A first year’s guide to rushing Franklin Street

We all know the best part about the best rivalry  is when we get to rush Franklin Street after destroying Duke. Here are a few tips for first-year students to help you blend right in and make the most of the insane experience of running to Franklin with your best friends.

Before Rushing:

First of all, be sure to do all of your homework and any assignments you might have due on Friday before the game. I can promise you that you won’t be in the mood to do them afterwards. As soon as you have done that, make your way up to Franklin Street before the game starts and claim your spot at a restaurant or bar early!

Tables fill up quickly on the day of the Duke game, so be sure to get there a couple of hours before the game starts. Recommended restaurants include Sup Dog’s, Four Corners and Old Chicago. Bring your clique with you because rushing Franklin alone just isn’t as fun and it’s also very easy to get separated from your friends in the crowd. The more friends, the more likely you are to hold on to one or two of them.

Be sure to wear your favorite UNC shirt or jersey and show school pride! Everyone will be really excited before the big game, so it’s a perfect opportunity to make new friends and bond with strangers over your mutual love for Roy and the Carolina Tar Heels.

While on Franklin Street:

Rushing Franklin after a UNC victory can definitely be a little overwhelming the first time you do it. On the bright side, your adrenaline levels will be so high after the big win that you won’t even notice how claustrophobic you feel! Definitely try to stay away from any burning furniture. It seems really cool from a distance, but I promise it’s more frightening and hot when you’re up close and personal.

Besides burning couches and basically everything else, another Franklin Street-rushing tradition is climbing up on people’s shoulders. I’m still not 100% why this is a tradition, but hey it’s fun! Just make sure that the person whose shoulders you are getting on is ready and able to support you before you jump. It would also probably be less awkward to get on someone you know’s shoulders than a total stranger’s, but don’t be afraid to be adventurous if someone offers! You may meet your future bae.

Be sure to take plenty of pictures because this is something that you will want to cherish for the rest of your life. One day 50 years down the road when you’re still watching UNC crush Duke, you can brag to your friends about all of the fun you had celebrating a victory in the greatest rivalry in sports.

Friday morning:

Drink lots of water. And remember that nights like last night prove you go to the best school in the world.