21 Things To Cross Off Your Emory Bucket List

Four years is going to fly by faster than you think, so start creating and crossing things off your Emory bucket list today! Here are 21 things we consider must-do's before graduation.

1. Visit the Oxford Campus

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Oxford College is a short 45 minute drive from Emory's main campus, and if you don't get to spend your first 2 years there, you MUST take a day trip and check it out. Visit the new Oxford Organic Farm and don't forget to take a picture of the photogenic Seney Hall!

2. Take a picture sitting on the Emory University sign

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Taking a picture while you sit atop the Emory University sign is a right of passage. Whether you snap the photo during your first campus visit, during freshman year with your family, spontaneously, or in your graduation robe – taking a picture here is a must.

3. Experience a snow day at Emory

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From snowball fights on the Quad to sledding at Lullwater Park, every student needs to experience Emory’s transformation to a winter wonderland before they graduate. And remember: this is the SOUTH. Snow day requirements are much lower here than in, say, the Northeast!

4. Learn from Emory’s Presidential Distinguished Professor, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama

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One unique privilege of attending Emory is having His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama as a Presidential Distinguished Professor. Every three years, the Dalai Lama returns to campus to share his infinite wisdom to the Emory community. His lectures are an event you don’t want to miss, and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

5. Have class on the Quad

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With such beautiful weather in Atlanta, it’s common to see classes held on the Quad. Consider proposing the idea to your professor when spring comes around! Possible convincing arguments, if needed: the sun helps your brain grow; the extra oxygen from the trees will help you concentrate more.

6. Watch a concert on McDonough Field

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During Homecoming Week and Dooley’s Week, the Student Programming Council brings different performers to campus. In the past, Emory’s had world-famous musical guests One Republic and Kendrick Lamar perform on the McDonough Field stage. We’re already looking forward to this year’s Dooley’s Week performance!

7. Be let out of class by Lord Dooley during Dooley’s Week

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In the spirit of Dooley’s Week, Lord Dooley visits classes and proves himself as the Lord of Misrule. His bodyguards will ask the professor a question about Emory’s history and if the professor gets it wrong, the students are let out of class!

8. Volunteer on Emory Cares Day

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Emory Cares Day is a world-wide day of service that includes students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Spending the day volunteering with the Emory community is a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

9. Listen to your favorite a cappella groups on First Friday

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On the first Friday of every month, Emory’s a cappella groups gather in the DUC terraces to give an amazing performance. This is a great opportunity to hear the latest mashups from No Strings Attached, Dooley Noted, and more!

10. Trick-or-treat at President Wagner’s house on Halloween

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Every Halloween, President Wagner and his wife open Lullwater’s doors to the Emory community. Students are encouraged to dress up in costumes and enjoy refreshments and entertainment at President Wagner’s home. Plus, walking through Lullwater at night makes the adventure both spooky and fun.

11. Catch a shirt during Homecoming Week or Dooley’s Week

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Homecoming and Dooley’s Week are two of the biggest Emory “holidays.” During both events, you have an opportunity to add yet another Emory t-shirt to your collection. Catching a Homecoming Week or Dooley’s Week shirt is a part of the Emory experience. Plus, who wouldn’t love free Emory swag?

12. Attend ICE Diwali

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Attending Diwali, hosted by the Indian Cultural Exchange (ICE), before you graduate is a must. Diwali is the festival of light, a celebration that brings performance groups, delicious food, and excited students together. However, getting a ticket to Diwali is a challenge, so get ready to queue for a ticket. This unique cultural experience is worth the wait.

13. Climb up Stone Mountain

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Before graduation, every Emory student needs to climb to the top of Stone Mountain. It’s the world’s largest granite monolith with relief carving of Confederate notables. Plus it is great exercise and provides spectacular views of the city – an Instagrammer’s dream.

14. Explore the exhibits at the Carlos Museum

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The Carlos Museum is one of the Southeast’s premiere ancient art museums, and it’s conveniently located right on campus! In fact, the entrance faces the Quad, which encourages everyone to walk in and visit its variety of art exhibits. Go around back to see the triangle-shaped entrance, too. Admission is free for Emory students, so there is no excuse for not visiting the museum at least once.

15. Buy something from the Farmers Market

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Every Tuesday, the Emory Farmers Market takes place on Cox Bridge from 11am-3pm. The Farmers Market offers a variety of food options, such as kettle corn, fresh vegetables, and Blue Donkey iced coffee from local vendors. There is something for everyone, and it’s a great way to support your community!

16. Picnic at Lullwater Park

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Atlanta’s nice weather and Lullwater’s open fields are ideal for picnicking. Grab some food, a blanket, a music speaker, and your friends and head over to Lullwater for a relaxing day in the park. Be sure to check out Candler Lake and the Old Mill.

17. Ask former President Jimmy Carter a question during the annual Carter Town Hall

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Every year, former President Jimmy Carter speaks to the Emory community at his town hall meeting. A unique aspect of his town hall is his willingness to answer student questions. A popular question that gets asked is whether he prefers crunchy or creamy peanut butter. Start brainstorming what you want to ask and maybe your question will be answered!

18. Enjoy a finals study break by feasting at the DUC’s moonlight breakfast

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The DUC’s moonlight breakfast invites hungry students who are up late studying for major exams. You can enjoy a delicious buffet of pancakes, waffles, doughnuts, eggs, and more. During midterms and finals week, it’s the perfect stress reliever you won’t want to miss!

19. Participate in the Homecoming parade

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The Emory spirit is infectious as campus and Greek organizations compete for the title of best homecoming float. Whether you’re walking in the parade or cheering on the sidelines, the homecoming parade is the perfect way to wrap up a week of homecoming festivities and celebrate being an Eagle!

20. Compete in Songfest or watch as an upperclassmen

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Songfest is an Emory tradition where freshmen residence halls compete and perform a song/dance routine that praises their hall. Competitors, orientation leaders, judges, and upperclassmen return to cheer on their freshman residence hall and come together for a night of fun and new memories. Plus, winners get bragging rights for the next four years!

21. Make it on the Emory Instagram

Who doesn’t want to be Instagram famous and have their picture reposted to our Instagram account? Also, who wouldn’t want to find themselves in one of our photos? Making it to the Emory Instagram is something all Emory students vie for. If you get to check it off your bucket list it’s something you can share with friends and family for years to come.