The University of Oregon is the best school in the PNW, America and probably the world

There’s a lot that encompasses being a University of Oregon Duck. There’s so much to take in, and this school has a number of hidden secrets that make it unique.

With a million and one thing contributing it’s greatness, one thing’s for certain – UO is the absolute best.

Showing school pride wherever, whenever, and however is no problem.

Even in the middle of class, at home, on dates… the possibilities are endless. Ducks carry our pride with us everywhere we go, and we’re not afraid to flaunt it.  

The pride doesn’t stop at students:  even the huge musical guests that perform in Matthew Knight Arena can’t resist repping the best in the PNW.

Hungry at 2 am? Common Grounds has got your back

But hopefully you have some time to wait in line. Not only can you get coffee before your 8 am class but after some late night cramming for a test, or walking blocks home from a party some artichoke dip and a milkshake will sort you out real quick. 

Though there’s a constant line out the back door, ask any student – it’s worth the wait. Don’t mind the security guards at the entrance, they are there to monitor. This on-campus hot spot is always playing the best throwbacks and filled with students and their friends.

You’re almost guaranteed to see a familiar face, and hopefully it’s someone willing to let you cut the crowd and hop in line with them.

Rain jacket to class, sun glasses out of class

I’m not sure you can call yourself a true U of O student unless you have a pair of sunglasses and a rain jacket handy in your backpack at all times. It’s not uncommon to find yourself walking to class in a downpour and walking out to blue skies as far as the eye can see. 

The weather keeps us on our toes, and Ducks know how to take in and enjoy any weather this town throws at us. 

Our professors do more than teach

Aside from lecturing and stamping grades on our papers, our professors at UO go beyond the classroom and office space. Being the ONLY research institution in Oregon, and one of two in the Pacific North West, UO has got a pretty good handle on things.

Our professors are the ones first hand experiencing the information that is being relayed to 500 of you and your fellow classmates in Columbia 150, Straub 156, or Lawrence 177. With more than just pictures off Google and information from Wikipedia, passion is put into the work done by our professors; something unique and not many schools can say.

Don’t get hit by that… cyclist 

As often as you may have been told to look both ways before crossing the street to avoid a possible Toyota Hatchback sweeping you off your feet, you may want to look before crossing for a different reason here: bikers.

Being such an environmentally friendly town, and state, the streets of Eugene are often found to be dominated by Shwinns and Bianchis zooming past on their way to their daily activities. On a nice sunny day it can be difficult to find a parking spot for your two-wheeled ride – just make sure you lock it up or you’ll be left with a homemade unicycle (that is if you are lucky enough not to get the whole bike stolen).

Spencer has a nice Butte..

But really, that view is  breathtaking.  Recently gaining it’s own geofilter on snapchat, Spencer’s Butte is a famous mountain that provides a beautiful hike perfect for right before/after class or on a sunny weekend.

Nothing is more refreshing than escaping the classrooms and bikers to get some fresh air and lookout over the vast forest of tall green trees that is practically in the backyard of our school.

You never miss a moment to sign your life away while walking to class

It almost feels wrong to not have people screaming at you and flagging you down for your signature. On a typical walk to class, on average you’ll encounter at least three people asking for your support on a bill you know nothing about… you usually sign anyway to get them off your back.

You have to applaud these people at times for the commitment. It is not easy to persevere after being flat out ignored by students pretending to be on their phone and avoid eye contact. It’s not until you walk through campus on the weekend or during the wee hours of the night do you realize what a huge part of the campus those people are. Sure they are shoving clipboards in your face and somewhat harassing you to support their cause, but the candy or free sticker is worth it, right?

Don’t forget your pronouns

All joking aside, the University puts forth tremendous effort to ensure that individuality and personal identity are not something students stray from or should conceal. With constant reminders to be aware of what you’re saying and how it can be perceived, UO actively portrays its care and want to be inclusive of everyone. No matter your political, religious, or sexual standing in life, UO will support you and make sure your voice is heard through clubs and support groups.

Eugene is the definition of a college town 

When people describe Eugene as a college town, they are not joking. Take a quick drive through most of Eugene past Voodoo Doughnuts in the Downtown area, and the neighborhoods stretching all the way up to Hendrick’s park; you’ll find every store, local business, restaurant, etc. supporting the Ducks.

Whether it’s a bright, lime green O painted on the windows of car dealerships, or mementos from the historical sports past covering every inch of the Original Pancake House, this town reps the best.

If you’re passing through town, here as an undergrad or or finishing grad school, take it all in; the U of O is a place of opportunity that will never cease to amaze you with it’s Duck pride, beautiful views, bipolar weather, and passionate activists.