So many seniors have never done very signature or typical college things like go to a football game or read the student newspaper or study in the library. All things that should be done before graduating but there are also a few signature places or events special to OU that every student should experience before graduating. Here’s a list of 18 things to do while still in Athens if 2018 is your departure date:
1. Go to a football game
Who in the world makes it to senior year without attending a football game? Answer: Too many people. People who don’t even like sports, like football. It’s a must. As a matter-of-fact, go to one of every sporting event. Support all sports because bobcats support bobcats. The hockey team is one of the bests, basketball games are so much fun, volleyball is super intense and the list goes on.
2. Hike up Bong Hill
It’s tiring so wear your comfy pants, but the view is worth it. There’s something about looking over all of Athens that’s more peaceful than 7:30 AM yoga classes at Ping.
3. Obtain an Athens brick … legally, of course
Stealing is illegal, so don’t do it. But if you can acquire a brick in a legal manner, do it! It’s like a prized possession that signifies all of your most favorite memories at OU.
4. Visit every bar
Obviously. Athens is a town saturated with bars, it only makes sense to visit them all. Or at least visit the ones on Union and Court.
5. Get each bar’s signature drink
Every bar has a signature drink, find out what it is and drink it. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t sound good, it’s a must.
6. Eat a Big Mama’s Burrito
After visiting all of those bars, you’re going to need some sustenance. There’s no better way to re-energize than with the most famous burrito in town. Many people have never tried Big Mama’s because the reviews consist of, “the best burrito I’ve ever had” and “the worst burrito I’ve ever had.” It seems like quite the gamble
7. Take a photo with Rufus
So freshman. False, more like pre-freshman year high school visit. No one cares. If you never got that signature picture, or even if you did and you want to recreate it, snag the mascot when you attend that football game you never went to.
8. Pick up the newspaper
Ohio University is completely saturated with student media. If you’re not a person who’s involved in student media, it’s extremely likely that the only time you’ve ever held a student newspaper or magazine is because it was pushed into your hands on your way to class. Read it. Go out of your way to pick up a newspaper or a magazine because your peers do really amazing work, work that should be recognized.
9. See The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The scene at Rocky Horror isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s so cheap in Athens and it’s always a great show. Also, the likelihood of going to one after you graduate, especially if you’ve never attended a show before, is very unlikely.
10. Be in or attend the homecoming parade
If you’re not in an organization that’s in the homecoming parade don’t sweat it, pull up a chair or sit on a blanket and observe. The parade is loads of fun and gets everybody in the homecoming spirits … if the spirits consumed at kegs and eggs wasn’t enough.
11. Work in culinary services
No one likes working in culinary services, it’s messy and gross and sometimes smelly. People don’t want to touch other people’s food, but a job in culinary services is like a rite of passage for every college student who ever needed a job.
12. Go to Stroud’s Run
Stroud’s is so much fun. If you’re not into hiking that’s fine; don’t hike. Go while the weather is still warm and hang out at the “beach.” Which is really just a sandy area by the lake but it’s the closest thing to a beach in Athens … well, the closest thing aside from the famous Opening Weekend beach party on Congress.
13. Go to Slice Night
Pizza might not be your favorite, but you’re in college so it should be. Well, Court Side respects that, so it offers very cheap pizza on Wednesday evenings. A number of seniors who have never attended this wonderful event is mind-blowing.
14. Visit the Ridges
Yes, it’s creepy but that’s all the more reason to go. If nothing else, you’ll definitely get plenty of steps in walking all the way up there. Take a few friends and tell stories on the way because everybody always knows somebody who heard that someone one time had a creepy experience at OU.
15. Pet a police horse … ask permission first!
Make sure to ask before touching the horses, but pet one because they’re so friendly. There are very few places other than Athens that working police horses can be spotted just clopping down the street.
16. Get a parking ticket
Honestly, anyone who has managed to not get a parking ticket by their senior year should receive some form of medal or award or certification, basically just recognition that they escaped parking services. If you’ve never found a lovely little ticket on your car try to get one, it’s not hard … at all. You can always call and get it waived if it’s your first one, but what are they going to do? Not let you enroll for classes for the 2018 – 2019 academic year?
17. Take a last first day of school (or undergrad) photo
And send it to your mom because she will be very happy. Plus, you can post it on Instagram. The last first day would have been last week though so just pretend and take one today. No one will tell.
18. Have Friends-giving
Gather up your very best friends and hug them as much as possible while you can. No one wants to think about what happens after the gap and gown come off, so we don’t. Just keep in mind that these people have made the last few years of your life a little better, a little brighter and a little crazier. Be grateful for that because life is going to hit hard. So have everyone bring some variation of Thanksgiving type food and eat your feelings away with one last holiday. Stay up until 3:00 AM just because you can. Get iced coffee in the middle of the night because everyone could use the drive. Sit on the stairs and laugh until you cry because that’s where everybody congregated. And be eternally thankful for the faces that make you smile a little wider.
