It's about that time of year when most of us are battling that mid-semester slump. The weather is far from great, we're swamped with projects and exams, and Spring Break has already come and gone. What's there to look forward to now? Well, luckily for us, Binghamton University has a lot to offer us in this last six-week stretch to keep us upbeat and optimistic in the midst of all our scholastic responsibilities.
Residential Community Traditions
One thing that makes the end of the spring semester a fun time is the tradition each community has for its residents. Whether you live in Newing, Dickinson, Mountainview, or Hinman, there's something fun and unique to your community to look forward to.
Newing Navy: Said to be Newing's oldest tradition, this is a week-long event filled with relays, competitions, games, and challenges between all the buildings. Throughout the week, each building gains points through attendance and accomplishments in the events, and a winning building is named at the end! The winner is given a plaque and earns the title of Newing Navy Champions until next Spring.
Mutant Mania: Dickinson's own version of Newing Navy, Mutant Mania is a nine-day event that consists of athletic events, games like Jeopardy, and a campus-wide scavenger hunt amongst all the buildings. Each building has a resident-elected captain in order to encourage participation and spread the word about the events.
Hinman Hysteria: A week full of intellectual, athletic, and artistic challenges and events for all residents of Hinman to participate in. Each year, the theme of Hysteria is selected by it's community's college council and is played out throughout the week in both activities and attire by its residents. The Saturday of Hysteria is reminiscent of summer camp activities, with relay races, eating contests, scavenger hunts, skits, lip-synching contests--basically, endless amounts of activities. The Saturday night is concluded with the announcement of the winning building.
Salamander Days: Mountainview's week-long celebration that gives residents a chance to compete in events and prove their community spirit that just so happens to coincide with the springtime phenomenon of the salamanders. Each year, thousands of salamanders emerge from the Nature Preserve and make their way across the road to the pond.
Formal Season
If you're in a sorority, or you know someone in a fraternity, chances are, you'll find yourself at a formal at some point this semester. It's a great chance to get away for the night, have fun with your friends at a hotel, and get the opportunity to really get dressed up and have a classy night out with all your friends.
If you don't know anyone in Greek life, both Dickinson and Mountainview hold their own semi-formals for their residents. It may seem cheesy at first, it's a fun opportunity to get dolled up and have a fancy evening with the people you've spent all year living with. Either way, formal or semi-formal, you should definitely embrace the opportunity.
Spring Fling
Probably one of the most anticipated events on campus of the spring, Spring Fling is the perfect end to the semester. The event consists of a huge outdoor festival full of carnival games, food, outdoor activities, and live music. In the past years, artists such as The White Panda and Sage the Gemini, Matt and Kim, and Passion Pit have headlined the event. So far, no official announcement has been released regarding the headliner for this year, but no doubt it will be a great time.
So if you're feeling those post-Spring Break blues, don't worry, there's still a lot to look forward to before the semester comes to a close. Despite our prolonged winter, we still have nice weather and lots of fun coming our way, Bearcats!
