We asked about your university’s weirdest traditions

With school starting soon, college students have so much to look forward to. Even though classes can be a pain, move-in is hell and college can break the bank, there are always unique and exciting traditions that make the year a little more fun.

I asked college students about the most interesting traditions at their universities.

University of Texas at Austin

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“One of the most interesting traditions at UT Austin is our belief that seeing an albino squirrel on campus before a test will bring good luck.”

“We have a hex rally when we play our rival: OU.”

Illinois College

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“Every year, we have parties at four different houses to raise money for charity. We move from house to house in a rotation. We raise a lot of money doing this.”

Texas State University

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“People touch the horse statue’s balls in the quad for good luck before exams.”

Tarleton State University

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“OMG, we have so many traditions. Our founder John Tarleton had a pet duck that went everywhere with him and his name was Oscar P., so at certain events we chant “HEY OSCAR P” to raise the spirit of the duck.”

“We also cannot walk on the grass because the founder’s ashes were spread around campus. And we have Purple Poo, which is this secret spirit organization. They are top secret, they wear masks and stuff and don’t reveal their identity until they are about to graduate.”

“We have midnight breakfast during homecoming where we go to the dining hall at midnight to have purple pancakes. The entire student body comes.”

Rice University

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“On the 13th of every month at around 10pm, after applying shaving cream to their bodies, some Baker College students run out naked. Here are some of their rules: Stop at all stop signs (very important), pose for all pictures, attack only if attacked, outside only (no bricks or other stuff), always keep the most important part of your body covered – YOUR FACE.”

Florida Atlantic University

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“The only weird tradition I would say we have is night breakfast. I don’t think that’s really too weird, but it’s something we do here at FAU. During the night breakfast, a midnight oil is burned so everyone will pass any exams the next day.”

Texas A&M University

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“I’d say one of our more interesting traditions is ring dunking. After 90 hours at TAMU and maintaining a 2.0 GPA, you’re eligible for your Aggie ring. On Aggie Ring Day, once you pick it up, you get together with friends, drop it in a pitcher of alcohol (most people use beer) and chug it until you get your ring.”

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Regardless of what school you go to, everyone has traditions that are unique to their college or university. Whether you are running around naked or searching for albino squirrels in hopes you will make an “A” on that exam, these are the moments that make college memorable.