Everything we Boilermakers have in common

I think we can all agree that there is no place we would rather be than Purdue University, but with around 40,000 students, it can be a little hard to find common ground with every person you meet. But with traditions around every corner, we know there are quite a few experiences we all share. Here are a few things every Boilermaker can relate to.

You have suffered through a long year in a very, very small dorm room

You moved in, said so long to your parents, neatly organized your belongings, and made friends with your roommate

And then all hell broke loose.

Some lucky Boilermakers were blessed more than others, as in air conditioning and single dorm rooms.

It’s true, there were certainly ups and downs to each dorm. For example, Wiley, while ideally close to most dining courts also is closest to Delta Chi. This dorm should really come with a disclaimer. Its not ideal for those who don’t enjoy outrageously loud country music.

But nothing, and I mean nothing, could have been worse than living in a Cary closet.

So sorry boys, #Praying4U

You’ve been harassed by some sort of student organization on your way to class.

If you have walked to class, well, ever  then you have definitely had this experience. Typically walking past the bell tower or the Class of 50 area, students are prone to the coercion that is student org fundraising.

Now, there are two ways to handle this dilemma:

A. Walk quickly past and avoid eye contact at all costs. No, I do not see you and your flier. And no, I’m definitely not pretending there is music playing in my headphones.

Or if you’re feeling bold;

B. Put your game face on, give in and fulfill your philanthropic duties. Pie a Beta in the face? Ab-so-freaking-lutely.

You would never dare walk under the bell tower before you graduate

I mean it. Never.

Well, that is unless you’re a fifth year. At that point you have nothing to lose.

Once I saw someone run under the bell tower because he was late to class.

Wasn’t worth it, buddy. Better luck next time.

But if you follow this tradition, when you finally graduate (within four years, mind you) it will be the best feeling ever.

Den pops are not a foreign concept to you

Den pops by day, fun pops by night. Either one you choose, you’re bound to have a good time. Maybe your fave is Indecision because it perfectly describes your college experience thus far or maybe you’re more of a one flavor kind of person. Hey, at 56 cents for 32 ounces, it doesn’t really matter.

What does matter, however, is if you have ever tried the infamous Sloop challenge.

While the Silver Loop is good for making you late to class and protecting you from Indiana’s indecisive weather, it is also great for good old fashioned drinking games. This is college, after all.

The goal is to make a fun pop, get on at the nearest bus stop, and finish the entire drink before the Sloop makes a full loop around.

Sledding down Slater Hill on any flat object imaginable is a winter must

Okay, I am all for this tradition, I truly am but please for the love of Mitch Daniels, do not use your car hood. That’s just dangerous and stupid. I mean — don’t go full IU on us, folks.

But all jokes aside, you’ve gotta try this at least once before you leave West Lafayette. If Indiana is good for anything, it’s snow, snow and more snow. You might as well take advantage of it.

SIDE NOTE: Please return dining trays after use if you choose to “borrow” one.

While you don’t particularly follow our largest fall sport, you are are familiar with other  football season activities

Yes, it is that time of the year when Purdue students seem to celebrate weekly for no reason at all.

The time of year that The Breakfast Club is no longer just your favorite 80’s movie starring the lovely Molly Ringwald. Purdue — The only place that you need a Halloween costume for every home football game.

And of course, you and ya boy Neil Armstrong have taken many a (probably drunk) selfie during this time.

In the end you are always hopeful for the entire season and know you’ll love Purdue regardless of the — probably terrible — outcome.

But hey, there’s always basketball season!

You’ve chanted ‘IU Sucks’ along with a crowd

This was more than likely at a sporting event that IU was not present at. Or maybe even in the middle of a dining court for no apparent reason at all — yes this has happened.

Why? Because Purdue doesn’t suck, that’s why.

Also, although Purdue is arguably the most diverse university in the state, we all have one thing that can always bring us together — a wholehearted and passionate loathing for Indiana University.

You know PAL 3.0 is a joke

ITAP really should have named PAL 3.0 something more practical like The Hot Mess Express or maybe even Struggle Bus City but certainly not PAL. I have never had a worse pal in my whole life. And 3.0?  We should all feel truly blessed that we weren’t around for PAL 1.0.

You would expect more from a school that helped cultivate the mind of the first man to ever walk the moon but that’s none of my business.

I would say more but, ya know, that would require a decent internet connection.

The Boilermaker Special is the mascot you love to hate

Some call it the official mascot, I call it my unofficial and unwanted alarm clock.

Boilermakers everywhere will forever tell the tale of the exotic Boilermaker Special. In it’s natural habitat, the mascot enjoys picking up tourists and singing the song of its people at the crack of dawn.

But ultimately, regardless of how unpleasant it may be at times, it is every student’s goal to take a ride before graduation.

Finally, you’ve met people that have changed your life and couldn’t imagine your world without this place

Because at the end of the day you will always be ever grateful and ever true to the best alma mater we could ever ask for. BOILER UP!