Whether you are a first-year student or a super senior, there are some experiences every Vandal needs to partake in. I am a University of Idaho alum myself and even though I only live about 30 minutes away these days, I still get some nostalgic hankering for college, especially around this time of year. So here are 10 experiences every Vandal needs to make happen before they graduate.
1. Get a late night snack at the Bagel Shop You get bonus points if it’s after last call at a bar. Located at 310 Main St., Moscow Bagel and Deli (more commonly known as just the Bagel Shop) has pretty much every kind of delicious bagel sandwich your collegiate heart could desire. They even have gluten-free bagels. Seriously, after a late night studying, partying or just hanging out nothing tops it off like a meal from the Bagel Shop.
2. Pull an all-nighter in the fish bowl at the library Unfortunately, due to construction, the fish bowl will be closed for a few months. But as soon as it reopens, get in there for a study sesh. It’s not completely clear what exact changes will happen with the fish bowl, but I sincerely hope they seal things up so it’s a bit warmer in the winter. Otherwise my word of advice would be to always bring a sweater.
3. Take a selfie with Joe Vandal And make it your Facebook profile picture, obviously. Sure, everyone does it but that’s why it’s on this list. Joe is our man — get in on that Vandal selfie love.
4. Tailgate at a home football game If you don’t tailgate at least once, you are totally doing college wrong. Food, drink, merriment and good-natured jabs at the opposing team even though we all know the Vandals are going to lose in the end are all part of the experience. Make sure you head to the Kibbie Dome parking lot a few hours before the game to get in on the fun.
5. Go swing dancing on the floor above CJ’s The UI Swing Dance Club is there every Wednesday night. If you’re a part of the club, you get in free and if you aren’t, you pay a small cover fee. The best part about swing dancing above CJ’s is everyone there is at different levels and everyone is cool with it. Some are beginners, some can do lifts like they’re on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Either way, you are bound to have a good time and learn something along the way.
6. Spend some time in between classes on the lawn of the Admin Building Stretch out on the lawn this spring — just when the weather is getting nice and things are warming up. Bonus points if you take a nap. Enjoy the gorgeous foliage and beauty of the UI campus.
7. Ride the Vandal trolley The Vandal trolley comes out on game days, during big events and on special weekends like Dad’s Weekend. Make sure you catch a ride on it at least once, it can save you a long walk and it’s pretty fun.
8. Attend Vandal games for each sport Go to at least men’s and women’s basketball games, a football game and soccer and volleyball games. Even if you aren’t a big sports fan (such as myself) you’ll have a blast with fellow Vandal fans cheering our teams on.
