20 College Traditions That Are Absolutely Awesome

Every university, no matter how large or small, is still more than just a collection of buildings teeming with students.  Many institutions of higher learning have been around for hundreds of years and have a rich history that often lends itself to one or two wacky traditions.

If you didn’t attend one of the schools on this list, then chances are you’ve never heard about any of these customs, but students who matriculate there surely know every word of whatever old story is behind them. Passed down from generation to generation, here they are, the most awesome college traditions of all time.

20. Spirit Splash at the University of Central Florida.

To celebrate homecoming, thousands of students at UCF storm the campus Reflecting Pond in a show of school spirit.  The tradition started in 1995 when someone threw the student body president into the pond. It has grown in popularity ever since.

Photo Credit: WordPress

Photo Credit: WordPress

19. Orgo Night at Columbia University.

Anyone who’s had to suffer through Organic Chemistry knows what a nightmare that class is.  That’s why this particular tradition is both mean and also a little funny.  Every semester on the night before the Organic Chemistry final exam, the Columbia marching band bursts into the library playing the alma mater as loud as they can.  Talk about distracting!  Check out this video of a recent Columbia Orgo Night.

18. The annual Harvard vs. Yale football game.

One of the longest running traditions on this list centers around the passionate rivalry between the Harvard Crimson and the Yale Bulldogs.  Since 1883, these two Ivy League schools have played each other in football, and it’s the highlight of the sports year for many fans.  Among Harvard and Yale fans alike, it’s simply referred to as “The Game.”

Photo Credit: WordPress

Photo Credit: WordPress

17. The Shoe Tree at Murray State University.

There’s a tree in the middle of Murray State’s campus that is hung with over 50 pairs of shoes, left there by young lovers throughout the ages.  The legend states that two people who fall in love at Murray and get married must return to campus at some point and each nail one of their shoes to the tree.  Couples who adorn the tree with their shoes sometimes write their anniversary on them.  Others have also been known to return to the tree again and add baby shoes to the shrine after they’ve started a family.

Photo Credit: Mental Floss

Photo Credit: Mental Floss

16. Renn Fayre at Reed College.

Lots of universities have their own ways to celebrate the end of the school year, but Reed College’s might be one of the most satisfying.  The campus-wide party lasts all weekend and begins with the annual Thesis Parade, during which students gather to burn their thesis notes in a massive bonfire.  The fair that follows includes all the kinds of food and drink, entertainment, crafts, and activities.

Photo Credit: Moguldom

Photo Credit: Moguldom

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