessert. Menu changes periodically.
- LSA: 3-story burger restaurant with delicious brisket queso and rooftop views of the Square. Live music on weekends!
- 940s: another stylish New American restaurant with great Happy Hour (on food, too, for all ages!).
- Komodo Loco: a Tex-Mex twist on Asian food with absolutely delicious ramen, chicken fried rice, sushi and much more.
Treats
- Atomic Candy: a fun candy store with every type of candy and lots of eclectic gifts.
- Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream: an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with many delicious homemade flavors. I love the Big Rig in a chocolate waffle cone.
- Gnome Cones: finely shaved snow cones and popsicles with unique flavors and a total fairy-tale vibe.
- Ten:One: an artisan cheese shop you can get a delicious board to-go.
- West Oak: coffee shop with hipster vibes and great coffee drinks.
Here’s a list of all the local and small Denton businesses for food, drinks and more.
Denton Parks
Maybe parks aren’t your thing, but here’s a few worth noting in case you’re looking for a place to relax, go for a jog, walk the dog, read in a hammock, or hang with friends.
- North Lakes Park: my absolute favorite (I even live next to it). It’s an expansive park that has a disc golf course, tennis center, driving range, dog park, soccer and baseball fields, fishing ponds and lots of walking trails! It’s the park that has it all.
- TWU Campus: I realize this isn’t a park, but it’s hands down the PRETTIEST “park” in Denton. Covered with tall trees, lush green scapes, beautiful ponds, and picturesque buildings, it’s my second favorite spot. A serene spot to relax, you’d be surprised it’s only a mile from the bustlin’ downtown life.
- Wiggly Field: on the south side of Denton, this was Denton’s first dog park before North Lakes Dog Park opened. During the fall, the colors of the trees are a perfect place for photos and there’s a walking trail around the park.
- Quakertown Park: the park closest to the Square, it has the Denton Civic Center, Emily Fowler Library, and hosts big events like Denton Arts & Jazz Festival.
- South Lakes Park: also on the south side of Denton, this has a popular kids playground made of wood called Eureka Park, and has a few miles of walking trails.
Day Trips from Denton
Wanna get away for the day? These top places are the perfect spot for you to visit with friends or your partner. Or a great chance to get to know your new roommates!
If you’re 21+:
- St. Jo: there are 3 wineries with rolling hillscapes that you’ll be shocked by the fact it’s only an hour from Denton. And you don’t even have to fight the DFW traffic because it’s “North Texas Hill Country.”
- Pilot Point / Aubrey: you can visit Western Son Distillery in Pilot Point or just down the road in Aubrey, you can visit Fortunata Winery — a great spot to pair your wine with delicious wood-fired pizza.
For all ages:
- Ride the A-train (DCTA) to Dallas! There’s a few stops on the A-train before you get to downtown Carrollton, where you'll have to get off the train and transfer over to the DART train to get to Dallas. This train line will go all throughout Dallas but be very aware of the stops, times of operations, and lines (or different trains) you need to get on to get to your final destination.
- Lake Ray Roberts: this State Park has a beach, concrete trails for biking or walking, camping spots, bathroom and shower facilities, fishing docks and more. There are two entrances/parks of this State Park: Isle Du Bois and Johnson Branch.
Downtown Denton Parking
Speaking of parks, PARKING can be a beast in downtown Denton near the Square. Here’s a handy Downtown Denton Parking guide that I helped write for the DMSA.
Free Things to Do in Denton
Whether it’s date night or a fun outing with friends, this Date Ideas in Denton on any budget article has all the ideas you need to make it happen!
Denton Events & Entertainment
Check out this list of annual Denton Events!
Or grab a group of friends and race to see who can find all these hot spots in the Ultimate Denton Scavenger Hunt fastest.
Now let’s talk about some things I wish I knew in college:
Tips for College Freshman
Getting ready to pack for college? Check out these handy resources for a Girl’s Packing List for College or General College Packing Checklist.
