In and Around Logan

Yes, Cache Valley offers beautiful scenery, but would prospective college students consider it a place that "gets it poppin'"?

 

The new In and Around Logan Web site on Utah State University's home page, created by public relations and graphic design undergraduates, aims to dispel any misperceptions that Logan isn't a happening place.

 

"The site is edgy and contemporary and designed as if you were advising your best friend on what to do in Logan," said Whitney Wilkinson, public relations specialist for Utah State.

 

Easy to peruse, with whimsical pop-ups, video and photos, the Web site offers comments from students and plenty of ideas for entertainment and recreation on a modest budget.

 

Vice Provost Joyce Kinkead said her freshman focus groups consistently noted there wasn't much to do in Logan. "But when you ask students who've spent some time in the area, you discover a wealth of activities that appeal to a broad range of interests."

 

Information about well known outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, cycling and water sports is front and center on the site, along with lesser known treasures such as moonlight snowshoe walks and kayak lessons.

 

Students also report a wide range of 'cheap date' and dining-on-a-dime ideas, as well as tips for taking advantage of student discounts to enjoy a wide variety of world-class cultural and artistic events.

 

In addition to fun, the site includes helpful tips on affordable housing and resources for finding jobs to finance one's studies. "We recognize that students have to work to support themselves and pay for schooling, which is a big consideration when choosing a campus," said Wilkinson.

 

"Living away from home is one of the best parts about going away to college," she added. "With the Web site, we hope to give students a glimpse of the great opportunities and welcoming community Utah State offers."