The university and the city of Hammond offer a number of opportunities to create new memories. Acquaintances, friends and family may suggest some “must-do’s” that need to be completed while in college. The Lion’s Roar staff worked on creating a small bucket list of some of the activities that the newspaper staff believes that all university students should do before graduation. This list is not extensive and was made by people who work together but have a variety of personalities. The Lion’s Roar staff worked to create some ideas for everybody and hopes that our fellow students make memories that will last for a lifetime.
Attend a festival
The Lion's Roar/File Photo
Find work in field of study
This is not merely a suggestion, this is a must. You need to get a job or internship in your field. Otherwise, why are you going to school? The internship gives you the experience to work in your field of study before beginning your professional career.
Join a student organization
The Lion's Roar/File Photo
Visit North Oak Park
North Oak Park is surrounded by trees and during the fall can be extremely relaxing. There is a walking track for exercise, softball fields, a playground, water playground for kids and swings for the child in all of us.
Visit the Farmer’s Market
The Lion's Roar/File Photo
If you like sustainable, organic food and supporting local farmers, then this is the place for you. Hammond’s Farmer’s Market offers a number of vendors who sell fresh vegetables, fruits and other organic products. Also, you never know what artists may show up and you may find the perfect piece of art to put in your apartment, dorm or house. Free up a Saturday morning and find out what the Hammond Farmer’s Market has to offer. The Farmer’s Market is located at 18 West Thomas Street.
Learn to cook
A student in college is an adult in training. One of the most adult skills is cooking food from scratch. It teaches time management, attention to detail and patience. Show the non-millennials in your life what you are capable of by whipping up a home cooked dish.
Nap on the fourth floor
The Lion's Roar/Ian Fischer
Say a student has a full day of classes, but they have that hour and half break in between. Why go all the way home or to an apartment to take a nap? The fourth floor of the library is always quiet and there are plenty of little nooks on the fourth floor to take a nap peacefully. Bring some headphones and set an alarm that will wake you up in plenty of time to get to class. If you are not in the mood for a nap, the library host events such as readings, presentations, a tea party and has shelves of information.
Relax under Friendship Oak
Friendship Oak has been a part of our campus for years. It is a symbol of friendship, love, memories and growth. Every student should take time to sit under the branches and enjoy the cool shade of the tree. It is a great, quiet spot to study, have a picnic or just chill out with some friends. Recently, the university has worked on finding ways to preserve the life of this iconic campus tree by finding ways to preserve the roots of Friendship Oak. This can also be a perfect place to relax between stressful classes.
Attend a sports event
The Lion's Roar/File Photo
Show your school pride and support your Lions and Lady Lions on the field, the court and in the University Center. Even if you do not like sports and think that they are boring, going to sporting events are exciting for more than just the sports. Athletic promotions and other organizations work hard to get the fans as involved as they can and to enhance the experience with contests, raffles, free T-shirts and more. Go and enjoy the atmosphere of a sporting event with your friends. You can never predict when that walk-off homerun is going to happen or when the game is going to come down to a last second shot. Put on your university colors, go to a sporting event and Lion Up.
Go to Red, White & Brew
The Lion's Roar/Ian Fischer
A must once you are 21. The business owners are some of the nicest people you will meet and they know their wine. If you are looking for a specific taste, they can help you out. If beer is more your flavor, they have that as well. You will have the chance to try an exotic drink that you may not be able to find anywhere else and they have wine tasting. This establishment is located at 109 S Cypress St.