Prepare for having a roommate. A potluck roommate or your best friend, living with another human being is never easy. But especially when you don’t know the person you’ll be rooming with, here’s a great guide for Getting to Know Your Roommate to help make your college living experience positive.
Internships, internships, internships. I cannot stress enough how nothing you do in college (part-time jobs, organizational involvement, etc) will help you get your future career faster than a relevant internship. Even if it’s unpaid, the experience with a company or job type similar to what you want to pursue is a key ingredient on your resume that’ll get your foot in the door to your career post-college. Get at least 2 internships during college — that’s why it’s crucial as a freshman to be thinking about this to get on board quickly and get you the experience you need to solidify your future. Summers and winter breaks are great times for short-term internship opportunities. Consider an internship with your college, a nonprofit or a local organization like the Denton Chamber of Commerce. Consider other nearby city organizations, too, like the Lake Cities or Sanger Chambers of Commerce.
Not sure what you want to do yet? Consider shadowing positions for a week (or even a day) to help you figure out which job types, company types or industries appeal most to you. This will guide you into the type of internship you should be seeking out.
Find a mentor who you can talk to on a regular basis about your career. Whether it’s someone in your desired field/career path, a family friend who’s established in their career, or someone who graduated college only a handful of years ago to get their insights about what they wish they knew in college before going into “the real world.” Any feedback from someone who is wise can only benefit you! Can’t find a mentor? Email me.
Don’t take 8am classes…. especially if it's an important class you must pass and/or attend. You will regret it. Trust me, everyone who took 8am classes in college says the same unless you’re a natural early riser. Said no college student ever.
Don’t take more than 12 hours per semester, unless your extra hours are fun recreational classes, like speed walking or belly dancing.
GET A TUTOR. It’s super common for college students and extra helpful for difficult classes. Don’t try to get through that Organic Chemistry or Trigonometry class on your own terms if your brain isn’t naturally hard wired to think like a rocket scientist. Just get the tutor and pass the class.
Here’s another helpful resource about safety, health and much more.
Where To Get Cheap Eats
The cool thing about Denton is that it’s a very college budget-friendly town. Here’s some great cheap eats at local joints to consider:
- Mi Casita: The Grande Burrito and Grande Nachos I hear are some top picks.
- Cool Beans: Lots of American dishes and daily specials.
- Rooster’s: Huge menu of comfort food and American dishes with daily specials.
- Riprocks: Burgers and bar food.
- Frosty's: Old-fashioned diner with cheap grub.
- Yummy's: Gyros are a must. Fries are a great add on.
- Viet Bites: Pho and bahn mi sandwiches.
- Denton County Independent Hamburger: a long time local hamburger joint with great prices.
- Burger Time Machine: good burgers of all kinds.
- New York Sub Hub: 2-location local sub shop
- Metzler's BBQ: not the highest quality BBQ joint but has a lot of options for good prices.
- ...There's really no point in listing them all. There's a lot to choose from! Just Google “cheap food in Denton”
Where To Get Cheap Drinks
If you’re 21 and over (can’t assume all freshman are right out of the gates of high school!), then here’s a fantastic resource for the Best Denton Happy Hour.
