The Official Unofficial Purdue Bucket List

All the Purdue things we actually want to accomplish before graduating

We’ve all seen the bucket lists before. They contain all of the tasks we should accomplish in our four short years spent at our beloved university. The list is typically filled with the old traditions that are explained to us repeatedly throughout college visits and BGR. This list does not contain those. Don’t get me wrong, the old traditions are great, and the history of our campus is what makes it unique and special. But, from my experience, these bucket list tasks are the traditions students will actually want to accomplish and feel a special kick of nostalgia when they look back on their fond memories.

1. Sled on Slayter Hill

There’s really no better way to take a study break in the snowy months than to go have a blast sledding down this huge hill on campus with your friends.

 

2. Wake up at the ass crack of dawn to go tailgating

If I’ve learned one thing from my two years here, it’s that Purdue knows how to tailgate. No matter how great… or maybe not so great our team is performing, we’ll be up and ready by 7 AM to cheer them on.

 

3. Cactus Thursdays

The Neon Cactus is the place to be on a Thursday night at Purdue. Go listen to Bruce the Piano Man and get yourself a Cactus Cup.

4. Look at the view of campus from the Jedi Room

This is the top floor of Beering Hall that is in its own zip code. This circular conference room supposedly has the best view looking over campus, but it is notoriously difficult to get into. If it doesn’t work out, rumor says that the 7th floor men’s bathroom of Beering has an equally great view.

5. Order cheesy bread with your friends

Ideally, this plan works best after a night out, or during a late night study session.

6. Get a Den Pop

This is a tradition that most of us partake in at least once a week. The Discount Den, located in Chauncey Mall is where you can purchase a 32 oz pop in which you can mix and match flavors yourself for only 65 cents.

 

7. Complete the Sloop Challenge

For those who don’t know, the Sloop Challenge is done by:

1) Having a Fun Pop from the Den (the Den Pop’s spiked cousin)

2) Getting on the Silver Loop Bus

Once you’re on the bus you must finish your Fun Pop by the time you ride the complete loop around and arrive back where you got on. This is a difficult feat, but one of the most fun challenges for bonding about later with friends.

8. Hit the Big Bass Drum

Everyone knows about Purdue’s Worlds Largest Drum, but few have had the privilege to be able to hit it. Definitely something to try to accomplish.

 

9. Write your name on the Wall at Harry’s

Adding your name to the mural of others is like marking your little spot in Harry’s history.

10. Get popcorn at Harry’s

While you’re there signing your name, get in on part of the delicious popcorn tradition.

11. Eat at Famous Franks

Since you’re out at the bars, make a pit stop at the Famous Franks food truck. A Fat Boy from there is a delicious bit of drunk food to end your night.

12. Go to a Purdue vs. IU basketball game

The famous rivalry makes for an atmosphere like no other in Mackey Arena.

 

13. Sneak into Mackey or Ross-Ade at night

…Or at least attempt to. After hearing rumors of people being tazed trying to attempt this, it is not for the faint of heart, but it would be a pretty cool thing to be able to say that you did it.

14. Rub Lincoln’s nose for good luck

There is a bust of Lincoln in the North Wing of the Union, which reportedly gives you good luck if you rub his nose. Definitely worth a shot before heading off to a big exam. If this isn’t enough good luck for you, you can always go over to the Lions Head statue and take a drink out of all four sides, which brings good luck as well.

15. Get your picture taken by the Brothers sign on your 21st

Getting your picture taken holding your first legal drink, with your legal age light up on the board has become somewhat of a rite of passage on your birthday.

16. Get a hot dog from Jake’s after midnight

While you’re out, stop at Jake’s. If you buy a drink after midnight, you can get a free hot dog as well. It’s always a good time to have a little snack.

17. Kiss at the old water pump

You might have noticed the old water pump that is located outside of Stone Hall. Well, back in the day, a woman’s dorm was located there, where the girls were enforced a strict curfew they had to be returned by. Many women would make an excuse that they needed to go out to the water pump to get a drink of water, but instead would meet up with their sweethearts to make out for a little bit. Definitely a sweet side of Purdue’s history, which would be significant to recreate today.

18. Go get Margaritas with your friends at Poblano’s

The local Mexican restaurant has great priced and delicious margs, and their three dollar cactus cup fill up deal on Thursday’s is too good to miss out on.

19. Go to Breakfast Club

Relating back to our kick ass tailgates, Breakfast Club is a super fun alternative if you’re 21+. Waking up early dressed in silly outfits with your friends on game day is always a fun time.

20. Eat at Triple XXX

A Purdue delicacy, you’ll always be able to leave this root beer stand with a satisfied appetite.

21. Attend a club call-out meeting for the free pizza

I mean, a poor college kids gotta eat, right? And who knows, you could end up finding a club you’re passionate about from it.

22. Go on a giant fountain run with friends

Because there really is no better way to cool down on a hot day.

23. Take a class just for the fun of it

With the stress our classes bring, it’s a nice change of pace to take one you will really enjoy at least once if your schedule allows.

24. Complete The Great Indoorsmen

Another tradition at Harry’s is The Great Indoorsman. This is the act of staying at Harry’s the whole day from open at 11 AM to close at 3 AM and getting a new drink at the beginning of each hour.

25. Graduate

A huge accomplishment on it’s own… and then after, go ahead and walk under that Bell Tower. Nothing’s stopping you then!

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