Every college has certain things that all students can relate to. Here at UW-Eau Claire, the student community always chooses to bond (or complain) over the things that make Eau Claire, well, Eau Claire. Being a Blugold isn't always easy—but it sure is worth it.
1. You actually know what a Blugold is.
Telling relatives and friends that you go to UWEC is always nice and dandy until they ask what exactly a Blugold is. Having to explain that it’s a mystical bird always leads to confusion and more questions. Yes, we realize a Blugold isn’t an actual species of bird. We’ve heard this all before.
2.The word “hill” has a completely different meaning to you.
When a non-Eau Claire Student mentions this word in a casual sentence, you are automatically thrust into a terrifying flashback. Only UWEC students know the true pain of walking up the hill with a backpack full of books while simultaneously trying to hide the fact that you’re breathing heavily.
3. Your diet consists of Einstein’s bagels and Erberts and Gerberts.
Being an Eau Claire student means being blessed with good food. Nothing is quite as satisfying as having a mustache on your coffee cup and sub sandwich in your hand.
4.You know what bridge face is and you have definitely experienced it.
Winter in Wisconsin is cold—but winter in Eau Claire is really really cold. Dealing with the low temperatures and snow is bad enough, but all Eau Claire students know what the real enemy is: the wind. Walking over the Chippewa River is a painful experience in itself. The wind cuts your face like a knife, which leaves you with a permanent look of despair while your tears are left frozen on your cheeks.
5. You follow Chancellor Jim on at least one form of social media.
One definite sign that you go to UW-Eau Claire is if you know who Chancellor Jim is—and you follow him on Twitter. You may have even tweeted at him in the hopes of getting a retweet and a reply. Let’s face it, he is basically Eau Claire’s resident Twitter celebrity.
6. You associate Water Street with hangovers.
We've all been there: wandering around late at night after having a few (or many) drinks. It isn't an uncommon sight, seeing drunk students stumbling down Water Street on a Saturday night. It's even more common to see hung-over college students trying to make it home on a Sunday morning.
7. There is hot—and then there is Hibbard-hot.
Many an Eau Claire student has complained about the heat in Hibbard. It is the only building in the Midwest that will stay boiling hot even if there is a tundra outside.
8. You cheer for the band more than the football team.
Don't get me wrong—we love our Blugold football players, but sometimes the games are just too painful to watch. Many times the only thing that keeps students in the stands is the rocking band.
9. You have an undying love for Toppers.
Whether you're drunk on a Saturday, hungover on a Sunday, or cramming for a test on a Tuesday, Toppers is always your go-to order-in meal.
10. Despite the good and the bad, you love your school.
Eau Claire definitely has its pros and cons, but you would never imagine being anywhere else.
