Everything you need to check off your bucket list while attending UO
A complete guide to the best school on earth
So you’re about to start your senior year. You’ve seen plenty of rallies and protests, interesting people on the streets and attended a million events on campus. However, have you truly done everything during your time here?
From floating down the Willamette River to Eugene’s dining, there’s plenty of things for students tick off the checklist before we blink and the year’s over.
Attend as many football games as you can
An Oregon tradition, and a lively kickoff to the school year.
If you’ve somehow not been to a single game during your time, you need to go to at least one before graduating. The combination of college pride and high energy makes for a fun, if a little loud, time. And the pilgrimage-like journey from campus to Autzen stadium is a beautiful one that can’t be beat.
If you’ve been to a game – keep up the good work. After all, you have ticket priority and once you leave you’ll lose all the fun of our rowdy student section.
No matter what, get a tailgating spot for extra pre-game fun.
Attend a Civil War game
Each November Oregon and Oregon State meet for the rivalry game that is a tradition for both fan bases
This can be counted as another football entry, but for very good reason.
The Civil War football game is one of the best games to attend/watch given the intense rivalry with Oregon State. Definitely one of the more entertaining games of the season and attendance is an absolute must.
Tickets are difficult to come by due to the popularity of the game, but get your elbows out and find that ticket – don’t give up. The atmosphere is electric and it’s so worth being a part of.
Just trust me – you need to witness this game in-person.
Float down the Willamette River
The Willamette River is a relaxing spot for students to hang out during the spring and summer months
A popular spring/ summer activity, floating down this river is one of the best ways to relax. Grab some friends, some floats, and spend the day enjoying simple relaxation.
A great activity for a hot day, enjoy a scenic summer trip.
Try something new at the ASUO Street Faire
The street faires add a local flavor to the Oregon campus each Fall and Spring term
This event comes for a few days during Fall and Spring term on the campus portion of 13th street.
If you’ve always avoided this when walking between classes, take the plunge. Sacrifice some money to enjoy one last food fair and grab yourself something offensively large and unhealthy.
Even if you’ve been before, branch out and try something new. There’s so much variation – each stand has something different.
Hike the buttes during sunset
Hiking the buttes not only provides great exercise, but views as well
Just check Snapchat – a lot of students climb Spencer and Skinner Butte for good reason. Climb Spencer Butte and you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the city. Go out of town to Spencer Butte and be treated to a healthy dose of nature, another fantastic view and an opportunity for relaxation.
Whichever you choose, go to the top during sunset – it’s definitely worth the effort whether is your first time or your last.
Drop in to campus museums
On campus museums are part of the school’s culture, and rotate exhibits for varying interests
Especially the Jordan Schnitzer Museum with the current Masterworks on Loan program. This brings notable art in the world closer to students, from Pablo Picasso to George Condo. With changing exhibits, you should be sure to catch all that there is.
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History features some fascinating exhibits on Oregon’s environment and cultural history.
Neither are out of the way not out of the way – definitely worth spending a few hours browsing.
Participate in the Undie Run/Eugene Marathon
Both runs are popular among the Oregon students, and are part of the fabric of campus culture
These are two popular events in Eugene. Fairly self explanatory, but The Undie Run has people run a mile around campus in their pants.
The Eugene Marathon, while fully clothed, is one of the more popular marathons that take place around town and down by the Willamette River.
Neither start until the Spring, but it doesn’t hurt to register now and start training.
If you have yet to do the Undie Run, grab your friends, grab your best undergarments and don’t forget your running shoes – it’s fun, we promise.
Enjoy a day in the snow
A special treat, a rare snowfall calls for time outside with friends
UO is an active campus, but during the Winter you’ll only see people in between classes.
During the rare occurrence of snow, the campus will be lively with students because of either cancelled classes or the understandable decision to skip. Since snow is so rare, you should enjoy the day with their friends or get involved with one of the many snowball fights on campus.
The snow usually only comes once so enjoy it while it lasts – after that Eugene is left in continual rain.
Witness the entirety of the Saturday Market
The Saturday Market brings students and Eugene residents together for a morning of food, culture and fun
A farmer’s market, food stands, handmade crafts and board-games and live performances are just a few things you’ll experience at the weekly Saturday Market down on 8th and Oak St. After eating/buying items, catch a live performance near the food stands and have a dance with the rest of the crowd.
If you haven’t been here before, you’re missing an eclectic mix of the local scene at a downtown market. It’s full of colorful and lively people and a ton of interesting stands to look at.
If you’re about to graduate, make sure you take it all in – there may not be another weekend market like it outside of Eugene.
Stay up all night at Relay for Life
Oregon is known for hosting Relay for Life, bringing students together to fight against cancer
Taking place during the Spring, this event is a test in endurance while helping a good cause. Stay up for 24 hours while you play dodgeball, football, ultimate Frisbee, and dance the night away. Many organizations offer food and drink for causes of their own and organizers find interesting ways to keep the people awake. Since you can’t sleep, get prepared to our beautiful experience campus after in the early hours of the morning.
Break out of your normal routine and try something new! You won’t regret it.