College is starting back soon, so we thought we’d list a few things that we think all Chattanooga college students should know about — from free bus rides to library resources + cheap eats.
🚲 Bike Chattanooga
If you’re going carless, Bike Chattanooga is a lifesaver with year-long passes for $50. On UTC’s campus, you can find bike stations near the UTC Amphitheatre (Oak Street + Greenway), Johnson Obear dorms (Oak + Houston), and just past the library on Douglas Street. The closest station to ChattState is at the Hubert Fry Center.
🚌 CARTA
For rainy days when a bike won’t suffice, CARTA is the way to go. Don’t let it be too daunting — here’s everything you need to know to take your first CARTA bus ride.
Bonus: CARTA offers a free Mocs Express shuttle that takes students around UTC’s campus. A validated UTC ID also gets you unlimited, free access to ride CARTA.
🐟 Museum Access
Get half off admission to the Tennessee Aquarium during College Days, enjoy a $15 year-long membership to the Hunter Museum (it’s usually $50 — this is a steal) + a discounted $30 membership to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center with a valid student ID.
📚 Library
Besides offering numerous literary resources for projects + papers, the Chattanooga Library also offers free notary services, meeting rooms, WiFi, a full makerspace, tool loaning, and lots more. While we’re on the topic, here are more free things you should take advantage of in Chattanooga.
🌮 Cheap Eats
A few cheap eats we enjoyed during our college days (and still do):
- City Cafe Diner | Pick from 500+ menu items, 24/7 (don’t skip out on the cake, and stay tuned for an upcoming article on more late-night eats)
- Amigo Mexican Restaurant | Head to the East Ridge location for $1.25 tacos on Mondays
- Good Dog | Get a fancy hot dog for $4.50-$6.50 — Editor Kristen recommends the Fajita Veggie Dog
- Mean Mug | $5.50 breakfast biscuits + free (huge) birthday cinnamon rolls are what dreams are made of. More local birthday perks here.
- Shangri-la | Cheap sushi, combos under $10 + big portion sizes — Editor Brianna recommends General Tso’s Tofu
📰 News
Subscribing to the best local newsletter certainly doesn’t hurt your college experience. We’ll be here Monday-Friday to give you quick news bursts, weekly events, and more — plus, it’s totally free to subscribe. Don’t forget to support your school paper, too (as a former News Editor for the UTC Echo, I know how much hard work goes into keeping the campus informed.)
❤️ Locals’ advice
“I graduated from UTC in 2013 and my advice is to use all campus resources, especially the UTC Outdoors program! I went skiing, kayaking and more with random groups of students for very low or no cost and they are still some of my best memories! It’s a great way to make friends and get outside at the same time! Link to sign up for trips.” — Dr. Nicole P., Reader
“Depending on where you’re attending college or university, don’t feel too reliant on a car. One of my favorite parts of college was exploring a new place by walking or biking all around town. My friends and I loved walking from our on-campus dorms to Totto in NorthShore (even in the dead of winter, which is admittedly not something I’d choose to do now), and I enjoyed riding my bike to try out different coffee shops for studying.” — Editor Brianna
