The mid-sized city of Allentown blends local attractions, culture and history. It provides a blend of calm neighborhoods with a feeling of community and the excitement of downtown. People socialize frequently at farmer’s markets, coffee shops and festival venues for events like the Allentown Fair. However, Allentown is unusual in combining the best aspects of the natural environment with urban living. Cedar Beach Park is a great place for outdoor lovers to escape it all, while the city contains artistic attractions like the Allentown Art Museum and the renovated PPL Center. All things considered, Allentown is an intriguing and entertaining location.
Allentown has many places to dine, including Shelby’s Restaurant, which serves contemporary comfort food and Billy’s Downtown Diner, which is well-liked by the locals for its creative food and welcoming atmosphere. For those who want to spend time in nature and have fun, there is Trexler Park, the Liberty Bell Museum, the Da Vinci Science Center and Coca-Cola Park. The Liberty Bell Museum, which contains a replica of the famous bell and offers information on local history, is also located in this region because every place has a unique appeal of its own.
Immersion in the Allentown neighborhood is a must for Muhlenberg students. Although it’s simple to remain in the “going to college bubble,” exploring the community and local way of life will give you a deeper understanding of the place. The people and businesses here are very welcoming and there is just so much more to explore and learn about.
Sometimes bursting out of the campus bubble is necessary. It was difficult for me at first to be a commuter student. I still recall how alone and out of place I felt. I simply didn’t know where I belonged because it felt like everyone had already formed their friend groups. Between classes, I would frequently just hang out at the Red Doors, avoiding most social interactions. I didn’t know anyone, so I wasn’t sure how to enter into conversations or activities. There were moments when I thought my college experience was being entirely wasted. It felt as though I wasn’t there for the study groups, late-night get-togethers and on-campus activities. Feeling alone, I kept to myself for a while, telling myself it would be easier to give up than to try.
But ultimately, I understood that nothing would change if I didn’t start putting myself out there and explore both the world offered to me on campus and the one beyond. Even though it was awkward at first, I began to speak to more individuals. Things started to change for me gradually as I joined various campus affinity groups. I was looking for a sense of community and belonging, and these groups provided it to me. It made a difference when I connected with people who shared my interests and experiences. I felt less alone as I started to integrate myself more. I regretted waiting so long to take that initial action. Although it wasn’t simple, as I got involved, I understood that I did fit in after all.
I eventually realized how much I wanted to be completely absorbed in the college experience as I started to get active in other groups and felt more connected. I moved onto campus at that point, and to be honest, it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Now that I’m surrounded by friends, I can text them to hang out or join them for a last-minute study session. The atmosphere has dramatically changed from when I was feeling so excluded as a commuter. Living on campus has made it possible for me to get more active in school activities and groups in addition to my friends. Making plans and going to the events that I used to feel like I was missing out on has been so much easier. I didn’t feel like a member of the community previously, but moving to campus has changed that. Nonetheless, I will never forget how the Allentown community was there for me before I found my way on campus. Now, balancing life at Muhlenberg and in the neighborhood around us has helped me to live the most fulfilling version of my college experience.
