Are you looking for fun things to do around campus? These are the top 15 things you’ll regret not doing at The University of Oregon. These are guaranteed to make your college experience the best four years of your life, so be sure to experience them before you graduate!
The UO is a Division I school. Some years there are rough seasons, but if there’s one thing about Duck fans, they are loud. Very loud. Even if you hate sports or have no idea how the scoring works, go. There’s something incredible about cheering on your school with a few hundred of your closest friends. And yes, there are other sports to watch besides football and basketball.
It only comes twice a year and it’s never disappointing. The food carts are complete with any food you could be possibly craving. You could get some posters that are perfect for your room or treat yourself to some new handcrafted clothes or jewlery.
Naturally, you’ve got two finals tomorrow, a twelve-page essay due the next day, and you have done nothing to prepare for any of it. Do yourself a favor and head to one of the libraries. You’re less likely to get distracted by a roommate and you’ll feel pressure to do work instead of watching videos of cute animals or do some online shopping. It’s likely that a café of some sort is located nearby to keep you going all night and you may get lucky, there’s occasionally “stress relief” handouts.
Eugene is full of hidden gems when it comes to restaurants. There are plenty of places to go for a hangover recovery brunch, a romantic dinner date, or just something different from your usual dorm food or what you can manage to cook on your own. Generally, food is cheap so even if though you’re broke, you’ll find something tastier than your microwaveable mac and cheese.
On a clear day, you can see Spencer’s Butte from several places on campus. There are three different trails (or more, depending on where you start from) that eventually wind to the summit. From the top, you can see across the Willamette Valley and if you look carefully you can spot Autzen Stadium. The summit even includes a snapchat filter so you can brag about your 2,000-foot climb.
If there’s one thing every college student should do, it’s connect with their professors. At the University of Oregon, it’s worth getting to know your professors because you never know when they will need someone to assist them with research or know someone who is looking to hire students. A professor in your field of study will also be more than happy to give you advice and give you a step in the right direction when you need it.
You may think you’re no athlete, but there are plenty of intramural teams that are perfect for you. Intramurals run almost all year long and there are various team options for each sport. From Flag Football to Ultimate Frisbee, it’s a great way to stay active and have a blast with your friends, and meet new people from other teams.
You can do this anywhere in Oregon, but who can say “no” to free things? Just roll up to a Dutch Bros (or all ten in Eugene, no one will know) on your birthday, and get a free drink! Alternatively, if the Ducks earn a certain score at some games, Dutch Bros will give all students a free drink or hand out a free drink card.
You’ve survived both fall and winter term and you’re ready for summer. The only thing in your way is spring term. Finally, the sun comes out for more than an hour at a time, the temperature goes up, and your motivation plummets. Grab a group of friends, and hit the Willamette river so you can pretend its summer for a few hours. Even if you don’t want to float down on rafts, there are plenty of spots along the river bank on both sides where you can bask in the sun and take a few refreshing dips in the water. Warning: the earlier in the term you go, the colder the water will be.
Whether or not you’re looking to buy anything, it’s worth checking out the Saturday Market in downtown Eugene every once in a while. There are a variety of talented artists selling their work plus a section dedicated to be a farmer’s market. Usually there’s also a local group performing on the stage over by the food carts.
Who doesn’t love a good concert? Before you pack up the car thinking you’re going to have to drive all the way to Portland, check out upcoming shows in Eugene. You’d be surprised who shows up at Matthew Knight Arena or the McDonald Theatre.
It may sound dumb, but take a free tour of campus or go explore it yourself. All over campus, there are unique works of art and architecture. If you look carefully in the atrium in Willamette Hall, you’ll notice that the design is based on molecules. Tucked away is a fountain that depending on where you stand, the fountain will sound different. Also, as the seasons change so does the flora and fauna around campus.
Eugene is in an ideal location to go somewhere interesting for the day. Two hours North on Interstate 5 is Portland which is great for shopping or experiencing some city vibes. Two hours West and you’re in the coastal mountain range complete with gorgeous coastlines and forests. Two hours East, you’re in the Cascades with breathtaking mountains and waterfalls. The same goes for the South along Highway 58.
The University of Oregon has an insane amount of student organizations and groups. Even if you don’t have the time to join an organization, it’s worth checking out fundraising event for a group that interests you, or supporting one of your friends who is involved. Sometimes that means just showing up and getting free t-shirts or watching a performance. Similarly, even if you’re not involved in Greek life, support your friends who are! Participating in philanthropy events can be a lot of fun and are a great way to give back to the community.
Welcome to the Pacific Northwest. It’s going to rain a lot and you can kiss your summery tan away. Really, the only way to get through it is to embrace it. Get yourself some good-looking rain pants, twelve pairs of waterproof shoes, and a warm waterproof jacket. You will definitely regret not having something waterproof after walking to class.
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