With graduation looming on the horizon, I have been spending a great deal of time reflecting on my last four years spent on the Hill. The product of many conversations with fellow seniors, this list encapsulates 10 experiences you simply must pursue during your four years at St. Olaf.
- Spend a summer on campus. Some love it, some hate it. Either way, you cannot say you’ve gotten the full St. Olaf experience if you haven’t spent a summer dodging children participating in overnight camps, having existential conversations with the Kierkegaard scholars, or visiting The Cow on a Friday night only to find it… completely empty.
- Go sledding on Old Main Hill. Sorry, you can’t call yourself an Ole unless you’ve done this at least once. I’ve heard the wet floor signs make a good replacement for the bygone caf-trays-as-sleds tradition.
- Eat dinner at Carleton. It’s come to my attention that there are Oles who have never done this. Don’t miss this one — it’s like going out to eat, but for free! I recommend visiting both dining halls at least once to get the full experience.
- Perform in Urness Recital Hall. For a school that prides itself on its music program, I am still astounded that we do not have a proper auditorium for the ensembles to perform in. This being said, Urness is a really fantastic space for smaller ensembles and soloists to perform. Since you chose to attend a music school, you might as well take advantage of what you can!
- Take a class in the English Department. Now, as an English major, I may be a bit biased, but I have taken many classes with biology or math majors who are just excited to take the time to enjoy literature amidst a STEM-centric schedule. The faculty are simply fantastic, and you’ll have the chance to rekindle your love for reading.
- Visit as many speaker events as possible. St. Olaf hosts some pretty neat speakers, nearly all of whom you can see for free. They’re usually pretty interesting, and there’s almost always catered snacks. These are the kind of events that you’ll probably have to pay $50 to attend when we’re out in the real world, so take advantage!
- Get an Ole Roll from the Ole Store. While you don’t need to be an Ole to experience this one, it’s especially convenient while living on the Hill. Best enjoyed on a snowy Sunday morning with a steaming mug of coffee.
- Ride the Northfield Lines Express bus. Yes, your trip to Target will take two hours out of your day. It’s a valuable experience, however, for those privileged enough to have a car to appreciate their good fortune while recognizing that this is a pretty wonderful resource available to us.
- Spend the night on the Quad. Cozy up in your hammock for a night of restless sleep! Don’t forget the blanket — it gets pretty chilly out there.
Go ice skating on the outdoor rink. I’m adding this to the list because it is something I regret not having done during my four years at St. Olaf. So, when the Ytterboe rink is set up and ready to go, play a game of ice hockey with your friends on my behalf!