Where To Get Cheap Groceries
There’s not really a local grocer in town that has cheap prices, so here’s a couple top picks for getting cheap groceries that I recommend:
- WinCo
- Aldi
- Walmart
Where To Get Discount Clothing
I’m all about a good thrift or resale shop when they have good stuff. Here’s the best places to consider getting cute, cheap clothes to spice up your wardrobe:
- Twice as Nice Resale (local, benefitting Women to Women)
- Upscale Resale (local, benefitting Denton County Friends of the Family)
Other thrift and resale store options:
Where To Get Cheap Home Items
When it comes to furnishing your place or getting what you need to make it feel like “home,” here’s a few cheap places to consider:
- Twice as Nice Resale (local, benefitting Women to Women)
- Ruth’s Room (local, benefitting Habitat for Humanity of Denton County)
- ReStore (benefitting Habitat for Humanity of Denton County)
- Garage sales, estate sales, Craigslist, Offer Up, Facebook Marketplace
Student Discounts in Denton
As always, you should check with businesses before assuming they still have any kind of offer due to COVID, but check out these resources to find all the places you should be able to get discounts with your Student ID:
Where To Study
Studying comes in all shapes for every type of person, so you gotta do what works best for you. But if you’re looking to change it up and find a new spot to get nose deep into your super interesting Physics textbook (sarcasm anyone?), then here’s some places to consider:
- Any of the parks, but especially the serene TWU Campus — you don’t have to be a student to enjoy one of their many Adirondack chairs, benches or hammocks by the ponds.
- Any of the coffee shops, but especially Zera Coffee — it’s huge! Sons Coffee is also a fantastic spot because it has ample seating ALL with cordless phone charging stations, USB ports and electrical outlets.
- Lake Ray Roberts: both entrances (Isle Du Bois or Johnson Branch) to this State Park are about 25 minutes from downtown is a great place to set up a hammock, sit in a beach chair while catching some rays, or make it a picnic study group.
- Golden Triangle Mall: malls are becoming dead zones, but it could be the perfect spot for you to find a table near the food court or the middle “lobby” area to study (and maybe people watch, too).
- Chains: going to places like Panera Bread, Cafe Brazil, Kung Fu Tea, Sweetwater's Coffee & Tea, and McDonalds are less-obvious places you might find free wifi.
- Public Libraries: there are several libraries in Denton that have wifi. The Denton Public Library North Branch has a designated study space, too.
- Campus Libraries: you can even check out other college libraries (UNT, TWU, NCTC). Tip: at the multi-floor Willis Library, the higher you go up, the quieter it gets for studying purposes.
- Student Unions: UNT and TWU have a student Union center that has lots of studying spots. Tip: the top floor of UNT's Union is a more quiet spot to study (or take naps).
- Gyms: some gyms have a space to study with free wifi for members, including Summit Gym on the square.
More Helpful Resources
First off, welcome to Denton!
Regardless of where you're coming from or which college you're attending, there’s much to learn about Denton that even long-time residents don’t know about. So take advice from a true local (that’s me!) to guide your way through this city I love.
Ultimate College Freshman Guide to Denton
Cool Facts about Denton
There’s a thousand reasons to love Denton for it’s quirkiness, economic development opportunities, constant entertainment options and so much more.
Denton is truly like nowhere else. Many call it the “little Austin” because of the prominent music, art, local restaurant (including food trucks) and beer garden (or house patios turned bars) scenes. It’s also known as the “little d” because we’re just within an hour drive to the big city of Dallas.
To introduce you to this unique town, here’s some fun facts about Denton:
- Denton is home to 2 universities: University of North Texas, Texas Woman's University. It also neighbors North Central Texas Community College just down the road in Corinth and Gainesville (psst -- a much cheaper option for getting summer credits or other school credits towards your degree).
- Celebrities from Denton or went to college in Denton: Norah Jones, Dr. Phil, Pat Boone, Eli Young Band, Bowling for Soup, Lecrae, Sam Moon, Maren Morris, Ray Roberts, and many more from UNT and TWU.
- North Texas is known as “Horse Country” across the nation. Just north of Denton are ranches upon ranches filled with gorgeous, high-end equestrian barns and more.
- Not only is there a public train called the A-train (via DCTA) that you can take to most areas of Dallas (including airports!), but there’s also a bikeable, walkable, joggable “Rail to Trail” — a concrete path that parallels the train tracks from downtown Denton all the way over Lake Lewisville. A great option for training for marathons or triathlons!
- Denton has its own semi-pro soccer team called the Denton Diablos. You can buy cool merch at it’s team shop on the Denton Square and attend a home game for cheap!
