An Insider's Guide To UMN

It's not easy being the new kid, so here are a few heads ups, insider tips, and explanations to make your new journey as a Gopher the best it can be.

Ski-U-Huh?

For your clarification, it's pronounced SKY-YOU-MAH. Now you can yell it freely!

Here's why: In 1884, two Minnesota rugby players, John W. Adams and Win Sargent, created the word as a new rugby team cheer. The word caught on and was eventually incorporated into both official school songs, “Hail Minnesota” and more commonly in the “Minnesota Rouser.”

What's with all the shoes in this tree?

Via photo-video.umn.edu

At the southwest corner of the Washington Avenue Bridge, there's a tree with its branches full of shoes. Why? Typically, graduates throw their shoes in the tree to celebrate graduation; however, there is some disagreement as to how the tradition started.

If someone says "The Cube," they're not talking Rubik's

The Cube is the part of Coffman which is home to a Starbucks, Gopher Express convenience store, USPS, study space, and an entrance to the UMN Bookstore.

Sing it loud and #UMNProud

You're a Gopher now, and if there's one thing we all know, it's the Minnesota Rouser. Learn the words so you can join in like you've been singing it for years!

Minnesota, Hats off to thee!

To thy colors, true we shall ever be,

Firm and strong, united are we.

Rah! Rah! Rah! for Ski-U-Mah,

Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah for the U of M.

[Repeat]

M - I - N - N - E - S - O - T - A!

Minnesota!

Minnesota!

Yeaaaaaaah Gophers!

STSS Vs. Bruininks

Via photo-video.umn.edu

In 2015, Science Teaching and Student Services (STSS) was renamed Robert H. Bruininks Hall. Some Gophers who have been around for awhile remember it as its previous name, so if someone says "Let's meet at STSS!" they're referring to Bruininks.

Feeling lucky?

Via photo-video.umn.edu

If you need a boost of luck before an exam, Goldy might be able to help. Supposedly, if you rub the teeth of the Goldy statue outside Coffman, you will get an A on your next exam. But to be safe, you should probably still study.

Watch where you're walking

Look out for the Platonic Figure statue (aka Tin Man) by the Mechanical Engineering Building. Legend says it is bad luck to walk under the legs.

Spin your head!

Via thedailygopher.com

Our favorite mascot loves to please Gopher fans, and if you chant "spin your head" he will happily oblige with a 360° spin . Why? There's no definitive origin of the tradition, but Goldy has been doing it since the 80's.

Paint the Bridge

Via photo-video.umn.edu

Every fall, student groups paint a section of the Washington Ave. Bridge to promote their groups. If you're looking to get involved, this is a fun way to see some of your options.

Dinkytown

Via photo-video.umn.edu

Dinkytown, bordering East Bank, is a very popular spot for students to live and play. Concerts at Varsity Theatre, karaoke at Burrito Loco, late night Mesa Pizza or Insomnia Cookies—what more could you want?

As for the name, the origin of Dinkytown’s name is much-debated, but many believe it stems from the days when trolleys and rail cars, also known as Dinkys, were a common sight in the area.