college traditions
University annual customs
College traditions are customs, rituals, and practices passed down through generations of students at a particular institution.
These range from the ceremonial—convocations, class rings, fight songs—to the playful or bizarre: midnight runs, fountain jumps, rubbing statues for luck before exams.
Traditions build institutional identity and connect current students to alumni: Every freshman learns the college traditions during orientation week.
Some traditions fade; others persist for centuries.
- pep ralliesEvents boosting team enthusiasm
- school spiritLoyalty to one's institution
- homecomingReturning to one's origin
- sororityWomen's collegiate social organization
- rivalry gamesMatches between historic competitors
fight songs · fraternity · Greek life · rush week · academic regalia · campus festivals · student societies · debate tournaments · graduation ceremonies · cap and gown · study abroad programs · senior week · class rings · campus culture · spirit weeks · talent shows · student life · candlelight vigils
- OxbridgeOxford, Oxbridge, Oxford University, Cambridge University, Exeter
college traditionsdegree requirements
Standards for earning diploma
mandatory classes · administrative policies · graduation requirements · classroom instruction · academic standards