- Denton is at the tip of the “Golden Triangle” — a historical term meaning wealth. When you draw a line from Dallas to Fort Worth to Denton, everything in between that triangular shape is a “gold mine” of economic development opportunities for long-term success that has proven to stand true for many years.
- Denton County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation and Denton was named one of the top 100 places to live in America.
Popular Downtown Denton Businesses
Pretty much anywhere on the Denton Square will be a great start to check out all the fun LOCAL businesses that make our city great. We are all about local and small businesses here — especially on the Denton Square.
In fact, Subway once tried coming on the Square several years ago and people literally boycotted it. Sadly funny, but very true to the heart of what downtown Denton is meant to be — all about local and small.
Here’s some popular downtown Denton businesses you should consider checking out:
Bars (21+ only):
- Oak Street Drafthouse, East Side Social, Miss Angelines: 21+ only. All owned by John Williams and his full-time staff. Inspired by beer gardens on Rainey Street of Austin.
- Paschall’s: speakeasy on the 2nd story of Andy’s bar.
- Steve’s Wine Bar: live jazz music, wine and beer with a patio.
- Vinyl Lounge: a total 70’s vibe bar that makes you feel like you’re in an Austin Powers movie set.
- Armadillo Ale Works: Denton’s most popular brewery.
- Denton County Brewing Company: another great Denton brewery close to all the action of the Square.
Retail & Entertainment
- Recycled Books & More: a maze-like, 3-story bookstore that is WAY cooler than any other bookstore you’ve been to. They’ve also got movies, music, games, and much more.
- Free Play: vintage arcade bar reopening Fall 2021!
- Axe Throwing: Ironwood and Horse’s Axe are a ton of fun with a date or group of friends.
Restaurants
- Barley & Board: a stylish New American restaurant that’s totally worth going to during happy hour if you’re 21 and over. Great date night spot with dishes you can share and save room for dessert. Menu changes periodically.
- LSA: 3-story burger restaurant with delicious brisket queso and rooftop views of the Square. Live music on weekends!
- 940s: another stylish New American restaurant with great Happy Hour (on food, too, for all ages!).
- Komodo Loco: a Tex-Mex twist on Asian food with absolutely delicious ramen, chicken fried rice, sushi and much more.
Treats
- Atomic Candy: a fun candy store with every type of candy and lots of eclectic gifts.
- Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream: an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with many delicious homemade flavors. I love the Big Rig in a chocolate waffle cone.
- Gnome Cones: finely shaved snow cones and popsicles with unique flavors and a total fairy-tale vibe.
- Ten:One: an artisan cheese shop you can get a delicious board to-go.
- West Oak: coffee shop with hipster vibes and great coffee drinks.
Here’s a list of all the local and small Denton businesses for food, drinks and more.
Denton Parks
Maybe parks aren’t your thing, but here’s a few worth noting in case you’re looking for a place to relax, go for a jog, walk the dog, read in a hammock, or hang with friends.
- North Lakes Park: my absolute favorite (I even live next to it). It’s an expansive park that has a disc golf course, tennis center, driving range, dog park, soccer and baseball fields, fishing ponds and lots of walking trails! It’s the park that has it all.
- TWU Campus: I realize this isn’t a park, but it’s hands down the PRETTIEST “park” in Denton. Covered with tall trees, lush green scapes, beautiful ponds, and picturesque buildings, it’s my second favorite spot. A serene spot to relax, you’d be surprised it’s only a mile from the bustlin’ downtown life.
- Wiggly Field: on the south side of Denton, this was Denton’s first dog park before North Lakes Dog Park opened. During the fall, the colors of the trees are a perfect place for photos and there’s a walking trail around the park.
- Quakertown Park: the park closest to the Square, it has the Denton Civic Center, Emily Fowler Library, and hosts big events like Denton Arts & Jazz Festival.
- South Lakes Park: also on the south side of Denton, this has a popular kids playground made of wood called Eureka Park, and has a few miles of walking trails.
