The University of Oregon is an institution rooted in tradition, driven by progress, and riddled with culture. In a city ripe with life, the student experience in Eugene is certainly in a class of its own. It would be unfair to assume that one could experience everything Oregon has to offer, but here are five things a student must do during their tenure.
1.) Catch a Ballgame
If you are a student at the University of Oregon, chances are you will attend a football game at Autzen Stadium at least once. That’s the obvious choice, and an excellent one at that, but I’m talking about experiencing America’s Pastime. I’m talking about baseball.
In 1983 the athletic department was forced to reduce men’s baseball to a club sport due to budgetary issues. That all changed in 2009 when Duck Baseball came back in full force. Upon reinstatement to the NCAA, the University built the magnificent, 4,000-seat PK Park and hired one of the most successful college baseball coaches in history to head the program.
In just six years, Duck Baseball has returned to power in the NCAA, providing for one of the most fun sporting events in Eugene. The fan experience is second-to-none, complete with a beautiful ballpark, a beer garden for those 21 and over, and the best hot dog in town. Do yourself a favor and catch nine innings in the spring.
2.) Get a Chicken Pesto at Common Grounds
Located inside the Hamilton Hall dorm on the east-side of campus, Common Grounds is a dining spot infamous for its late night offerings, most notably the Chicken Pesto. It’s a simple sandwich really, complete with chicken, pesto, tomato, and mozzarella, but there’s just something about going and getting one after midnight that’s so quintessential Oregon (it’s open until 2 am).
If you’re a freshman, it’s all covered in your meal points, if you have them available. If you’re not a freshman, you better go ahead and make a freshman friend or two, but be nice to them because dorm points don’t grow on trees.
3.) Go and See On The Rocks Perform
On The Rocks is an All-Male A Cappella musical group at the University of Oregon that was founded in 1999. Since its inception, the group has earned a reputation as one of the most talented A Cappella groups in the country. With appearances on NBC’s “Sing Off” and over 5 million views on their cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” it’s safe to say attending an On The Rocks performance is a must.
They host a number of events each year, but those who spend enough time on campus are bound to see an impromptu performance they won’t forget.
To know more about the nightlife in the University of Oregon, click here.
4.) Study at the John E Jaqua Law Library
The main Knight Library at the University of Oregon is a large, beautiful library that offers a great place for students to study. When the time for midterms and finals rolls around, though, the building can get quickly become crowded. Those in the know often escape just down the street to the John E Jaqua Law Library.
Built for the University’s law program, the beautiful brick-adorned building is reminiscent of traditional East Coast establishment. The library stays open until midnight Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and provides a much calmer environment for studying.
5.) Spend a summer in Eugene
One of the most absolute must-do’s at the University of Oregon is to stay and spend a summer in Eugene. Students who do so will see a whole other side to Eugene they likely didn’t know existed. The rivers make for the perfect relief on hot summer days, as do the breweries. Those who do stick around are privy to the Eugene Emeralds minor league baseball games as well as the world renowned Country Fair.
Condensed summer classes are a great way to students to catch up or get ahead of their academic schedule. While the campus is less populated, the smaller size allows students to create new connections with those they might meet during a regular school year.
Dan Drullinger is a proud graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, with a B.S. in Advertising. During his academic years, he could either be found in the trenches of Allen Hall or at the corner seat at Izakaya Meiji sucking down some Japanese whisky.