One distinct aspect of studying abroad in the United States is the vibrant, highly-fueled student culture. College traditions make up a huge part of the student experience in America. Traditions, both age-old and new, are a way for students to connect with their school’s history and culture, and to create lasting memories with their peers. While many college traditions are well-known and widely celebrated, there are some that are downright bizarre. However, from spirited sporting events to quirky rituals, these customs have been cherished for generations.

Here are some of our favourite traditions at universities in the USA.

The Running of the First-Year Students (Williams College)

Every year, first-year students at Williams College in Massachusetts run from their dorms to the president’s house at midnight on the first day of classes. The tradition is said to have started in the 1940s and is meant to symbolize the start of their college journey.

The Naked Run (Wesleyan University)

On the last day of classes each semester, students at Wesleyan University in Connecticut run around campus naked. The tradition is said to have started in the 1970s and is meant to be a fun way to relieve stress before finals.

The Primal Scream (Harvard University)

At midnight before the start of finals, students at Harvard University in Massachusetts gather in Harvard Yard and scream as loudly as they can. The tradition is meant to help students release their stress and anxiety before exams.

The Big Game Bonfire (Stanford University)

Before the annual football game between Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, students at Stanford build a massive bonfire on campus. The tradition dates back to 1899 and is meant to symbolize school spirit.

The Kissing Rock (Wellesley College)

Legend has it that if a student kisses the Kissing Rock at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, she will be engaged within a year. The tradition dates back to the early 1900s and is still observed by many students today.

The Painting of the Cannon (Carleton College)

Every year, students at Carleton College in Minnesota paint a campus cannon with messages and artwork. The tradition dates back to the 1940s and is meant to be a fun way for students to express themselves.

The Great Midwest Trivia Contest (Lawrence University)

For 50 hours straight each January, students at Lawrence University in Wisconsin participate in a trivia contest that covers everything from pop culture to history. The tradition dates back to 1966 and is meant to be a fun way for students to bond with one another.

The Duck Pond Run (Johns Hopkins University)

Every year, students at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland run around a campus pond while carrying rubber ducks. The tradition is meant to be a fun way for students to relieve stress before finals.

The Senior Walk (Centre College)

On graduation day, seniors at Centre College in Kentucky walk through Old Centre, a historic building on campus, while wearing their caps and gowns. The tradition dates back over a century and is meant to symbolize their transition from student life to adulthood.

Rub the Toe (Yale University)

Students and visitors rub the toe of a bronze statue of former Yale president James Dwight Woolsey for good luck, especially prospective high school students aiming to get into the university. This tradition is one of the most renowned university customs globally, witnessed at Yale University.

The Human Chess Game (University of Missouri)

Every year, students at the University of Missouri in Columbia reenact a medieval-style chess game using human pieces. The tradition dates back to 1927 and is meant to be a fun way for students to celebrate their school’s history.

The Giant Pumpkin Drop (Purdue University)

Every year, students at Purdue University in Indiana drop a giant pumpkin from a height of 100 feet. The tradition is meant to be a fun way for students to celebrate Halloween.

The Undie Run (University of California, Los Angeles)

On the last day of classes each semester, students at the University of California, Los Angeles run around campus in their underwear. The tradition is meant to be a fun way for students to relieve stress before finals.

The Watermelon Bash (Texas A&M University)

The Watermelon Bash is a unique tradition at Texas A&M University that takes place every year to celebrate the end of the school year. The event is organized by the Century Men’s Society, a student organization that has been around since 1905. During the event, students gather to smash watermelons with sledgehammers, which is meant to be a fun and cathartic way to relieve stress and celebrate the end of the academic year.

The Foam Sword Friday Battle (Reed College)

Every Friday, students at Reed College in Oregon engage in a massive foam sword battle on the campus lawn. The tradition is meant to be a fun way for students to relieve stress and bond with one another.

The Polar Bear Plunge (Bates College)

Every winter, students at Bates College in Maine jump into a freezing cold lake. The tradition is meant to be a fun way for students to celebrate the winter season.

The Toast Toss (University of Pennsylvania)

During football games, fans sing “Drink a Highball” and throw toast onto the sidelines. This tradition has roots in the Prohibition era when alcohol couldn’t be used, so students resorted to literally toasting the success of Penn’s teams with toast projectiles.

The Human Curling Competition (Middlebury College)

Every winter, students at Middlebury College in Vermont compete in a human curling competition on the campus ice rink. The tradition is meant to be a fun way for students to celebrate the winter season.

The Holi Festival of Colors (Stanford University)

Every spring, students at Stanford University in California celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. The tradition involves throwing colored powder and water on one another and is meant to be a fun way for students to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

The Annual Snowball Fight (Dartmouth College)

Every winter, students at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire engage in an epic snowball fight on the campus green. The tradition dates back over 100 years and is meant to be a fun way for students to celebrate the winter season.