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UChicago Traditions

Don't step on that seal!

The Chicago seal in the floor of the Reynold's Club

This is perhaps one of the most important things any new student should know, so we listed it first. While more of a superstition than a tradition, rumor has it that if you step on the University Seal, located on the floor of the main lobby in the Reynolds Club, you WILL NOT graduate in four years.

Know your Alma Mater

Be among the few, proud University of Chicago students who actually know the words to the Alma Mater. Practice and by Graduation you can belt it out with the rest of the Class of 2012.

View the words online.

The Story of Cobb Gate and the Gargoyles

The gargoyles on the gate that faces 57th Street are good ones to know because they are said to represent the progression of every University of Chicago student. This version of the story was taken directly from the Chicago Life booklet: “At the base are the largest figures, said to be the Admissions Counselor and College Examiner defying ready passage. Above them are the first-years, struggling to keep their footing on the slippery academic slope. The second-years, looking slightly more stable, scurry ahead. Snarling at the second-year students to keep them at a distance, the third-year students strain to reach the top. The fourth-years, of course, stand proudly at the educational pinnacle." The gargoyles can be found in many more locations around campus as well, turning up almost every time you turn your head while on campus grounds.

Shake Day

This is one tradition that really can't be beat. Where else can you get a fabulous shake in your choice of flavors with a 'nilla wafer and whipped cream, FOR JUST $1?! That's right, it's Wednesday Shake Day at the C-Shop/Einstein's in the Reynolds Club. Bring a buck, get a shake. It's a blast!

The Scavenger Hunt

You might want to start preparing now for this tradition. While only 21 years old, the Annual University of Chicago Scavenger Hunt has certainly become a student favorite and usually earns the College a mention on all of the local news stations each spring. Beginning at midnight on a Thursday and ending in about four days, students are challenged with tasks that require them to do everything from building an aquarium to obtaining a live elephant. Everyone from students to administrators and faculty get into the act, and all agree it's a lot of fun.

Former Big Ten Warriors

A big crowd for a Chicago football game in the early days

In the early days, the University of Chicago fought on the playing field against the mighty Big Ten powerhouses of today. In fact, the University of Chicago won the very first Big Ten title and was home to the first Heisman Trophy winner, Jay Berwanger (AB '36). Of course, the College is much smaller today, giving us different sports rivalries. Have any friends that are going to school at Notre Dame? The next time you see them, make sure they know that the University of Chicago is undefeated against Notre Dame! Although this information may make our neighbors in South Bend foam at the mouth, it has remained true for decades.

A Bit of History at the Regenstein

Ever think your library was radioactive? Well, here at the University of Chicago, that might actually be the case. On December 2nd, 1942, a team of scientists led by famed physicist Enrico Fermi lighted the first atomic fire on earth, on a gloomy squash court underneath the west stands of the University of Chicago's abandoned football stadium, Stagg Field. The Regenstein Library occupies that spot today, making many people wonder if their hours of studying are the only reason the library sometimes leaves them feeling light-headed...

The Winners' Circle

Directly across from Cobb Hall lies the C-Bench, a long (and somewhat uncomfortable) acoustically perfect bench that was constructed at the beginning of the twentieth century, given to the University by the Class of 1903. For quite some time, only Varsity Lettermen and their dates were allowed to occupy the bench. However, this all changed in the 1960's. Today, the bench provides a social gathering point for students, and is a favorite of those enjoying a break from their classes in buildings nearby.

A Gathering Place for the World

Many people find it hard to believe, but the World's Fair actually came to Chicago in 1893, attracting millions of people to the city and the Hyde Park area. When Chicago was chosen to host the Fair, civic leaders immediately chose to place it on the Hyde Park section of the Midway, which they considered the most interesting and beautiful location in the city. A tour of campus can teach you quite a bit about how the Fair impacted the University as well as the city and helped to define the early years here at the school.

Orientation

By the way, Orientation itself is a tradition! Each year since 1934, the University of Chicago has set time aside before classes begin to provide an introduction to the University for all new students. Faculty, staff and current students have worked together to help students new to the College register for their classes and get to know Chicago-both the city and the school.

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