The University of Albany has a reputation for being this huge party school #Alcoholbany. Although, this is true there is still so much more happening on and around campus that keeps us Great Danes entertained. Here are some of the top 10 events that all UAlbany students absolutely do not want to miss!
- Block Party [Sept. 6th] Student Association puts on the first huge event on campus each year. Everyone congregates on the podium and checks out all the clubs and Greek organizations they might be interested in joining. There are a lot of free giveaways, free food, and performances. The hosts always do a great job of keeping the crowd pleased & the Great Dane pride strong. Block Party is one of those events that brings everyone in the school together.
- Clash of the Quads [Sept. 19th] is a ResLife event that is fitting for anyone who likes a little competition. Each year the residential halls (Indian, State, Dutch, Colonial & Apartments) are pinned against each other in physical activities. Wear your sneakers because you're in for tug of war, musical chairs, basketball, and much more. Everyone that attends gets a free T-Shirt representing their quad and the winning team gets a dining hall treat & bragging rights for the rest of the year. Colonial Quad has been the reigning champs the past 3 years, but I have a feeling the Apartments are taking it this year!
- Homecoming Weekend [October 9-11] is anticipated for many reasons. Firstly, it’s also family weekend, so if you haven’t seen your parents since Move-In day this is the perfect weekend to invite them up. Second, Football is involved! Great Danes are great bunch to tailgate with. The tailgate that happens in preparation for the football game is a lot of fun. Everyone is so full of school pride and there are people grilling hot dogs and burgers everywhere. Food & Football is always a good combination. Thirdly, it's definitely a #TurnUp weekend. Groups all over campus throw parties throughout the entire weekend to show how proud they are of their purple and gold!
- The Speakers [TBD] UAlbany brings are always a hit. In the past we have had Common, Laverne Cox, Russell Simmons, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Bill Clinton, and Magic Johnson. UAlbany is such a diverse school with students who are interested in such different things, so there's always something for everyone. It's great to take our noses out of the books and be inspired by some greatly influential people.
- Every year there’s always controversy regarding Park Fest [TBD] 'cause well you can’t please everyone. It’s hard to find artist that are popular amongst all 17,000 students. Regardless, it’s an event everyone looks forward to each year. The tickets are cheap, it’s on campus, and who doesn’t like live music?! We have had Fetty Wap, J.Cole, August Alsina, and 2Chains the past few years and last year it was even free!
- LarkFEST [Sept. 19th] is a huge one-day festival on Lark Street in the downtown Albany area. Roads are shut down to traffic and replaced with dozens of vendors, stages, food trucks, drunk people, etc. It is a huge glass of happiness in the streets of Albany and admission is completely free to the public.
- Well, most college students look forward to Spring Break. That’s our thing. Do I really need to say any more?
- Relay for Life at UAlbany is the only one-night-stand your mom would be proud of! It’s an annual 15-hour event in the SEFCU Arena that raises money for cancer. There are performances, games, dancing, food, and overall great vibes. Every year it is the largest student-run event on campus with over thousands of UAlbany students participating.
- You’re not a true UAlbany student if you don’t complain about our brutal winters. It can get really cold in the Capital Region, but luckily there are a lot of winter activities that makes it worth it. During Friday Winter nights Empire Skate Plaza opens their rink for people to skate for free! There is free skate rental & free admission. Let's be honest college students love free...so get their early to secure your size!
- Tulip Fest is an Albany annual tradition for Mother’s Day. There’s a ball, a bunch of flowers, and live performances. UAlbany students are always in attendance because in May the weather is (usually) beautiful, so everyone is a lot happier. It’s a guaranteed great time.
