As I enter my last year at Fairfield, it’s safe to say that I’ve had some fun adventures over the last few years. Some of these adventures happened on-campus with friends, and others were off-campus either over the weekends or breaks.

Even so, there are some adventures that everyone needs to have before they graduate college. Here are 17 things that all Stags should do before leaving Stag Country.

1. Take a road-trip with your best friend.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have more desire to spend time creating a 13-hour playlist than you will to prepare for your final exams.

2. Study abroad in a foreign country.

Fairfield has so many study abroad options, but I highly recommend going to London!

3. Order a late-night snack and then regret it.

If you don’t fall asleep while waiting for cheesy-bread to arrive, it’s not late enough.

4. Wander campus with a friend in the middle of the night.

How else are you going to walk-off that cheesy bread? If your clogged arteries don’t kill you first, the heart attack from a random jogger at 3 a.m. might, though.

5. Hop in the car with friends and just drive.

My friends and I decided to go to Cape Cod one weekend last fall. Just because.

6. Find a new spot on campus each year.

It may get harder each year as you get to know the campus better (especially since it’s not that big), but there are always certain places that you overlook when you’re in a rush.

7. Spend the day exploring our local town.

The Town of Fairfield is beautiful, especially in the fall, and you should take the time while the weather is nice to explore the shops and enjoy the restaurants.

8. Join a Residential College.

During their sophomore year, Stags get the option of joining a residential college that offers a close community and the opportunity to go on a retreat in the fall and spring semesters. It may seem like a burden when you’re signing up, but it’s well worth it!

9. Spontaneously decide to ignore your assignments for the day and go to the beach.

Alright, this idea sounds worse than it is in reality. While the weather's still warm, you should definitely take advantage of how close we are to Fairfield’s beaches!

10. Go to a soccer game on a fall evening.

Watching the Men’s Soccer team was the first outing I had with the people who later became my closest friends, and nothing brings you closer quite like huddling together on a cold evening! Also, it’s easy CONNECT credit if you’re a freshman!

11. Walk up to Bellarmine Mansion at night to look at the stars.

When the sky is completely clear, the view is incredible from the top of the hill. Bellarmine Mansion also has an amazing view of sunsets.

12. Go to Late Night at Barone EVERY month.

One Friday per month, Barone Dining Hall has Late Night with different games and types of snacks. It’s basically a requirement that you go every month. No exceptions.

13. Ride the Stag Statue.

I still haven’t ridden the Stag Statue yet, and security has increased on it, but it’s something that every Stag should do before they graduate. Get to it!

14. Go to Midnight Breakfast.

Midnight Breakfast is easily the best event that Fairfield offers, and it only comes around once a year. Even if you can’t get tickets for the 10:30 seating, you should go and wear your ugliest sweater with your best friends.

15. Get published by The Mirror or Inkwell Literary Magazine.

The publications are incredibly different, but both are great opportunities to develop your voice and let it be heard by past and present Stags. Give it a chance!

16. Bring back Stag food in the middle of a snowstorm.

You haven’t had your life flash before your eyes like when you’re carrying a flatbread on a plate without a bag while trying not to slip on ice.

17. Do a group costume for Halloween or any big event.

Our animal onesies got use not only during Halloween, but also during Midnight Breakfast.