Day Trips from Denton
Wanna get away for the day? These top places are the perfect spot for you to visit with friends or your partner. Or a great chance to get to know your new roommates!
If you’re 21+:
- St. Jo: there are 3 wineries with rolling hillscapes that you’ll be shocked by the fact it’s only an hour from Denton. And you don’t even have to fight the DFW traffic because it’s “North Texas Hill Country.”
- Pilot Point / Aubrey: you can visit Western Son Distillery in Pilot Point or just down the road in Aubrey, you can visit Fortunata Winery — a great spot to pair your wine with delicious wood-fired pizza.
For all ages:
- Ride the A-train (DCTA) to Dallas! There’s a few stops on the A-train before you get to downtown Carrollton, where you'll have to get off the train and transfer over to the DART train to get to Dallas. This train line will go all throughout Dallas but be very aware of the stops, times of operations, and lines (or different trains) you need to get on to get to your final destination.
- Lake Ray Roberts: this State Park has a beach, concrete trails for biking or walking, camping spots, bathroom and shower facilities, fishing docks and more. There are two entrances/parks of this State Park: Isle Du Bois and Johnson Branch.
Downtown Denton Parking
Speaking of parks, PARKING can be a beast in downtown Denton near the Square. Here’s a handy Downtown Denton Parking guide that I helped write for the DMSA.
Free Things to Do in Denton
Whether it’s date night or a fun outing with friends, this Date Ideas in Denton on any budget article has all the ideas you need to make it happen!
Denton Events & Entertainment
Check out this list of annual Denton Events!
Or grab a group of friends and race to see who can find all these hot spots in the Ultimate Denton Scavenger Hunt fastest.
Now let’s talk about some things I wish I knew in college:
Tips for College Freshman
Getting ready to pack for college? Check out these handy resources for a Girl’s Packing List for College or General College Packing Checklist.
Prepare for having a roommate. A potluck roommate or your best friend, living with another human being is never easy. But especially when you don’t know the person you’ll be rooming with, here’s a great guide for Getting to Know Your Roommate to help make your college living experience positive.
Internships, internships, internships. I cannot stress enough how nothing you do in college (part-time jobs, organizational involvement, etc) will help you get your future career faster than a relevant internship. Even if it’s unpaid, the experience with a company or job type similar to what you want to pursue is a key ingredient on your resume that’ll get your foot in the door to your career post-college. Get at least 2 internships during college — that’s why it’s crucial as a freshman to be thinking about this to get on board quickly and get you the experience you need to solidify your future. Summers and winter breaks are great times for short-term internship opportunities. Consider an internship with your college, a nonprofit or a local organization like the Denton Chamber of Commerce. Consider other nearby city organizations, too, like the Lake Cities or Sanger Chambers of Commerce.
Not sure what you want to do yet? Consider shadowing positions for a week (or even a day) to help you figure out which job types, company types or industries appeal most to you. This will guide you into the type of internship you should be seeking out.
Find a mentor who you can talk to on a regular basis about your career. Whether it’s someone in your desired field/career path, a family friend who’s established in their career, or someone who graduated college only a handful of years ago to get their insights about what they wish they knew in college before going into “the real world.” Any feedback from someone who is wise can only benefit you! Can’t find a mentor? Email me.
Don’t take 8am classes…. especially if it's an important class you must pass and/or attend. You will regret it. Trust me, everyone who took 8am classes in college says the same unless you’re a natural early riser. Said no college student ever.
Don’t take more than 12 hours per semester, unless your extra hours are fun recreational classes, like speed walking or belly dancing.
GET A TUTOR. It’s super common for college students and extra helpful for difficult classes. Don’t try to get through that Organic Chemistry or Trigonometry class on your own terms if your brain isn’t naturally hard wired to think like a rocket scientist. Just get the tutor and pass the class.
Here’s another helpful resource about safety, health and much more.
