Cardinal bucket list
It’s a new year, new students, new classes, new professors, new friends and maybe even a new you. College is a time to do your own thing. However, there are certain things every Ball State student should experience before they graduate.
Cheer on the Cardinals at the homecoming football game.
Cheering on your school’s athletic teams is part of the college experience at a Division 1 school. If you only go to one game during your entire time at Ball State, it should be homecoming.
The Cardinals may not always win, but there’s something about homecoming that cannot be explained, only experienced.
Participate in homecoming week activities.
Not everyone gets the chances to compete in Talent Search, AirJam or the Bed Races. However, watching the events can be just as fun as competing in them.
Play corn-hole while tailgating.
Corn-hole, or “bags” if you prefer, is an essential part of midwestern culture, especially at tailgates. Sometimes the tailgate is even better than the actual football game.
Catch a show at the Cave Theatre.
The Department of Theatre and Dance draws students from across the country to Ball State. These students put on shows throughout the year. You can see a Broadway musical or play for free or significantly less money with your student ID.
Dip your toes in Frog Baby fountain.
It can get rather warm in Muncie during the first month or two of the fall semester. The fountain surrounding Frog Baby is a great way to beat the heat.
The fountain at Woodworth is also a great place to sit with your feet in the water while eating lunch or dinner.
Keep Frog Baby warm during the winter.
Frog Baby isn’t just a statue at Ball State. The students take care of her as their own child. The moment temperatures drop below freezing, scarves, hats, earmuffs and other warm clothing will begin to insulate the beloved bearer of good luck. Frog Baby may even be better dressed for the weather than you some days.
Contribute your own piece of gum to the Gum Tree.
This may not be one of the most sanitary traditions at Ball State, but the Gum Tree is something you should at least see before you graduate. The different varieties of gum have made the tree quite colorful.
Catch a blockbuster at Friday Night Filmworks.
So you really wanted to see that big summer comedy but didn’t get a chance? Now you’re just waiting for it to come out on DVD, but you’re a broke college student who can’t waist money on movies.
University Program Board, UPB, shows a different movie every Friday at Pruis Hall…for free. They ask for student input and show movies that are not yet released to DVD.
Go to “The Best Party on Campus.”
It’s free with your student ID and one dollar for guests. Every Saturday night Late Nite provides free food and fun. At the end of the year, Ball State students can enjoy carnival rides and fireworks for free at Late Nite Carnival.
Try something new.
College is a time to try new things, meet new people and find what makes you happy. There is something for every person. Unlike high school, there are so many people of every variety at Ball State, so just be you.
