With only 40 days and counting, graduation is quickly approaching for us seniors. For most, this departure from ‘Cuse is bittersweet, but end on a high note and make the most of your last few weeks. I’ve gathered 15 activities that every senior should do before they cross that stage on May 11.
P.S. Many of these activities are listed on the ’Cuse Challenge app, so download it to remember which tasks are on your must-do list and even get points for taking photos doing these challenges, which you can redeem for prizes!
- Go to MayFest/Block Party – Friday, April 26
- If you have made it this far in your Orange journey without going to Mayfest, wait no longer. This annual tradition is the best way to wrap up senior year before the finals scaries creep up on you. With your SUID, you can see a free concert, get free food and do fun activities in preparation for the Block Party concert later that day.
- Explore Downtown – Any day
- The University is just one part of ’Cuse. Downtown Syracuse has so much more to offer. Whether it’s pasta at Pastabilities, brunch at Funk N’ Waffles or tea and board games at Roji Tea Lounge, there’s something for everyone. As always, the Connective Corridor bus is free with your SUID and takes you right downtown.
- Participate in Orange After Dark – Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
- You are never too old to attend an Orange After Dark event. With upcoming programs like Trivia Night and Grocery Bingo, there is no excuse to stay in. OAD also offers free screenings of recently released movies all year long on Friday and Saturday at 11 p.m. in Gifford Auditorium, check out the full Late Night Movie schedule.
- Give Back to SU- Any day
- Whether it’s giving blood at an American Red Cross drive, donating non-perishable food to the Hendricks Chapel food pantry or contributing $20.19 as a Class Act donation, give back to the college that has shaped your last four years.
- Do the Dome Stomp – Any day
- It may seem a little cheesy, but the Dome Stomp is an almost essential experience to do as an Orange. All you have to do is jump really hard in between the columns on the outside of the Dome, and listen to the weird, indescribable sound that it makes after.
- Visit all the Syracuse campus statues – Any day
- There are so many amazing statues that you may not even realize exist on your daily commute to class. Take the time to observe all the statues on campus like Abraham Lincoln, Diana the Huntress or Ernie Davis because it’s a fascinating look into the University’s history.
- See the sunset at Higher Onondaga Park – Any night
- Make the trip up to Higher Onondaga Park for a picturesque, quiet view of Syracuse with the day’s sunset as the backdrop. It is only a 10-minute drive from campus, but it will be worth every Instagramable moment.
- Go to Skaneateles Lake – Any day
- Skaneateles is a small town 40 minutes from here that is known for its cute shops and tasty eateries, as well as its beautiful view of the nearby lake. This would be a great day trip to experience a change of pace and take a walk on the pier.
- Take a hike – Any day
- If the hills on main campus don’t bother you, consider taking a hike in one of the many hiking trails throughout Central New York, which is jam-packed with breathtaking views. As the worst of Syracuse winters is behind us, this is the perfect time to get a group of friends off-campus and explore the beauty surrounding this city.
- Explore Destiny USA – Any day
- We have all probably visited the mall for our miscellaneous shopping needs, but Destiny has so much more to offer. It’s a one-stop-shop for an assortment of adventures like bowling, a ropes course, race-car driving, a Regal Cinema, an escape room and more! Don’t forget to pick up $10 movie passes from the Schine Box Office to save money at the theaters.
- Trivia Night at the Inn Complete – Every Thursday, 9 p.m.
- No matter what level your trivia skills are, Thursday nights at the Inn Complete are always a good time. The barn-like structure on South Campus serves a varied menu of food and drink options that can be paid using your SUperfood money, as well as a pool table on the upper level to play on non-trivia nights. (Note that this venue is 21+ after 8 p.m.)
- Restaurant bucket list – Any day
- Syracuse is a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines. Step outside of your Chipotle and Varsity comfort zones and taste all of what local restaurants have to offer. Get some friends, create a list of restaurants in the area that you all want to try out and coordinate good dates to go. Pro tip: make sure to wear your stretchy pants.
- Syracuse Stage – Most days
- Support local actors and go see a play at Syracuse Stage. The current and upcoming shows are Pride and Prejudice and The Humans. To round out the experience, Syracuse Stage also offers prologues and dinners that accompany the show but note that those tickets are separate.
- Take a photo with Otto – Special days
- This should go without saying, but if you don’t have a photo with Otto the Orange, did you really go to Syracuse? You can always find Otto scooting around at campus events, but having a great Otto flick in your back pocket is priceless.
- Go to a University Lecture – Tuesday, April 16th
- The University Lecture series brings distinguished guests from various fields to Syracuse University to talk about their respective career. Just this year, this series has brought guests such as Trevor Noah and Margaret Atwood, with the next speaker being Martin S. Indyk. These are an amazing, free opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds in the world.
Good luck checking off your bucket list!
Written by Nadia Suleman ’19, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.