Where To Get Cheap Eats
The cool thing about Denton is that it’s a very college budget-friendly town. Here’s some great cheap eats at local joints to consider:
- Mi Casita: The Grande Burrito and Grande Nachos I hear are some top picks.
- Cool Beans: Lots of American dishes and daily specials.
- Rooster’s: Huge menu of comfort food and American dishes with daily specials.
- Riprocks: Burgers and bar food.
- Frosty's: Old-fashioned diner with cheap grub.
- Yummy's: Gyros are a must. Fries are a great add on.
- Viet Bites: Pho and bahn mi sandwiches.
- Denton County Independent Hamburger: a long time local hamburger joint with great prices.
- Burger Time Machine: good burgers of all kinds.
- New York Sub Hub: 2-location local sub shop
- Metzler's BBQ: not the highest quality BBQ joint but has a lot of options for good prices.
- ...There's really no point in listing them all. There's a lot to choose from! Just Google “cheap food in Denton”
Where To Get Cheap Drinks
If you’re 21 and over (can’t assume all freshman are right out of the gates of high school!), then here’s a fantastic resource for the Best Denton Happy Hour.
Where To Get Cheap Groceries
There’s not really a local grocer in town that has cheap prices, so here’s a couple top picks for getting cheap groceries that I recommend:
- WinCo
- Aldi
- Walmart
Where To Get Discount Clothing
I’m all about a good thrift or resale shop when they have good stuff. Here’s the best places to consider getting cute, cheap clothes to spice up your wardrobe:
- Twice as Nice Resale (local, benefitting Women to Women)
- Upscale Resale (local, benefitting Denton County Friends of the Family)
Other thrift and resale store options:
Where To Get Cheap Home Items
When it comes to furnishing your place or getting what you need to make it feel like “home,” here’s a few cheap places to consider:
- Twice as Nice Resale (local, benefitting Women to Women)
- Ruth’s Room (local, benefitting Habitat for Humanity of Denton County)
- ReStore (benefitting Habitat for Humanity of Denton County)
- Garage sales, estate sales, Craigslist, Offer Up, Facebook Marketplace
Student Discounts in Denton
As always, you should check with businesses before assuming they still have any kind of offer due to COVID, but check out these resources to find all the places you should be able to get discounts with your Student ID:
Where To Study
Studying comes in all shapes for every type of person, so you gotta do what works best for you. But if you’re looking to change it up and find a new spot to get nose deep into your super interesting Physics textbook (sarcasm anyone?), then here’s some places to consider:
- Any of the parks, but especially the serene TWU Campus — you don’t have to be a student to enjoy one of their many Adirondack chairs, benches or hammocks by the ponds.
- Any of the coffee shops, but especially Zera Coffee — it’s huge! Sons Coffee is also a fantastic spot because it has ample seating ALL with cordless phone charging stations, USB ports and electrical outlets.
- Lake Ray Roberts: both entrances (Isle Du Bois or Johnson Branch) to this State Park are about 25 minutes from downtown is a great place to set up a hammock, sit in a beach chair while catching some rays, or make it a picnic study group.
- Golden Triangle Mall: malls are becoming dead zones, but it could be the perfect spot for you to find a table near the food court or the middle “lobby” area to study (and maybe people watch, too).
- Chains: going to places like Panera Bread, Cafe Brazil, Kung Fu Tea, Sweetwater's Coffee & Tea, and McDonalds are less-obvious places you might find free wifi.
- Public Libraries: there are several libraries in Denton that have wifi. The Denton Public Library North Branch has a designated study space, too.
- Campus Libraries: you can even check out other college libraries (UNT, TWU, NCTC). Tip: at the multi-floor Willis Library, the higher you go up, the quieter it gets for studying purposes.
- Student Unions: UNT and TWU have a student Union center that has lots of studying spots. Tip: the top floor of UNT's Union is a more quiet spot to study (or take naps).
- Gyms: some gyms have a space to study with free wifi for members, including Summit Gym on the square.